The New Year is a great time to reflect on your accomplishments of the previous year, as well as where to make improvements moving forward. For many American workers, one area that could definitely use improvement is taking more time off.
According to a survey published by employment site Glassdoor:
1. Only 25 percent of workers with paid time off used all of their vacation days
2. 15 percent didn’t take any of their vacation time
3. More than 50 percent who took vacation worked in part on their time off
One way to break this habit of never taking a break is to resolve to spend more time doing something you love. Why not kill two birds with one stone and find an outdoor hobby so you’ll receive the added benefits of improved health, increased Vitamin D and reduced stress.
Here are some tips when looking to find a new hobby:
Think back to your childhood. Are there any sports or games that bring back fond memories? It doesn’t have to be a proper sport. There are even kickball leagues for players of all ages.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s better to try something once and move on before you commit to it. Interested in paddle-boarding? Take a lesson or two to dip your toes into the water before purchasing any equipment that may come along with it. Several master-planned communities like Stapleton and Nocatee and offer residents a wide range of classes and interest groups to help residents find a fun way to “try on” different hobbies.
Decide to go social or solo. Some activities are inherently social, while others ensure hours of solitude. If social is the way to go, there are Meetup groups for just about every hobby or interest you can think of — from hiking to hanging out with your Boxer. Best of all, most Meetup groups are free or inexpensive to join.
Consider your fitness level. Unless you’re already in good physical shape, be sure you aren’t overly ambitious when it comes to the physical demands of your hobby. Surfing and rock climbing require great upper body strength, and hiking is at the other end of the spectrum. There are plenty of activities for any fitness level, so don’t let that discourage you from finding your fit.
Weigh the costs. Face it, some hobbies are just more expensive than others. If financing your new found hobby is a sticking point, find something that doesn’t come with a higher price tag. Does your activity require fees every time you participate, or just the initial cost of buying the equipment? A paddleboard can range from $600 to $2,000, but once you have it, all you really need is safety gear and gas to get to your destination. Golf, on the other hand, requires fees to play each round.
Factor in local climate. It’s important to consider where you live when choosing an outdoor hobby, as you’ll probably want to enjoy it more than a few months out of the year. If you live in a colder climate, swimming may not be the best fit for you. Same goes for snow skiing when you live in Florida.
No matter which outdoor activity you choose, the only real requirement is to have fun!
To learn more about new homes available in Northeast Florida, visit nocatee.com or call 1-800-NOCATEE.