Whether you enjoy creative activities, physical exercise, or social interactions, hobbies provide a much-needed break from daily stressors and contribute to overall mental health. In this blog, we will explore 14 hobbies to support your mental health, how they benefit your mind, and how to find the perfect hobby for you.
How hobbies improve mental health
Hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. Hobbies are essential tools for mental wellness. Engaging in enjoyable activities can help reduce stress, combat symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall well-being. Here’s how hobbies can contribute to better mental health:
- Stress reduction: Hobbies offer a healthy escape from daily stressors, providing relaxation and mindfulness.
- Improved mood: Activities that bring joy release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemical.
- Enhanced focus and mindfulness: Many hobbies require mindful concentration, which can promote mindfulness and keeping your mind engaged.
- Social connection: Shared hobbies can help foster relationships and friendships to combat loneliness and isolation.
- Sense of accomplishment: Completing a project or improving skills in a hobby can boost self-esteem and self-confidence.
How to find a new hobby
Finding the perfect hobby for you may take some trial and error, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips to help you explore new interests.
- Think about what you enjoy: Reflect on activities that have made you happy in the past. For example, what did you enjoy as a child?
- Try something new: Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different types of hobbies.
- Consider your personality and interests: If you’re introverted, you may prefer solo hobbies like reading or journaling, while extroverts may enjoy social hobbies like team sports or clubs.
- Set a budget: Some hobbies require initial investment, while others are completely free.
14 hobbies that benefit mental health
1. Yoga
Yoga combines movement, breath work, and meditation, making it a powerful stress-relief tool. It helps improve flexibility, focus, and mental clarity while helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How to get started: Start with a beginner-friendly yoga video on YouTube or join a local class. Invest in a yoga mat and set aside at least 10-15 minutes daily for practice. Apps like Down Dog or Yoga with Adriene offer guided routines to help ease you into the practice.
2. Meditation
Practicing meditation, even for just a few minutes a day, can lower stress levels and improve mental resilience. Guided meditations, grounding exercises, and mindfulness practices help create inner peace and emotional balance.
How to get started: Use a meditation app like Insight Timer for guided meditation sessions. Start with a 5-minute guided meditation session focusing on deep breathing and gradually increase the duration over time. Designate a quiet space free from distractions to make meditation a daily habit.
3. Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and reduce stress. Gratitude journaling, bullet journaling, or expressive writing are great ways to build self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
How to get started: Begin by setting a timer for 5-10 minutes and write freely about your thoughts. Try focusing on journal prompts like, “What are three things I’m grateful for today?” or “What emotions am I feeling right now?” Use a notebook or a journaling app like Day One.
4. Outdoor activities (hiking, biking, walking)
Spending time in nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels and increase feelings of happiness. Activities like hiking, biking, or simply walking in the park with your dog can improve mood and mental clarity.
How to get started: Research local trails or parks, for example using the app AllTrails, and plan a weekend outing. Even a brief 10-minute walk outside can significantly improve your mood.
5. Cooking or baking
Cooking and baking can be deeply satisfying and therapeutic. The act of creating a meal from scratch fosters mindfulness and provides a sense of accomplishment. Nourishing your body with healthy meals supports overall well-being.
How to get started: Start with finding simple recipes that don’t require lots of prep time or advanced skills. Follow cooking channels on YouTube or enroll in an online cooking class.
6. Painting or drawing
Creative expression through painting, sketching, or other forms of visual art can be incredibly calming. Art therapy has been used to help individuals process emotions and enhance mental clarity.
How to get started: Invest in a few basic art supplies like a sketchbook, watercolors, or colored pencils. Follow online tutorials or find a beginner’s art class at a local art studio.
7. Playing video games
Video games can offer mental health benefits. Many games encourage problem-solving, creative-thinking, strategy, and social interaction, which can reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function.
How to get started: Choose cozy games that promote relaxation and mindful engagement, such as puzzle games, simulation games, or cooperative multiplayer experiences.
8. Exercise and fitness
Physical activity releases endorphins, which boost mood and energy levels. Whether it’s running, strength training, dancing, or pilates, exercise has many mental health benefits.
How to get started: Set small, achievable fitness goals and find an activity that you enjoy. Use fitness apps like Nike Training Club or join a local gym or fitness studio.
9. Reading
Books can provide an escape from reality, expand knowledge, and stimulate imagination. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, self-help, romance, or fantasy, reading is a great way to relax and reduce stress.
How to get started: Set a daily reading goal, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Use apps like Fable or GoodReads for tracking your progress. Join a book club or start a book club to engage with others who share your interests.
10. Pottery making
Working with clay can be a meditative and grounding experience. Sculpting or pottery-making allows for creativity and provides a hands-on way to relieve stress and improve focus.
How to get started: Try using air-dry clay and basic pottery tools for an easy introduction to at-home pottery making. Watch tutorials on YouTube or TikTok on basic sculpting techniques and experiment with different designs, sizes, and shapes.
11. Playing or listening to music
Music has a profound effect on emotions. Playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or simply listening to music can help lower stress and improve mood. Music therapy has been proven to aid in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
How to get started: Learn a new instrument using online courses or apps like Simply Piano. Create playlists that match different moods for relaxation or motivation.
12. Gardening
Gardening provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Digging in the soil, tending to plants, and being outside in the fresh air and sunlight can help you feel more calm and focused.
How to get started: Start with easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or herbs. Research gardening tips and plan a small indoor or outdoor garden.
13. Volunteering
Helping others can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and boost self-esteem. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter, food bank, or community organization, volunteering fosters social connection and purpose.
How to get started: Look for volunteer opportunities at local charities, animal shelters, or online platforms like VolunteerMatch.
14. Joining a club
Being part of a club or social group helps combat loneliness and builds a sense of community. Whether it’s a book club, a recreational sports league, or a crafting group, connecting with others through shared interests improves mental well-being.
How to get started: Search for local meetups or online communities related to your interests on apps like MeetUp.
Takeaway
Incorporating hobbies into your routine can have a transformative impact on your mental health. Whether you prefer a solo activity like journaling or a social one like joining a book club, finding something that brings you joy is key. Explore different hobbies, and most importantly, have fun in the process.
If you’re dealing with signs of anxiety or depression, working with a licensed therapist can help you get back on track to meeting your goals. Choose your therapist at findmytherapist.com and schedule your first appointment directly online.