By Cora Gold
Hobbies are an opportunity to indulge in your passions and discover what you're good at. The secret to having fun is the release of dopamine, as your brain enjoys learning and rewards. What hobbies are best for your mental health? Here are 7 pastimes that will nourish your mental health.
1. Gardening
Helping the environment and your mental health is a win-win. Try gardening as a rewarding, calming and mindful hobby. Getting your hands dirty and growing plants connects you to nature and increases your appreciation for the environment around you. Gardening can seem intimidating, but it's an easy hobby to get into.
Starting your first garden is easy with just soil, seeds, potting mix and water. Tackle each plant's needs and watch them grow over time. Outdoor gardens require sunlight, but flowers and vegetables can be grown indoors. For example, plants like peace lilies and Boston ferns prefer full shade and are perfect for your living room.
2. Wildlife watching
Wildlife watching is another hobby that involves nature. Watching animals in their natural environment broadens your perspective and instills respect for the Earth. It also cultivates mindfulness, as it requires focus and patience. If you're sitting in a state park watching deer, you might have to wait a while for them to show up.
Watching wildlife doesn't require much physical effort, but it offers many benefits to your mental health. One of the best examples is birdwatching, a hobby you can pick up on your porch or in the park. A 2022 study in Scientific Reports found that bird encounters can boost your mental health and the improvements last for a long time.
3. Keep a diary
When you're feeling stressed, sometimes the best solution is to write down your feelings. Journaling is a popular hobby because all you need to express your feelings is a pen and paper. This simple strategy can help relieve stress and anxiety, so it's worth trying in good times and bad. Writing down your feelings and memories can also help you find a solution.
The great thing about journaling is that there's no right or wrong way to do it. So pick up a pen and journal wherever your heart desires. Research shows that keeping a journal consistently can be a great mental health remedy. A 2022 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that the hobby improved well-being and mental health-related factors in just two weeks.
4. Art
Journaling is just one way to express your creativity. If you love coloring and drawing, consider art as a positive outlet. Activities could include painting, drawing, clay sculpting, or other artistic mediums. Regardless of your choice, these hobbies promote creativity and mindfulness with every brushstroke and design. Creating art requires focus and being in the present moment.
Art is subjective, so don't worry about how others will see your work. If you enjoy designing, that's all that matters. This activity brings joy and a sense of accomplishment because you're responsible for the finished product. Research has demonstrated the benefits of this hobby, especially in therapeutic settings. A 2022 Cureus study found that art is an effective adjunct treatment for mental health.
5. Swimming
If you want to do mindful exercise, there's nothing better than swimming. While any exercise is good for your mental health, swimming is a more relaxing and gentler form of exercise. The buoyancy of the water supports 90% of your body, so you only have to worry about the remaining 10%. You'll get a full-body workout while appreciating precious natural resources.
Swimming is not only great exercise, but it also boosts your mental health. Swimming has a relaxing effect, which stabilizes your mood and reduces anxiety. If you have trouble sleeping, swimming can improve your nighttime resting patterns. Overall, you'll feel mentally refreshed after a fun water session.
6. Play music
Music defines culture and connects people to good times. Why not join in the rhythm? Whether you sing or play an instrument, playing music has a positive impact on your mental health. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that playing an instrument improves cognitive health in students and adults.
If you've always wanted to learn music, consider taking lessons on your preferred instrument. Playing the saxophone or guitar will give you control and build your confidence. Once you get the hang of it, try joining a local band or asking a friend to play with you. Music is a worthwhile hobby at any age.
7. Cooking
Food is another integral aspect of international cultures and families. Making it yourself makes all the difference. Cooking is a great hobby to cultivate mindfulness, as it requires careful attention to measurements and doneness. It also stimulates the senses through taste, smell, sight and touch. When the meal is complete, the body feels satisfied, both physically and mentally.
Cooking food for yourself or others can provide delicious satisfaction and mental health benefits. A 2020 study in the Journal of Creative Behavior found that cooking contributes to improved mood and stronger social connections. What's more, the activity also benefits personal well-being as a creative intervention.
Using mindful hobbies for mental health
Mental health has become a hot topic. People all over the world are changing their daily routines to boost brain activity and find their passion. What hobby is best for your mental health? Try out different hobbies until you find one that works for you.
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Author Bio: Cora Gold is a wellness writer and editor at Revivalist, a women's lifestyle magazine. She loves writing about self-care and healthy living. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest.
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