Open conversations about mental health are becoming more commonplace- and while it can be daunting to open up, it can be a truly transformative act of self-care.
However, speaking out isn’t the only way to get help, as your hobbies can also be a great way to boost your mental health. This is because they encourage you to keep moving, spend time with others, or simply provide you with a welcome distraction.
With that in mind, here are four hobbies that are not only a lot of fun but can boost your mental health too!
Playing an Instrument.
While you may already enjoy listening to music, studies show that “playing an instrument can lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and in turn, help with anxiety and depression.” Furthermore, the expressive nature of music means that it can also be a great way to express yourself without having to find the words.
If you’ve never played an instrument before, don’t worry – it’s never too late. Once you’ve got your hands on an instrument, you can enroll in lessons online or in person, and you’ll be on your way to being a pro! However, it’s also important to remember that you will not be a master musician overnight – these things take time. But the mental health benefits of playing an instrument means it’s a worthy investment of your time.
As your skills advance, don’t be afraid to invest in new tools and equipment that take your music to the next level. For example, if you were considering making (and potentially releasing your own music), you could invest in a Loop Pedal. This way, you can playback and overlay music and release tracks that sound professional from the word go! This can also help you learn new tricks and techniques that improve your overall skills and musical ability.
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Gardening.
Gardening is another popular hobby with notable mental health benefits. For example, a recent scientific study found that just a few hours of gardening can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
When you learn how to succeed in the world of gardening, you will find that you gain a “sense of achievement, satisfaction, and pride from nurturing the plants” which also enhances your well-being. Gardening also gives you plenty of time for quiet contemplation, which is hard to make time for in your daily routine between work and other commitments.
Gardening comes with the additional benefit of improving your outdoor space – which can add significant value to your home if you’re looking to sell or simply make it a nicer space to spend time in.
Exercise.
Fitness-based hobbies come with many benefits. Not only do they satisfy your sense of adventure or need for adrenaline, but they can also help you manage both your physical and mental health. For example, regular exercise is instrumental in maintaining a healthy weight and independence as we get older.
Beyond this, however, exercise – whether that be enrolling in a dance class or going for a walk – does wonders for your mental health. This is because working out increases your brain’s production of endorphins – which make you feel happier and improve your mood considerably.
As fitness can also help with weight loss or muscle building, it’s also a great way to boost your self-esteem and improve your relationship with your body. This, in turn can help improve both your confidence and mental health, as you begin to realize just how great you are!
Meditating.
Meditating, and other mindfulness-related hobbies, such as journaling, are also great when it comes to bettering your mental health. This is because they provide you with a sense of balance and clarity, from which you can make meaningful changes in your life if necessary. For example, if you center your meditation around the idea of reducing anxiety and self-acceptance, you’ll soon find that your confidence grows too.
Learning to meditate could also provide you with a quick and easy way to reduce sudden feelings of stress, anger, or anxiety as it’s a great way to calm your mind and stop your thoughts from racing. Furthermore, you can meditate at any time – no matter where you may be. For example, you can even meditate at your desk.
In addition to the obvious mental health benefits, studies have found that there are many other benefits associated with regular meditation and mindfulness. For example, those who engage in those practices tend to be more productive in their daily lives, which allows them to reach both their personal and professional goals quickly and effectively.