5 Hobbies That Can Lower Your Stress Levels
Life can get hectic—between work, your responsibilities, and having to clean your house once in a while. That’s why it’s so helpful to have a hobby to lower your stress levels and forget about your problems every once in a while.
It’s not just a nice thing to do— a hobby can actually be a powerful tool for managing your stress. However, not all hobbies are created equally. Some hobbies will be more effective than others when it comes to lowering your stress levels and decompressing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then here are some hobbies you’ll want to consider.
Playing Music
Playing music—whether it’s playing the piano or the guitar—can be a powerful way to express your emotions. Music has the power to release feelings that words don’t always capture in the same way. Whether you play for an audience or just for yourself, playing an instrument can be transformative and extremely helpful in turning intense feelings into calmer ones.
Drawing or Painting
Before you start worrying that you have to be the next Picasso, just know that creating art doesn’t mean you have to be good at it. In fact, who’s to say what makes art “good” or not? Art is totally subjective, and the idea behind creating it is self-expression.
It’s also a great way to distract your mind. Adult coloring books are especially popular among people who suffer from stress, as it’s a way to focus your mind on a task for an extended period, which can be extremely powerful for managing anxiety.
Journaling
Sometimes the best way to express feelings is by letting it out in a literal way. Writing down your thoughts can be a major stress release, and you may just find that things are bothering you that you didn’t even realize were there.
Journaling can help you make sense of what’s going on with what you’re feeling better by putting it out in words. It’s like a conversation with yourself that can help you understand. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar comma but rather just getting the feelings out on paper.
Exercise
That doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon—just get active. Many people find they can clear their heads by engaging in light exercise, like swimming. The next time you’re feeling stressed or angry, try going for a 20-minute walk. Movement releases endorphins, which are natural stress-fighters in your body and can instantly lift your mood.
While you’re exercising, consider leaving your stressors behind. That means putting your phone away so you can focus solely on the movement and clearing your mind.
Cooking
For some people, eating is a way to relieve stress—however, this can often lead to overeating. Instead of reaching for a snack every time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try creating food instead.
That way, you can make something delicious and not only enjoy it yourself but also share it with others. Try a new dish each time, and you might just find that cooking is one of the best therapies you’ve ever had—plus, it’s a great way to expand your culinary skills.
