paper based reading and writing, for the myriad of well known benefits

nature photography

growing and caring for bonsai

Reading good books.

Not unexpected benefit, but just knowing more things.

The books that you read, the more things you will know.

The universe is expanding, read and let your mind follow suit.

Kayaking - growing confidence, self-knowledge, fitness, social connections. And dolphins.

2 for me: scuba diving and welding (not at the same time). scuba diving is such a surreal experience and incomparable to anything I've ever done. It's unfortunate that there are no decent diving sites close to where I live. Welding is an incredibly rewarding hobby that makes you forget about everything else because it requires a lot of focus. Being able to join 2 pieces of steel according to your own imagination almost feels magical.

I enjoy reading, both in digital and physical mediums.

I visit different libraries in my city 2-3 times a week just to stroll through and open random books. I hope this always remains an option, because there is just something beautiful about opening a book, feeling the pages and even the smell when it is a particularly old book! LOL

In pre-AI days, I'd spend hours each week reading Wikipedia. There are so many topics about so many things in our wonderful world to learn about. Some are really tragic, some hopeful, some are about animals or plants in places I may never be able to visit, and so on.

Currently, I'm enjoying using AI to take me on "journeys" not only around the world, but through time and "dimensions" as well. For fictional works, I can engross myself into their world with a AI and "feel" like I'm there.

Reading is a neat distraction. Before I go to sleep I learn about something cool and interesting and when I have follow up questions, I am able to satisfy my curiosity.

playing music, I have a different appreciation and approach to listening and finding new music. I also found myself supporting new artists and going to concerts more often :)