In our fast-paced and demanding schedules, it is almost impossible to escape the occasional feeling of stress. Between juggling your work and personal obligations, you may find it difficult to spare some time to unwind and relax. Over time, you are bound to feel worn out and even overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life. Therefore, it is important to incorporate healthy and fun recreational activities that allow you to reset your body and mind.
One way to bring a positive change into your hectic life is through stress-busting hobbies. Focussing on a hobby that is both enjoyable and meaningful can boost your mental health and help you stay calm. Hobbies not only give you much-needed downtime but also help take your mind off negative emotions.
According to research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, people who spent time on a creative activity every day had overall increased feelings of positive psychological wellbeing compared to those who did not. Hobbies not only enable you to do something you enjoy outside of work, but they can also serve as powerful tools for self-improvement.
Make sure the hobbies you pick up are meaningful and something that brings you joy. To make things easier, here are some fun and enriching hobbies to add spark to your life and help keep those daily stressors at bay.
Dance your way through stress
Most people take up dancing as a hobby, but over time, they come to realise that it makes them happier. Dancing is not only a fun activity but is also a great form of exercise. Like any other cardio activity, dancing has mood-enhancing benefits and is a great stress reliever. It causes your body to release endorphins (also called happy hormones) that act as natural painkillers while improving your quality of sleep, which in turn, can help you feel calm. And nothing makes you feel less stressed when you know you are indulging in a hobby that’s great for your physical and mental health.
Put on your chef’s hat
Cooking is an interesting hobby for many reasons. Learning the basics of cooking is not only a great way to eat healthy but also more economical than ordering in. Added to that, there is a sense of joy and accomplishment in cooking for your family and loved ones by trying new recipes and even creating something unique. But what might not be obvious is that cooking is a meditative activity that can be a great stress-buster. Cooking engages our senses and provides an outlet for our creativity, which in turn, stimulates different parts of the brain to reduce stress and improve our mood. So, the next time you feel like you need a break, head straight to the kitchen.
Curl up with your favourite book
Another stress-busting hobby you can pick up is reading. A study found that 30 minutes of reading can lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress just as effectively as yoga and humour do. Reading is a wonderful way to escape into a literary world, free from the stressors of everyday life. It engages the mind and imagination, and by focussing on a single task, allows the mind to relax and reduce stress. Start with the one book you’ve been dying to read and build up your reading habit with time. So, the next you feel overwhelmed, pick up a book instead of switching on the television.
Engaging in dancing as a hobby can help reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a positive outlet for physical and mental health.
Cooking engages the senses and stimulates creativity. By focusing on the process of cooking and experimenting with new recipes, individuals can reduce stress levels and find joy.
Reading is a stress-busting hobby that allows individuals to escape into a literary world, free from everyday stressors. It engages the mind, imagination, and focus, providing a sense of relaxation and reducing stress.
Maintaining a journal is an effective stress-relieving hobby that allows individuals to express themselves and gain clarity. Writing down thoughts and emotions acts as a “brain dump” and helps process negative feelings.
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