Why Finding a Hobby Will Change Your Life
Life is hard.
There are so many things that can irritate, frustrate, and overwhelm us.
Sometimes we need a distraction from our crazy lives, a break from the chaos. Other times we need an activity that helps us unwind and relax so that we can get in a better headspace before going back to the grindstone.
We’ve already talked about how important it is to practice self-care here. Now it’s time to see what self-care looks like.
That’s where hobbies come in.
Exercise
One of the best hobbies you can get into to help you relax is physical exercise. While it might not seem relaxing in the moment, exercise can help you sleep at night, improves blood flow, releases endorphins, and gives you energy.
I’m sure you’re already familiar with the “typical” forms of exercise, such as running, lifting weights, and finding a workout routine to do at the gym. If one of these options works well for you, great! However, if the idea of going to the gym every day stresses you out, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options when it comes to exercise.
One of my favorite things to do is Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. I like how this option is free, I can do it at home, and I can do it on my own schedule. (Sadly, Adriene does not pay me to tell you how awesome she is.) There are shorter sessions like the one below, as well as longer ones.
My sister was doing Pilates at home for a while. This worked well for her because it gave her the same flexibility. My husband likes to hike in the mountains he can. Most of the time our dogs and I join him. It’s a great workout.
Options for exercise are only limited by your imagination.
At times I have joined adult sports teams. I have a friend who swims every day. My aunt and cousins were doing Zumba for a while. A couple of kids I know just learned how to surf. My brother plays frisbee golf with his roommate. Friends from church were getting into rock climbing. A couple that I’m friends with learned to swing dance together.
All of these options are great, and often make you forget that you’re exercising.
The point is to find something active that you enjoy and find relaxing.
Get Outside
Going outside and soaking up the sunlight is another great way to boost your mood.
Some of the exercise options that I just listed can be done outside. Running, swimming, hiking, playing frisbee golf, and rock climbing can get your blood pumping and get you extra vitamin D.
Other great outdoor hobbies include gardening, camping, dirt bike riding, snowboarding, bird watching, fishing, and kayaking. All of these options can help you relax and take a break from your responsibilities.
Sometimes, bringing indoor activities outside can help too.
Consider drinking your morning cup of coffee on the back deck instead of in the kitchen. Bring your laptop next to the pool when you’re working. Eat dinner at your table outside. Read a book while sitting on your rocking chair on your front porch.
While these activities aren’t technically hobbies, they’re great habits to help you boost your mood by adding more outside time to your day.
Hobbies for the Homebodies
The activities listed so far are either active or take you outside. Perhaps you prefer to stay home, and these suggestions intimidate you. Have no fear! There are plenty of relaxing hobbies you can do from the comfort of your home.
One of my friends has 4 kids, a puppy, and numerous home projects. My husband and I went over for dinner and he served a homemade cheesecake for dessert. I asked him how he had the time to make cheesecake with so many other things going on in his life. He said that he enjoys baking so much that he makes the time for it.
Some people really enjoy baking, others are more into cooking.
Personally, I enjoy playing guitar or piano when I need to relax. Ukulele can be a little less intimidating if you’re just getting started musically.
Crochet or knitting are great options for many people. Painting on your own or following along to a painting tutorial on YouTube can be therapeutic too. I have also found several DIY projects on Pinterest that have been great for my mental health.
The great thing about finding a hobby today is that there are so many free online resources. There are plenty of painting tutorials, piano lessons, and knitting instructions on YouTube. Pinterest is also a great resource that I use consistently.
Try something out and see what you like.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
I learned to play guitar when I was 12 years old. I wasn’t very good at the time, but it helped me relax and unwind.
When I was having a difficult time, I would take a break and play guitar. I only needed to play for 5-10 minutes before I noticed my mood improving. It was a good way to reset mentally.
While playing guitar might not be for you, the options are limitless.
Find something that you can do to relax, unwind, and reset mentally. The important thing is that you are doing something that you love that lowers your stress levels and puts you in a better mood.