The era of the side gig is officially upon us. People are doing more “side hustles” than ever before. In fact, 34% of Americans have some way of making money on the side, away from their traditional job and main source of income.
Finding extra ways to make money can reduce your stress levels, give you more comfort, and help you to pay off debts or pay for the things you’ve always wanted. But, what if you could turn your hobbies into income opportunities?
Better yet, what if those hobbies allowed you to stay active and fit and focus on your health while making you money?
It’s not a sales pitch, and it’s not too good to be true. There are plenty of side income opportunities that can help you get more active and have fun all at once. Let’s look at a few of them and how you can get started.
Outdoor Opportunities for Mental and Physical Health
Studies have shown that spending time outside can improve your mental health. It can help to:
- Boost your mood
- Reduce stress
- Improve your confidence
- Allow you to take time out of your busy schedule
Outdoor activities like gardening can benefit both your physical and mental health. If you have a green thumb, gardening can reduce stress and give you a serotonin boost. If you want to expand your garden, you can even make money from your efforts. Set up a small produce stand in front of your home to sell your fruits, vegetables, and herbs. If you have a larger garden, consider joining a local farmers’ market to sell your goods. Even floral arrangements can make quite a bit of money!
Other outdoor activities that can improve your physical and mental health include nature photography, leading hiking groups, or giving lessons for things like kayaking or rock climbing if you’re experienced in those sports. All of these things can keep you active and allow you to do something you love while making some extra money.
Make sure you take care of yourself when you’re doing anything outdoors. That includes wearing protective gear, sunscreen, and even UV-blocking contact lenses or sunglasses. By keeping yourself safe, you can spend more time outdoors doing what you love and making extra cash.
In some cases, the income you make will be passive. For example, if you decide to take pictures of some of your favorite landscapes, you can sell prints online once you’ve edited them. That allows you to make money over and over again while only doing the work once.
Get a Little Adventurous
Physical activity and being outside tend to go hand-in-hand. If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie or you love new adventures, you can easily combine being outside and staying active with making money.
One unique hobby you can turn into a side job is metal detecting. It’s something you can do on your own, of course. Head to your local beach or any other interesting spot nearby and bring a quality metal detector. You might be surprised at what you can find. In some cases, you might be able to dig up something valuable. If you don’t want to hang onto your “treasure,” you can always sell it!
If staying physically fit is a passion of yours, consider teaching an outdoor exercise class or a yoga class. You could become a certified personal trainer to help people meet their fitness goals or rehabilitate from injuries and surgeries. Most trainers will obtain multiple certifications, and some even get their degrees in exercise science. No matter your qualifications, people can pay you ahead of time to sign up for your services, and you can get in a good workout while making money each day.
Do you really love heading out on adventures? If so, you can make your side hustle an even bigger deal by giving it more time and attention. For example, if you live near the water, consider chartering out your boat for the day for people who want to enjoy themselves, or those who might want to fish. There are plenty of opportunities to make money doing the things you already enjoy, especially when you’re willing to get creative with your outdoor hobbies.
Be Cautious With Monetizing Your Hobbies
The important thing to remember about hobbies is that they should be things you do for fun. They are meant to help you relax and de-stress. They are known to boost your mood and can have a positive income on your overall health.
While making more money with a side gig can also reduce your stress levels, it shouldn’t be done at the “expense” of turning your hobby into a chore.
Simply put, you don’t have to monetize something you enjoy. It’s important to be passionate about the things you love. For many people, that can mean turning your hobby into something that allows you to make a living. But, if that hobby ends up being more stressful than relaxing because of the financial side of it, it defeats the purpose.
Side income opportunities, especially ones that keep you active, are wonderful. But, consider how much time and energy you want to invest in transforming your hobby into something that will bring in money. The opportunities are endless, you simply have to make the right decision for your overall health and wellbeing.
