It’s important to have a work/life balance. As a locum tenens physician, you're probably traveling a lot. Perhaps you're looking for something to do while you're on the go. Having hobbies allows you to rejuvenate, exercise your brain, explore your surroundings, and wind down after your workday. Luckily, there are plenty of hobbies out there that are extremely portable.
1. Reading
Reading is a wonderful way to escape into a world of your choosing, whether you prefer wizardry and magic swords or seemingly unsolvable mysteries. Fortunately, you don't have to lug around an entire suitcase filled with paperbacks these days thanks to technology! Instead, you can simply read an e-book of your choosing on your preferred technological device.
2. Writing
Quite a few travelers start a blog to document their journeys to enticing locations. You can simply write about your experiences on the road, or tap into your creative side and create stories based on your adventures.
3. Learning a New Language
Learning a new tongue is a challenge—there's no doubt about it! But this hobby is also extremely useful if you find yourself traveling frequently. Being able to converse in the official language of whatever country you're visiting will likely help you connect with the locals on a deeper level. If you're lucky, they might even point you in the direction of their favorite eateries that no one out of town is familiar with!
4. Journaling
Traveling can be extremely stressful at times: Culture shock is real, as is jet lag, and everything can feel overwhelming on occasion. On the other hand, it's also exciting to visit new places and discover different ways of doing things. Keeping a diary gives you a chance to document your experiences without having to filter yourself. Indeed, it can be a wonderful outlet.
5. Sketching
Wherever you are, there is beauty to be found, and sketching is an excellent way to connect with your environment on an intimate level.
6. Playing the Harmonica
This is a beautiful form of musical expression, especially if you're alone, or you're with people who enjoy the sound of this particular instrument. As long as you're mindful of your environment, you shouldn't have any issues, and you can show off your tunes to anyone who's interested! Lots of folks find harmonica players extremely charming, after all.
7. Attempting To Solve a Rubik’s Cube
Believe it or not, there is actually a specific formula for solving a Rubik's cube, but, as with everything in life, it's much harder to actually do it than it is to simply read about it. Whether you decide to figure out the solution on your own or follow in the footsteps of other masterminds who have cracked the code, this hobby can keep you absorbed for hours on end!
8. Embroidery
Embroidery is an incredible art form, and it's actually quite portable, especially if you've planned out your design beforehand and have all the right colors of thread neatly organized in a bag of your choosing.
9. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are fantastic: They're particularly enthralling for word enthusiasts, and filling them out is a great way to keep your mind sharp and your soul entertained as you're traveling around helping others!
10. Photography
You can often capture a memory in a more intimate way by taking a photograph than by writing it down. This is an excellent way to document your adventures as you visit exotic locations and meet eccentric people. You can even create a scrapbook when you return home.
Invest in Hobbies While You Travel
All of these activities are fun and easy to adopt—The investment is fairly minimal, yet they can provide you with hours of entertainment! You don't have to be working hard all day every day if you're a locum tenens physician. You can still have some fun as you're traveling.
If you have any other hobbies you enjoy that are portable, feel free to share them with us below!
