In today’s fast-paced world, finding hobbies that help us relax, stay healthy, and don’t break the bank can be a challenge. Social media and advertisers also promote a fast, money-hefty and materialistic lifestyle.
But you don’t need to travel all the time, go skydiving or eat out in fancy restaurants to experience a fulfilled and happy life.
Today, I name you just three hobbies that are not only good for your well-being but also won’t drain your wallet. I call all three of them my hobby and I would say I had a lot of different hobbies in my twenties. If you strive for a simpler and slower life, then they will be perfect to begin with.

- Hiking:
Hiking is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature, get some fresh air, and improve your physical fitness, all without spending much money.
All you need is a pair of sturdy shoes and access to some nearby trails or parks. Whether you live in the mountains, near the coast, or in a flat urban area, you’re likely to find a suitable hiking spot. It’s a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors while getting a good workout.
I recommend using a hiking app like komoot to find some trails. You can find information about the route, toilet spots or smaller hidden paths. You can plan a route and find the location of beautiful views.
But nowadays google maps will also suffice because they added travel spots to their maps and you can find cool places there, too!
- Yoga and Meditation:
Yoga and meditation are excellent hobbies for improving both physical and mental well-being. You can practice them almost anywhere, from your living room to a local park. There are plenty of free online resources, including YouTube tutorials and apps, that can guide you through yoga poses and meditation techniques.
These activities promote flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness. Plus, they require minimal equipment – a yoga mat or a comfortable spot to sit is all you need to get started.
Yoga is not only a sport or workout session but it’s a mindset of calm and peace. You will learn to slow down your breath and mind which reflect on all other parts of your life.
- Cooking at Home:
Cooking can be a therapeutic and healthy hobby that won’t break the bank. Preparing meals at home allows you to have control over what goes into your dishes, making it easier to opt for nutritious ingredients.
You can experiment with new recipes, discover different cuisines, and tailor your meals to your dietary preferences. You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets; just basic pots, pans, and utensils will do. Plus, cooking at home can be a social activity, as you can invite friends or family over to share your culinary creations.
I had to start cooking in my teenage years and it just always felt like a duty to me. It had to be done. But when I lived alone as a student and finally had the chance to really just cook for myself, what I wanted and when I wanted, I found it quiet amusing and exciting.
It was also necessary as convenience foods, fast food and the canteen food were more expensive than cooking yourself.
What really made the difference for me was when I met my husband. We had fulltime jobs as well as part-time studies and had not much time as partners. Cooking has slowly established itself as a daily shared routine where we talked about our days and thoughts while preparing our food.
We also love to experiment in the kitchen and try new recipes and collect our recipes in a binder with photos from our food.
Conclusion
Incorporating these hobbies into your life can have a significant impact on your well-being without straining your budget. They provide opportunities to stay active, relax your mind, and eat healthily, all while enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
I bet there are tons of other hobbies, like drawing/painting (but you know….talent?? haha), ride a bike, chatting with friends or making regular movie nights, but I think with these display-free, nature and body-linked hobbies one can really learn to be patient and slow down a bit.
Are you looking for a new hobby right now?
Then consider hiking, yoga and meditation, or cooking at home. Your mind, body, and bank account will thank you!
Stay safe and healthy
Bavai