Ask HN: Tech workers; what remarkably non-tech things do you enjoy doing?

Woodworking.

It's creative, using my hands, and my mind. It's 1000 miles away from sitting at a desk typing. I wish I had more time to do it, but alas, the sitting down typing thing, pays more. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I edit, design, layout, and make books for an independent press

Cycling: it's a way to see the world up-close without barriers, is low-cost, healthy, highly customizable, self-service and can involve satisfying puzzle-solving when rare mechanical issues do occur.

Watching films: there are a great number of classics out there, a vast range of independent and unknown films to discover (often with curious cultural and individual quirks), and plenty of easy-going entertainment as well. It's a good way to get into a completely different world with low effort, and while there's more film out there than any one person could watch and appreciate, it's also possible to develop a core knowledge of well-regarded, well-made films to discuss with others at length - while exchanging unique personal favourites and details.

If it's for unwinding, as OP wanted, I'd recommend specifically indoor climbing.

There are three kinds basically: speed, lead, boulder. The best one is that which has the least commute for you. If multiple are accessible, start off with lead, then you can easily switch. Lead climbing is about two quite old-fashioned concepts: bravery and trust far more than about thinking (or anything else).

Also, that prevalent myth: arm strength is not a pre-requisite. Heck, I personally know climbers who cannot do even one strict pull-up and still lead decent routes.

I do caving and scuba diving. Both are fun outdoor activities that have nothing to do with computers or IT.

From talks with other people in IT, it seems outdoorsy, physical and low-tech activities are quite popular to get away from our daily work.