8 Hobbies to Try for Better Mental Health

Many may see hobbies as leisure activities for people who have spare time, but people with full busy lives may also find hobbies beneficial—especially for their mental health. While it can be a good source of entertainment, hobbies can also help you learn a new skill. So, you may want to explore pursuing hobbies and enjoy the benefits that come with it.

Benefits of Having Hobbies

Research by the American Psychosomatic Society^[1] shows that people who engage in hobbies improve their mental health. They are less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression. Aside from that, hobbies can:

• Provide a much-needed break – If you feel overwhelmed with work, you can use your hobbies as a break from the daily grind. They can also improve your productivity by recharging your mind. Moreover, doing something you enjoy helps you feel more relaxed.
• Create excitement – Taking up a new hobby can add excitement to your life. The idea of doing a new activity may inspire you to do well and challenge your skills.
• Give a rewarding feeling – Completing a new task provides you with new milestones. As soon as you finish a project, it gives you a sense of gratification that may help reduce stress and improve your well-being.
• Add positivity – Engaging in activities that interest you brings pleasure and renews optimism. It can uplift your mood.
• Curb burnout – Burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion than can take the joy out of your career. In order to avoid getting burnout, you can create a healthy work-life balance with hobbies. Having hobbies can provide you with an outlet to do activities without stressing about the results or having deadlines. It gives a feeling of freedom and distraction from daily stress often caused by a demanding job.

Hobbies to Try

Hobbies can be both enjoyable and relaxing. Also, they can help keep you busy in your spare time and spark a new passion you didn’t know you had. If you want to add a hobby or two and explore new fun activities to do, you may want to explore these activities.

Cooking

Everybody likes food and cooking is one activity you can do to enjoy different dishes. Experimenting with new cuisines is also something you can look forward to. While it is a good way to keep your body nourished, cooking also allows you to share meals with others. If you are not an excellent cook, you can improve your skill by joining cooking classes, in person or online.

 

Music

Singing, listening to music, or playing an instrument can be pleasurable and relaxing. Another activity related to music is getting voice lessons. It is a great way to express your emotions, especially when the song conveys how you are feeling. On the other hand, playing in a band allows you to socialize and meet new people while enjoying your love for music.

Art

Cultivating your artistic side is another hobby you can pursue through drawing, painting, or other forms of visual art. They provide another avenue to freely express your emotions. Hands-on activities like sketching and painting offer a form of release in case you have any pent-up anxiety. Also, engaging in creative activities can boost your spirits even if you are new to it. If you are not sure how you can show your creativity but want to try visual art, consider taking a course in abstract art for freeform creations.

 

Gardening

It’s no secret that nature has many benefits for your mental health. It can lift your spirits, help you keep calm, and maintain an optimistic outlook. In addition, being surrounded by plants and exposed to sunlight provides your body with additional oxygen and vitamin D. You can enjoy these health benefits whether you tend a small or large garden. The activity will also help clear your mind and get your body to move. If you don’t have a patch of land suitable for gardening, you can volunteer at a community garden or grow indoor houseplants.

Dancing

Pursuing a hobby that allows you to move your body will not just be good for your mental health, but also for your physical well-being. Dancing is a great exercise for the body and mind as it improves heart rate, relieves anxiety, and fights depression. Joining a dance class is also a fun way to connect with other people. You can take up tango at a local dance school or move along to some hip-hop beats to have an instant dance party in your living room. Whatever it may be, dancing will surely bring a smile to your face.

Photography

Photography can give you a new perspective on life. It can also serve as a meditation practice when you choose a spot to sit down and observe your surroundings. While doing so, you can snap moments you find interesting or beautiful. Also, you can join a photo walk where you can socialize with fellow photography enthusiasts and learn new skills from them. If you don’t have a professional camera, you can still pursue your passion for photography. Take photos using the camera in your smartphone and use them as part of your daily journal.

Writing

Writing your thoughts and feelings is a hobby you can do alone that will greatly benefit your mental health. You don’t have to fill up an entire page and write long passages or even journal every day. You can express how you are feeling by jotting down words or phrases. This practice helps keep your mental health in check. Many treatment centers across the United States use journaling as part of the treatment program for patients with chronic mental illness like substance use disorder. Whether it is in a nearby treatment facility or an out-of-state Dallas drug rehab center, writing activities are a helpful tool to support patients’ recovery.

Mind-Body Exercises

Sometimes, easing your mind from worries requires slowing things down. To get the benefits of meditation and movement, you can take up mind-body exercises like yoga and Tai Chi. These activities can do wonders for your overall health by lowering stress levels and reducing muscle tension, even if you just practice for 10 minutes a day.

Whether you want to rediscover your passion or want to add a new pastime, these are just some of the hobbies you can try. Feel free to explore others until you find one you most enjoy. That enjoyment will go a long way toward improving your mental health and providing your body with the rest and rejuvenation it needs. You may even develop a new skill while you are at it.

 

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