Take Some Time for Yourself
It isn’t easy to carve out time in today’s world, but we all deserve a chance to nurture our hobbies. If you’re in the market for some good stress-relieving activities, we have 20 to get started on immediately.
1. Reading a Good Book
It’s time to reclaim your attention span! There’s really nothing better than a good book—some are so good, in fact, that you run the risk of staying up past your bedtime to finish. You have millions, literally millions, of options to choose from and can control the difficulty level. Interested in a spicy read? Go for it! Want something fantasy-based? Be our guest! You’ll get lost in those pages.
2. Adult Coloring
Adult coloring is all the rave right now, but there’s a good reason for it. Stress melts away on those pages, even the easier ones. There’s nothing but you, an adorable book, and something playing in the background. The only struggle now is trying to find a good set of Ohuhu markers.
A_Different_Perspective on Pixabay
3. Baking Some Goodies
Baking might not be for everyone—after all, a lot of it is measuring, patience, and trial-and-error up front. However, it’s still a great hobby for those who want something to do with their hands. You’ll boost your mental health and confidence in the kitchen too! Let’s be honest, it also has the best end result.
4. Hiking the Trails
Hiking is so much more than getting a good burn. It’s about spending time in the great outdoors, which is not only amazing for our mental health but also for our stress levels. There’s often so much to see that you can’t help but pay attention, and with that many wonders, stress won’t have the space to creep in.
5. Journal Writing
People don’t give journals enough credit. It’s an inexpensive hobby that provides all sorts of mental benefits: we gain perspective, air grievances, and document daily occurrences without judgment. All you need is pen and paper and you’re good to go.
Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
6. Gardening
Contrary to popular belief, gardening is actually a year-round hobby! While you might not be able to get outside in the winter months, you can still tend to your low-maintenance indoor friends. Before all that summertime sun, you can also arrange flowers indoors to help reduce stress.
7. Learning to Draw
Learning a new skill isn’t always easy, but it’s more than worth it—especially when you don’t have an audience. It’s okay if you’re not the best at it right away, part of the fun is to keep at it until you see improvement. You’ll not only keep stress down but you’ll also boost your confidence.
8. Making Origami
Is anything cooler than origami? You can easily learn how to twist that sheet of paper into a heart, butterfly, dragon, or crane. The possibilities are endless and plenty of guides help beginners navigate this popular craft. One of the best things about it is that you won’t need more than a little paper, and we love an inexpensive hobby.
9. Calligraphy
It’s easy to look at calligraphy and think, “I can’t do that.” But you can—and you should! This stress reliever doesn’t call for much besides paper, pens, and a good guidebook. It’s not only a fun hobby but it’s also a useful skill, especially for stationery.
10. Discovering New Music
Listening to music is a big enough stress reliever, but why not take it a step further? Think about the last time you truly hunted for new tunes. Between podcasts and Spotify suggestions, there’s a whole world of new music just waiting to be discovered. Venture forth and see what treasures await.
11. Stargazing
We don’t know about you, but our minds just can’t wrap around space. There truly is a neverending world of stars and constellations to discover, which is where stargazing comes in. It’s hard to focus on everyday stress with another world right above us.
12. Junk Journaling
Junk journals. Scrapbooks. Decoupage. This hobby goes by many names but it remains a top contender for fun activities. The only thing you need to junk journal is a creative mind and everyday finds like ticket stubs and receipts. Whether you write anything down is up to you. It’s really all about expressing yourself!
13. Learn a New Language
We’ve all seen Duolingo’s marketing at this point—and we’re just trying to avoid that bird’s disappointment. You can too by learning a new language. What’s great about this hobby is that it’s useful and only as challenging as you make it. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on premium accounts or move to Italy for full immersion, you can take it one day at a time with simple lessons.
14. Meditation
Meditation comes with a laundry list of benefits. With enough practice, we learn to channel our emotions, reduce stress, and calm our anxious brains. It’s entirely free too! Pop onto YouTube for guided sessions that help you focus on the here and now.
15. Candle Making
Many of us already light candles to reduce stress, so why not make them yourself? It’s not only artistic but online candle-making kits don’t cost very much either. You can hop on the bandwagon and turn your house into a stress-free zone.
16. Board or Table Top Games
Anyone up for some board games? Of course we are! Whether you hang out with friends or head to a board game cafe, this hobby brings nothing but fun and socialization. You also have a plethora of options to choose from, so there’s a little something for everyone.
Karthik Balakrishnan on Unsplash
17. Pottery
Pottery isn’t exactly easy, but it’s rewarding nonetheless. Once you master those beginner hiccups, you’ll make gorgeous vases and dishes in no time! It’s okay if you’ve never done it before either—beginner’s classes show you the ropes and might even introduce you to a new friend.
18. Online Classes
School sounds like the last thing you want to revisit, but learning for its own sake is actually pretty relaxing. Now’s the perfect time to learn what you want to learn, not what you had to learn. Many online classes are also completely free, so you can pick up anything from programming to creative writing.
19. Biking
Cycling doesn’t need to be a strenuous gym activity—it can be a leisurely cruise down the boardwalk or a simple way to explore your neighborhood. Get out in nature and leave your worries at the bike rental!
20. Puzzle Solving
There’s no reason our hobbies can’t also work our brains. Things like sudoku and crossword puzzles get that noodle working while also providing some much-needed downtime. Snuggle up in your favorite chair and try to solve 32-down. We know you can!
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