Hobbies
One of the things I talk about is saving without sacrifice. Does this mean that you will always be in a position to buy anything and everything you want??
No. Depending on your journey you may not be able to purchase the newest “in season” MK bag.
What I mean when I say “saving without sacrifice" is that yes, depending on your journey you may be someone who can seasonally upgrade their accessories, but if that is not where you are at in your journey, you do not have to sacrifice good times or hobbies in the name of paying off debt.
I think a lot of people look at debt-free journeys and they get stuck in this mindset of having to give up everything to meet their financial goals. And while, yes, you may have to give up certain things you can still maintain a fun and active lifestyle.
Here are some of my favorite free or frugal activities and hobbies
Reading
This will come as a shock to no one, but libraries are the best way to get free books. BUT, something that sometimes people do not realize is that libraries often have so many other resources. Some libraries will host different types of activities. I have seen Paint nights before and it was at no cost, you just had to register! Libraries also often have free or discounted tickets to local attractions such as zoos and aquariums. Not all libraries have these available but it never hurts to ask!
Walking/Hiking
It goes without saying that this is free, but also healthy for your body as well as your mind. I know when I go on hikes it gives me a chance to clear my mind and recenter myself. Nursing can become mentally taxing if you do not give yourself an outlet. Walking and hiking is the perfect way to exercise while also having some meditative benefits.
Learning a new language
With all of the tools available nowadays, if you are willing to put forth the effort you can learn a new language for free. Not only will this fill up some free time but it’s good for your brain and can also help you better serve your patients.
Baking/Cooking
You have to eat, right? Why not make it fun and exciting? This is something you can take on solo, but if you have a family, you can also get them involved. Not only is this a fun and frugal hobby but you can also save money on gift-giving by putting in some extra time and making treats for others!
Camping
I do know a few glampers ( you know, the people that “fancy camp”), but really you do not need a whole to camp. A tent and a couple of other essentials and you can look for free/ inexpensive places to go camping.
Crafting
There is so much that falls under this umbrella. Knitting and crocheting are usually the most commonly thought of. These can be started with supplies from the dollar store. Another great way to try out various crafts is to turn to Facebook and your local “No Buy/ No Sell” group. There is no guarantee someone will have what you want, but it’s worth asking!
There is so much you can do. The important thing to remember is that while you may be on a finance journey per se, you do not need to sacrifice everything that brings you joy. Will all these things be free? No. Even if some are monetarily less money, they may cost you in time or other ways. However, in my opinion, it’s worth it if it helps keep you grounded.