In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and self-care as a way to manage mental health and daily stress levels. Our ever busier lives can make it very difficult to manage the stresses and strains of hectic work and home life schedules.
Engaging in hobbies that encourage mindfulness and relaxation can be particularly beneficial for people with depression and anxiety, and those who feel the need for some extra “me time” throughout the week. Luckily, there are loads of things you can do that will give you some mental space and help you to manage your daily stress levels, and they can even have a positive effect on milder cases of anxiety and depression.
Knitting and Crochet
Knitting and crochet are both excellent hobbies for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and raised stress levels. As they are methodical practices, they require focus and concentration which can help to quiet the mind and give you a way to switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Additionally, the repetitive motion of these activities can be soothing and meditative which can be a good stress reliever in its own right.
They are relatively simple to learn, though there is an initial learning curve. Once you have the basics down you’ll be able to build on your skills and start working on increasingly complex projects. You can make anything from blankets and scarves, to jumpers and household wares and you’ll get to use your creativity to make something beautiful and practical.
Painting
Painting is a classic mindfulness activity, allowing you to express your emotions and create something that speaks to your soul. You don’t need to be a professional in order to create stunning and thought provoking works of art, and you don’t need to take a class unless you want to.
Beginners and experienced artists alike can benefit from the positive mental health and stress relieving impact of painting. Choose a beginner friendly medium such as watercolours or acrylics, and treat yourself to some brushes. It is so easy to get started and you don’t need to spend a lot of money on materials while you are learning. If painting isn’t really your thing, you could try sketching with graphite or charcoal instead.
Meditation
Meditation is another excellent hobby for people looking to manage their mental health. Practising mindfulness meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. There are many resources available for beginners who want to start a meditation practice, including apps, online courses, and local meditation centres.
Growing Houseplants
Houseplants have been shown to have a positive effect on mental health whether you have a high-tech hydroponics kit with a hydroponics carbon filter and lighting rig, or are simply looking after a couple of cacti on your kitchen windowsill. The act of looking after and being responsible for plants is enjoyable in itself, but they also improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Furthermore, caring for houseplants can be a meditative practice, encouraging mindfulness and providing a sense of purpose without the high levels of involvement required for a pet such as a dog or cat. There are a variety of houseplants that are easy to care for and maintain, making them perfect for beginners. Some popular choices to start with include:
- Low maintenance cacti and succulents that thrive on neglect and do not need much watering but require high light levels
- Peace lilies which are good for people who are prone to overwatering their plants
- Spider plants which can tolerate a range of conditions very well, including more or less water and more or less light
- Herbs which can be used in the kitchen such as basil, coriander and parsley
Making Time for Self Care
Engaging in mindful hobbies can be a powerful tool for managing mental health and the stresses of a busy lifestyle. Whether you choose to grow houseplants, knit, paint, meditate, or engage in another hobby, taking the time to care for yourself and engage in enjoyable activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness can help to improve your overall well-being in the long run and can help make you more resilient to stress by giving you an enjoyable, productive and satisfying outlet.
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