She Strengthens

Boost Your Mood and Reduce Stress with These 10 Healthy Hobbies

As we navigate the challenges of staying at home, it’s essential to find activities that bring us joy, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment. Picking up a new hobby can be just what we need to stay active, mentally refreshed, and focused on the positive.

Discover the Power of Hobbies

Honing a new skill gives you a fresh sense of purpose, taking your mind off stress and anxiety while motivating you to make healthier choices. Plus, you’ll spend less time on your phone! The key is finding an activity that’s both relaxing and satisfying.

Tips for Learning Something New

When starting a new hobby, remember to be consistent by setting aside specific times for practice. Try to set small, attainable goals rather than expecting to become an expert overnight. And don’t be too hard on yourself – it’s okay if you don’t excel at every activity.

10 Healthy Hobbies to Try

1. Play an Instrument

Playing music can improve your emotional health, decrease stress and anxiety, and even help you feel more connected to others. Try using the Fender Play app to learn guitar, bass, or ukulele.

2. DIY Home Renos

Tackling your own home projects can be a creative outlet that boosts your mental health. Dreaming up your spruced-up space is a way to express and learn about yourself, and the sense of accomplishment is a serious mood lifter.

3. Puzzle Person

Figuring out puzzles calls for serious brainpower, keeping your mind off stressful thoughts while activating different areas of your brain. Try a subscription service like Completing the Puzzle.

4. Tai Chi

This ancient Chinese exercise involves gentle movements and deep breathing, slashing stress, boosting your mood, and finding calm energy. Try virtual classes with Just Breathe.

5. Knitting

Manipulating needles can get you into a mindful zone, lowering blood pressure, easing depression and anxiety, and fighting loneliness. Try Stitch & Story’s beginner knitting kits.

6. Hiking

The exercise + nature combo helps keep you from ruminating over negative thoughts, staying out of a sadness spiral. Let the AllTrails app be your guide.

7. Flower Arranging

Arranging bouquets can slow your breathing, wash away anxiety, and make your outlook sunnier. Try freestyle or get guidance from Amy Merrick’s book On Flowers.

8. Watercolors

Wielding a paintbrush is a proven stress buster, especially with soft and soothing watercolors. Try the Raphael Watercolor Travel Pan Set.

9. Pottery

Dive into clay work, a creative outlet that can bring down cortisol levels in just 45 minutes, helping you feel calmer and more content. Try Crockd’s DIY pottery kits.

10. Candle Making

Candle making is a meditative experience that doubles as a creative outlet. Save a few candles to share with friends or neighbors – giving is good for your soul! Try Betterbee’s beeswax candle making kit.