Do you have a bucket list prepared? I sure don’t. Just thinking about the day I can retire and not have to get up early and commute is good enough for me. But, sometimes it’s nice to sit back and think about the things we would really like to before we leave this Earth, so below are a few healthy ideas to get you started…
6 Healthy Bucket List Ideas
1. Learn A Healthy Recipe From A Different Country
A lot of bucket lists contain ideas for food, usually involving unhealthy food in large amounts. Things like huge steaks and international cheesecakes often find their way on the list and I know I would definitely add one of those massive jars of Nutella to mine. However, your bucket list can still contain delicious foods that are of the healthy variety.
Make a list of each country in the world and find a healthy recipe to match. You could try a Greek salad one week and black bean lettuce wraps from Mexico another. There are so many new foods you can try, so provided you have some skill in the kitchen, this is one idea that is super doable and could turn you on to healthy foods you may end up loving for years to come.
2. Take A Healthy Vacation
Many bucket lists contain places people want to see before they die. Monaco, Paris or a tropical island in the Caribbean are often popular destinations. While visiting exotic locations is a great bucket list item, also consider locales that are guaranteed to up your mental or physical fitness level.
Ok, I know, fitness or general health isn’t necessarily on everyone’s mind when they take a vacation, but exercising your body or your mind are great stress relievers! There are a variety of dedicated fitness resorts around the world, from Hawaii to Cambodia – beautiful places you can relax in as well as find time to work on your mind and body.
You might also consider biking or hiking holidays. Popular sites like Machu Picchu in Peru (which is on my bucket list) is really going to stretch your legs and your world perspective. So find a place with fresh air and some scenic beauty and restore balance to your body and mind while you’re away.
3. Live In Another Country
This isn’t for everybody (I definitely couldn’t do it!) but it’s definitely bucket list material and achievable if you have flexibility and a little bit of wanderlust. You don’t have to move abroad forever, but a year or two may be just enough time for you to explore another part of the world.
Consider renting or buying a cottage in the Lake District to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of the area, or buying property in Malaysia for its cheaper health services. Paris is another great place to live in for its laid back lifestyle. New Zealand, which has been named as one of the world’s healthiest places to live, is another great choice. With so many options, you could even do a whistle-stop tour of them all, provided you have the money and the time.
RELATED READING: Satisfying My Wanderlust With Fernweh Scented Candles
4. Run A Marathon
Bucket lists are often about pushing yourself into a new challenge; something you may only do once but have the satisfaction to say “I did that” and is another great feat that’s on my healthy bucket list. I believe in adding something to your list that will push you to your limits mentally, as well as enhance your physical fitness. Running a marathon, entering a fitness competition, or even just losing a certain amount of stubborn weight are all great challenges that can be immensely satisfying when they are achieved.
Not only that, but they can be a great motivating factor to get you out of bed in the morning (something I’ve been finding harder and harder to do lately!). Just make sure you properly train yourself for any marathon you decide to enter – I entered a half marathon with my friend without realizing it was a 21 kilometre long walk and nearly had to cut my feet off after.
5. Try A New Sport
I loved sports when I was in school, but I have to admit, I only really watch them on tv now. However, there are so many exciting sports to try, so I should probably have an open mind to them (maybe when my kids are older?). From water sports you haven’t tried, to any number of sports based at your local rec centre, make a list of those active past-times you’ve always wanted to try but never found the time to do. You never know, you may just find your next favourite hobby!
RELATED READING: 5 Ways To Stay Motivated On A New Exercise Program
6. Make New Friends
Another popular bucket list idea and something easily achievable if you take up #3 and #5 on this list. This would definitely be a challenging addition to my list, being that I’m naturally shy and introverted. Meeting new people is actually a great source of anxiety for me at times. However exciting or daunting this item may be, meeting up with new people can help you find new, fulfilling friendships, which can do wonders for your mental health (not to mention your social life!).
Meeting new people while on your mental or physical fitness journey also means you have like-minded people to support you in reaching your personal goals. Think of all the healthy goals you’d love to achieve but never dreamed possible and start taking steps to make them a reality.
You’ll be glad you did!
What ideas are on your healthy bucket list?
