By Cora Gold
Hobbies let you indulge in your passions and discover what you excel at. Underneath the fun, you enjoy dopamine releases because your brain enjoys the learning and rewards. Which hobbies are best for your mental health? Here are seven pastimes to nourish your mental health.
1. Gardening
Helping the environment and your mental health is a win-win situation. Try gardening for a mindful hobby that’s rewarding and calming. Getting your hands dirty and growing plants connects you to nature and increases your appreciation for the surrounding environment. While it can be intimidating, gardening is an accessible hobby and easy to start.
Your first garden could be as easy as a pot with soil, seeds, potting mix and water. Cater to each plant’s needs and watch it grow over time. While outdoor gardens require sunlight, you can grow your flowers and vegetables indoors. For instance, plants like peace lilies and Boston ferns prefer full shade and are great for your living room.
2. Wildlife-Watching
Wildlife-watching is another hobby with nature connections. Observing animals in their natural state gives you more perspective and respect for the planet. It also promotes mindfulness because you must have great focus and patience. If you sit in a state park watching deer, you may have to wait a while before they appear.
Wildlife viewing doesn’t require much physical effort from you but provides plenty of mental health benefits. One of the best examples is bird-watching, a hobby you can start on your porch or at a park. A 2022 Scientific Reports study found birdlife encounters enhanced mental well-being with time-lasting improvements.
3. Journaling
If you feel stressed, sometimes the best solution is to write your feelings down. Journaling is a popular hobby because you only need a writing tool and paper to express your emotions. This simple strategy is conducive to relieving stress and anxiety, so it’s worth a shot in good and bad times. Your writing could even spur solutions as you jot down your feelings and memories.
The beauty of journaling is there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Pick up the pen and let your heart direct your entries. Research has shown that consistent journaling could be an excellent mental health solution. A 2022 Journal of Positive Psychology study found this hobby improved well-being and mental health-related factors in two weeks.
4. Art
Journaling is only one way to express your creativity. Consider art as a positive outlet if you enjoy colors and drawing. Your activities could include painting, drawing, clay sculpting and other artistic means. Regardless of your choice, these hobbies encourage creativity and mindfulness with each brush stroke and design. Making art requires concentration and being present.
Art is subjective, so don’t worry about how someone else views your work. If you enjoy your designs, that’s what matters most. This activity brings joy and accomplishment because you’re responsible for the finished product. Research has demonstrated this hobby’s benefits, especially in therapy settings. A 2022 Cureus study found art was an effective adjunct treatment for mental health.
5. Swimming
If you want mindful exercise, it doesn’t get much better than swimming. Any form of exercise is great for your mental health, but swimming can be more relaxing and gentle on your body. The buoyancy of water supports 90% of your body, so you only need to account for the remaining 10%. You get a full-body workout while appreciating this precious natural resource.
While swimming provides terrific exercise, it also boosts your mental health. This activity stabilizes your mood and reduces anxiety because it’s relaxing. If you have trouble sleeping, swimming can improve your nightly resting patterns. Overall, you feel mentally refreshed after a fun aquatic session.
6. Playing Music
Music defines cultures and brings people together for a fun time. What if you participated in the rhythms? Playing music positively impacts your mental health, whether you sing or play an instrument. A 2021 Frontiers in Psychology study found playing a musical instrument improved cognitive health in students and adults.
Consider taking lessons with your desired instrument if you’ve always wanted to learn music. Playing the saxophone or guitar feels empowering because you’re in control. Once you get the hang of it, join a community band or ask friends to play with you. Regardless of your age, music is a worthwhile hobby.
7. Cooking
Food is another aspect integral to international cultures and families. If you make it yourself, it could make all the difference. Cooking is an excellent hobby for mindfulness because it requires attention to measurements and doneness. It also engages your senses through taste, smell, sight and touch. Once the meal is complete, your body gains the physical and mental rewards.
Making food for yourself and others provides tasty gratification and mental health benefits. A 2020 Journal of Creative Behavior study found cooking contributed to mood improvement and enhanced social connections. Additionally, this activity helped individual well-being as a creative intervention.
Using Mindful Hobbies for Mental Health
Mental health has become a prominent topic. People worldwide have shaken up their routines to boost brain activity and find their passions. What hobbies are best for your mental health? Try different pastimes until you discover one that speaks to you.
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Author bio: Cora Gold is a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She loves to write about self care and healthy living. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, X and Pinterest.