By: Sheila Olson of FitSheila.com
In any given month, three-fourths of Americans report feeling moderate to high stress. Couple our daily strains with a global pandemic, political unrest, and a roller-coaster economy, and you have a recipe for an internal disaster. Fortunately, there are many ways to destress yourself, and having a hobby is one of the most pleasurable.
If you don’t already have a perfect pastime — like horseback riding at Prospect Riding Center — in place, here are a few options to consider:
Meditation
You may not consider meditation as a hobby, but it’s beneficial nonetheless. Not only does inner reflection help you overcome anxiety, but it might also boost your immune system naturally, something we can all use in the age of COVID. Before you start meditation, make cleaning and decluttering your home a priority to create an optimum environment for stillness and reflection. If you live with other people, it will be wise to communicate your intention, as well as when and where you plan to meditate, to minimize disruptions.
Drawing
Drawing has been likened to meditation, and the benefits are similar to meditation. As a creative outlet, drawing can help you get thoughts for which you don’t have words out of your head. This can help you better understand yourself and your mental state. Plus, drawing as a hobby may even give you an opportunity to boost your income.
It doesn’t take much to start drawing — it’s just a matter of choosing a medium and letting your body take over. Alternatively, you can use an app like Procreate to make art on an iPad or similar device. But if you want to keep your oeuvre private, invest in a case that doubles as protection for your device.
Running
For some people, running is an exercise and something they simply include as part of their wellness routine. For others, it’s a way to get close to nature while improving their health. Regardless of your reasons, jogging, running, and walking are great hobbies, but they do require that you invest in comfortable running shoes, and take the time to warm up and cool down before you hit the pavement.
Last and definitely not least, horseback riding is not only a wonderful recreational activity, but its therapeutic benefits are also quite astounding. It’s been known to help people with special needs build confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve balance. Moreover, it’s a great way to get closer to nature in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.
Benefits Beyond
Obviously, having a hobby can help reduce stress. However, there are also other benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. As we finally see an end to the pandemic, socializing is one perk that should weigh strongly on your decision to engage or re-engage with your hobby of choice. No matter what you like to do, from collecting comic books to trading stocks, you’ll have no problem finding a group of like-minded people with whom to socialize.
How to Find a New Hobby
Convinced that having a hobby is right for you but don’t know what to do? It’s time for some internal reflection. Before you jump into a new hobby you may not enjoy, think about what you liked to do as a kid. What took your mind off your grades or social pressures? Are there any activities that caused you to lose track of time? By looking back at your personal history, you’ll be in a better position to understand what makes you feel your best.
Hobbies are not time-wasters. Instead, they are a rare opportunity for you to do something just for yourself. In a world where you likely spend most of your time looking out for the well-being of others, your hobby can serve as a reminder that you must care for yourself, as well. It doesn’t matter what you do, but do find something you love and do it often.
