As schedules start to wind down, you may be tempted to pick up a couple of activities, or hobbies, in this newfound downtime. Hobbies are more than something to pass the time. They offer a variety of benefits, like more happiness, less stress, fewer symptoms of depression, and overall, an improved well-being.  

Basically, hobbies are scientifically proven to improve your mental health. You don’t need to be a master at a hobby. You can be a complete beginner — and remain at beginner level as time goes on. Hobbies bring you joy and offer relaxing times away from stressful situations.  

No matter your skill level, here are some hobbies that you can start in the summer.  

Calligraphy

Writing calligraphy and tracing the intricacies of the structured strokes can be incredibly relaxing and help release tension. It allows you to slow down and focus on the task at hand — something you may need as schedules start to wind down.   

Reading

Remember summer reading challenges and assignments? Those don’t have to end once you leave the classroom. Challenge yourself to read an author’s entire backlist, a long series with 5+ books, or books in one genre like murder mystery or cozy fantasy. Visit your local library — librarians can help you find books based on your interests in movies, television, and more. As a certain PBS cartoon character once said, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.”  

Photography

Do you have a camera? If you have a smartphone, you have a quality camera. Whether with a digital camera or smartphone, you can start this hobby anywhere. Take a walk outside and start snapping photos of anything that catches your eye: the oddly shaped cloud in the sky, an insect resting on a leaf, or a dog smiling up at you. Anything that interests you. Plan a photo shoot with your friends and make it a theme.  

Painting

Maybe you find yourself doodling on anything and everything or you don’t feel creative at all. Either way, if you have a desire to start painting, it’s easy! Grab a watercolor kit from your local craft store. Most kits include a pattern, or “paint-by-number” guide, that makes it easy to follow. When you’re finished, you get some artwork for your personal living space!  

Gardening

Good news — you don’t need an entire plot of land to begin this hobby. For complete beginners, all you really need is a potted plant from the grocery store. But if you’re looking for a bit more skill level, you can go to your local greenhouse nursery and buy a plant, a pot, get some soil, and begin your gardening journey. You can also start with flowers, fruits, or vegetables.  

Kayaking

Do you love being near a body of water? Summer may be your favorite season. You can paddle out onto a small pond or lake. It also can be incredible exercise.  

Fishing

Put away your phone and grab that fishing rod. Fishing can be incredibly relaxing. Cast the rod out and just… wait. Wait for a fish to bite. As you wait, you can look out over whatever body of water you choose to fish in. That image alone can be serene enough to convince you that fishing can be a good hobby.  

Walking

Out of all the above hobbies on this list, this one costs the least. Like, almost nothing. Perhaps if you have to buy a new pair of sneakers or workout outfit. Then maybe it costs something. But it doesn’t have to. Walking outside is completely free. Additionally, it may not seem like a hobby, but exercise can absolutely be a hobby. Walking can be for leisure or turned into a full-on exercise, depending on your speed and incline. Challenge yourself to hit a number of steps each day or walk to the end of the block. No matter what, taking a walk drastically improves your mental and emotional well-being. Even just for 20 minutes!  

You don’t have to be productive with your hobbies. Hobbies aren’t meant to be “checked off” your to-do list. Hobbies should be relaxing and relieve stress. Hobbies should be fun. Summer is the perfect time to slow down, step outside your routine, wind down, and do something just for yourself and your joy.