Stress can lead to serious health problems. We are living in complex times where uncertainty abounds and every day brings new challenges to face. Many people don't know how to relieve stress within their lives. Finding hobbies to reduce stress can lower blood pressure and keep your immunity strong.
In this article, we explore the best 10 hobbies to reduce stress. Hobbies can add interest, fun, and relaxation to your life while decreasing the stress you may be experiencing. Don't be afraid to experiment with these different hobbies and find one that suits you.
Best 10 Hobbies to Reduce Stress
1. Gardening
Gardening is a hobby that many people love because it is both relaxing and rewarding. It’s fun and beneficial as you can grow things to use while reducing stress as well.
Starting a garden has been shown to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that contributes to your stress levels being heightened. Reducing cortisol will reduce the stress you are going through.
Gardening also releases endorphins, which are the chemicals that make you feel happy and relaxed. Endorphin release reduces stress levels within the body. In fact, according to studies done by experts, gardening releases more endorphins and reduces cortisol more than reading.
A garden can be started indoors or outdoors. Do research on what will grow best for the season and region you are in, and get supplies to start a garden. Remember that it doesn’t have to be a huge, elaborate set-up if all you have is a patio. I patio gardened for years with great success!
2. Photography
Photography is a great way to relieve stress. It is an easy hobby to get into and it does not take much to participate in it. Most people would think you would need tons of expensive camera equipment to get into photography.
This is not the case. You can use your cell phone to take pictures if you don’t want to buy a camera. Even if you don’t have a way to capture digital images, you can buy disposable cameras for photo taking.
You can get these cameras online or in most department stores and pharmacies, and they’re usually quite inexpensive. Photography relieves stress because it allows you to express yourself through a form of art.
It can also help you focus on the smaller beauties of life that can be captured through images. Reviewing or sharing these artistic photos can be a relaxing endeavor that alleviates stress.
3. Camping and Being Outdoors
4. Painting, Drawing, & Coloring
While making art, you’re thinking about the piece you are creating in front of you. Your mind isn’t focused on all the stresses going on in your life.
Drawing, coloring, and painting are all easy ways to take part in art. You also don’t need to buy elaborate materials to create art either, unless you want to, of course. Making art can be as simple as drawing a small sketch on a sticky note with a pen from your desk.
Art can relieve stress because it gives people a way to vent their emotions. Many people incorporate the things they’re going through into their artwork. Doing this is a freeing way of letting go of or working through your emotions.
Studies have shown that art can lower cortisol levels significantly, even if it’s not done for an extensive period of time. This lowers your stress and brings your mood and mental health up.
Also, you don’t have to be an amazing artist to take part in this hobby. There are many color-therapy books available to express your creativity, relax and have fun… But doing simple little paintings or doodles can be just as stress relieving as painting a huge, detailed piece.
5. Music
Music is something that everyone enjoys. The first way music can help relieve stress is by listening to it.
Hearing your favorite songs or tunes that make you happy can release endorphins. Listening to music has also been shown to lower cortisol. Make a playlist of songs that cheer you up so that you can listen to them when you’re feeling stressed.
When you are making this playlist, try avoiding putting songs with sad melodies or lyrics on them. This way, you can focus on listening to uplifting songs. Another way music can be stress relieving is by playing it.
There are many resources for beginners on how to play instruments. If you want, you could also try music lessons for the type of music you want to play. Composing music could be a beneficial way for you to express your emotions.
Many people write songs when they’re feeling stressed or sad. Even if you aren’t musically inclined, the process of getting your emotions out through writing songs is relieving.
You can also use music to help in doing other stress-relieving activities. For example, during meditation, lots of people listen to calming, relaxing music in order to make their stress even lower.
It’s also common for people to listen to music while working out, which is another great way to relieve stress. For workouts, you should listen to songs that are fast-paced and uplifting.
6. Sewing, Knitting, Crochet, Needlepoint
Sewing, knitting, crochet, and needlepoint are timeless crafts that are excellent activities and hobbies to get into for stress relief. These crafts are very relaxing and they aren’t super high-energy, so they’re perfect for any time of the day.
When doing sewing, knitting, crochet, or needlepoint, your body does a repetitive movement. Repetitive movements made by the body releases serotonin. Serotonin promotes calmness.
These activities also boost your mood. The combination of your calmness being increased and your mood is improved is a perfect environment to cause stress to lower.
If you are a beginner, start with some simple and easier forms of sewing, knitting, crochet, or needlepoint. You don’t need to be an expert or be an amazing crafter right off the bat. Practice makes perfect.
7. Maintain an Aquarium
Aquatic life is something many people admire. The vibrant colors of all of the different fish and aquatic plants are pleasing to the eye and can be relaxing to see. With an aquarium, you can see the beauty of aquatic life within your own home.
However, you will also need to learn and practice how to maintain an aquarium so that you can keep the life of your fish safe. Many people tend to make mistakes when getting their first aquarium that tends to be harmful to the life of the fish.
When starting an aquarium, you need to do your research based on what kind of fish you have. You need to learn what kind of food your fish needs, and what quality of water they need.
Some fish may need to be in freshwater, while some may need to be in saltwater. Some fish may need to be in cooler water, while some may need to be in warmer water. Make sure you know what conditions your fish will need so that you can do your best to keep it safe.
You will also need to make sure you clean your tank around once every two weeks. When cleaning your tank, make sure you refrain from using any soap. Soaps and detergents can be deadly to your fish because of all the chemicals.
9. Journaling
10. Puzzles
Puzzles allow you to take that break from the constant bustle that life throws your way since it makes you focus on the simpler thing in front of you instead of all the stressful activities and thoughts.
Conclusion
We have suggested these 10 best hobbies to relieve stress based on popularity. But the best hobby for you is one that you have an interest in. If none of these hobbies appeal to you, check out more hobbies here for more ideas better suited to you.
