What classes or activities are you doing to get yourself out of the house? I've been trying to figure out what to do that will keep me interested and out of a rut. Plus, out from being in front of the t.v. all day without costing me a fortune.

I have a friend who joined a hiking club, and she's going through classes on learning how to be a certified foster parent. So I was wondering what everybody else was doing for ideas?

I don't have a lot of time for outside interests, with working full time and raising our boys with DH.....but I do serve on the board of directors for an early education organization in town....I used to have a few other volunteer things that I did with the local high schools but I just don't have that kind of time anymore.....I also do genealogy work for my dad's side of the family and sometimes do a little reading or bike riding

Things I've enjoyed: spanish class, public speaking (toastmasters) club, singing in the community, spending time in coffee shops reading (nice ones), going to the local park, bike riding somewhere scenic.

What kinds of activities do you enjoy? Something solo or with a group of people? Somewhere loud or quiet? Indoors or outdoors? Formally organized or something casual? Educational or leisurely? There are so many things you can do!

Also, what skills/combinations of skills do you most enjoy using?
- physical (activities involving your body ex. hiking, sports)
- hands-on activities (ex. art, knitting, playing an instrument)
- emotional/social (activities involving interaction with others)
- cognitive (learning, reading, writing, problem-solving)
- spiritual (I don't know if this is a skill, but it seemed like a valuable inclusion)
etc.

I hope thinking of it this way might also help.

You should try Meetup to find people who live around you with similar interests. I am in a nice crafting group where we meet up and can work on our unfinished craft projects.

Meetup is an awesome idea, Souza.

Personally, I like gardening, crafting, baking, cooking, triathlons (take up a sport) etc.

Your local high school may offer community activities, as well. I know we have an adult "learn to knit" club that meets weekly, as well as an adult book club, a walking group, and also a lot of different learning opportunities.

volunteer work - there's always a need. Some folks in my town volunteer to walk dogs at the local animal shelter - EVERYONE gets some exercise, and the dogs need the attention.

local food banks, hospitals, religious organizations, animal rescue groups, there are many, many possibilities. even volunteering to sit on a committee in your town [the environmental commission, or the parks and rec committee, or whatever]. Recording books for the blind.

oh my - the list could go on and on and on!

I read, I'm currently in school (not a cheap recommendation, lol), go to the dog park, yard sale (whaaaa, the season's almost over).

Now that I think about it, summer is really the only time I have for other interests. During the fall/winter I'm in school and that takes up any free time outside of work.