Ask HN: Looking for new hobbies to relax, grow or make friends, any ideas?
I'm a man in my late 30s, looking for some new hobbies to try that will help me relax, grow, and make friends. I'm open to anything, but I'm particularly interested in hobbies that are:
- Relaxing. I don't do this enough. Maybe something outside?
- Social. I want to make new friends.
- Challenging. I want to learn new things and challenge myself. (eg learning a new skill)
I'm particularly interested in hobbies that can help me relax, as I'm not very good at it and don't do it enough. I'm also looking for hobbies that can help me grow my skills or knowledge, or that can help me meet new people.
I'm open to any suggestions, so please feel free to share your favourites!
35 comments
[ 4.8 ms ] story [ 87.7 ms ] threadSomeone else mentioned woodworking- that’s not my cup of coffee, but maker spaces are a great way to meet people and build something.
The last thing I can think of is your local library or community college- they may have courses for adults in a low pressure environment.
Godspeed :)
It can be challenging no matter what level you are at since you’ll find people with all sorts of skills, so you’ll learn and exercise
They are also friendly to all levels and can be social if you attend regularly and hangout with folks before/after games
Golf is relaxing until you start losing balls and get frustrated so stay at driving range and small 9-hole courses until you feel ready to move up to full course.
Get out of house and go where people gather is the mantra to be social and make friends. Consider attending local events and meetups either related to your profession or personal interests.
Oftentimes universities have BJJ clubs that you may be able to join, even if you're not a student. These will be well suited to easing yourself in.
However, though social, adult friendships are work. Wanting them to be easy makes them much much less likely. Good luck.
Chess seems like the ideal intersection of your requirements.
- It is relaxing and something outside to do. - You can meet others locally who are into it as well and also meet people as you make radio contacts. - You'll need an amateur radio licence which can be a new skill to challenge you.
Running used to relax me a lot, especially on those slow but long run, I get into a groove and just turn my brain off for 60-90 minutes.
Furniture/Pottery/Glass making classes hit all 3 if you find something around you.
Perhaps consider joining a local running club, preferably through a brewery. They are social and relaxed.
Joining a local sports club or taking up yoga classes can also help you stay active while making new friends. Exploring creative pursuits like painting or writing can be incredibly rewarding for personal growth. Happy hobby hunting!
https://meetup.com has a ton of groups in my area.
I guarantee, you will not have comparable opportunity in nearest 10 years.
To be strict, looks like China planning to occupy Taiwan in nearest 12-18months, but I think, their war will be very different.
As a side note, I liked visiting destroyed areas in the middle east for some reason. There's a sense of peace, like visiting a cemetery, where you realize for a moment that all in this world doesn't matter that much. It was interesting to just go to a barber's shop there, do something mundane amidst the chaos. They don't get much tourists in a war zone, so you get a rare sense of xenia (guest-friendship) where a stranger basically treats you like family. YMMV.
I just want to say, this is real and big war, even something bigger, and as war, it is very different style of life.
And we have here very special moment of history, which, I believe, will not repeat in observable time.
To be strict, Ukraine now looks like Poland ~100 years ago, when they decide to totally change their political vector from Russia satellite to independent European country, and had to prove their decision made sincerely and they are brave enough to change their life.
We are not middle east, we are very old European nation (Cossacks country here happen in 1700s), but we like when people compare us with Israel, who built ultra modern civilization-garden in desert.
War is just consequence of so big decision and huge changes.
We have different people here, some very ordinary, some opportunists, some founders of new part of world.
And I believe, we now on lowest stage of economics, because of war, and this will change next year.
War could last approx to October, then planned elections in US. I think, Biden will end war, because to win elections any American president must look peacemaker.
Even possible draw position, like in Korea (yes, occupied territories could become separate near forever).
And as last word in this text, I prefer peaceful life style, so I worked many years, to got Europe here in evolutionary way. Unfortunately I was not fast enough to make protection from powers, who trying to solve their questions with their usual way of war.
Especially any sport you can find in almost any large city. So as you travel you can find others too.
Great networking opportunities and great to keep in shape as you age.
I am 39 and looking forward to more mobile 40's. I hope to be in better shape in my 40's than I was in my 20's. This new sports and gym time is helping me lose lots of weight and get away from the screen for a while.
One weird thing: Board Games. Or even Puzzles can be great relaxing non screen times. But may not be that popular depending on friends and available board game shops.
It’s such an easy way to keep in shape, meet people, problem solve and relax.
I mostly do indoor climbing, but outdoors is fantastic as well.
Also, I specifically mention bouldering because it is a lot more social than rock climbing with ropes.
- Painting is a meditative and creative practice. - Playing and talking about the game is very social. - The game itself is complex and there is a lot to learn.
I've also learned a tone about art and painting. I'm starting to think about doing Bob Ross style art as well.
It ticks all your boxes and it's probably a nice hobby to have as AI art comes along.