If you are among the ones who don't yet have a hobby and are contemplating about cultivating one, you need to read on.
Nobody can escape the occasional feeling of stress, but we can definitely find out ways to reduce that annoying nagging feeling of anxiety. In addition to eating well, sleeping and practicing other self-care there are also a number of hobbies that can reduce stress and these hobbies extend beyond the stereotypical activities such as yoga and meditation (although yoga and meditation definitely works).
Overall it is important to choose a hobby that appeals to your sensibilities and substantially relaxes you. Given these twin objectives you can probably choose one among these.
Journaling: According to psychiatrists multiple studies have shown that keeping a journal can help reduce stress and the symptoms of anxiety and depression. "Writing down your thoughts helps you to clarify your thoughts and emotions and reflect on your feelings in a healthy manner. The advantages of writing are that there are no rules," says Raina Bhattacharya, a psychological and wellness counselor. She adds, "Journaling just provides a creative way to privately express your thoughts and emotions."
Gardening: Gardening lowers the stress hormone cortisol and improves positive mood more than other leisure activities such as reading. "Gardening is grounding and brings you closer to the earth. It allows you to heal yourself by tending to other living things," says Reshmi Guha, an acupuncturist. Gardening is also one of the most productive hobbies as it provides you with food, herbs and beautiful flowers.
Music: Listening to and composing music can both be very therapeutic. Putting on your favourite album can do more than just provide you with some pleasant background music. Music has a calming effect and can be used as stress-relieving therapy. "According to medical experts, listening to music for at least 30 minutes a day can lower blood pressure, slow down your heart rate and decrease stress and anxiety," says Bhattacharya.
Reading: Reading can help ease tension by helping you divert your mind to something else and yet stay attentive. Just like music, reading can also be very transporting.
Knitting: It is time to ditch the stereotype that knitting is just for grandmothers. "The repetitive movement of knitting helps to bring people into the moment, much like meditation. This enhances the release of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps you feel calm and positive," says Guha.
Baking and cooking: Baking and cooking are hugely therapeutic and engaging. After all there is so much scope for experimentation and perfection. These two hobbies are also great mediums for building relationships and social connections as ultimately one bakes and cooks for significant others.
Colouring: Adult colouring books have been all the rage recently and for good reason. Many studies show that art therapy is successful at reducing distress and it can also help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. "Using a colouring book elicits a relaxing mindset similar to meditation as it allows the brain to switch off your thoughts and focus only on what you are doing in the moment," says Bhattacharya.
In addition to these hobbies you can try hiking, dancing or even a regular form of physical exercise.
Taking a walk in nature helps to reduce rumination, which is basically the pattern of obsessing over negative thoughts. Research has also established that walking outside can improve your mood and decrease anxiety.
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