6 Hobbies to Relieve Stress
Every person experiences stress from time to time—it’s a normal part of life. However, extreme and prolonged periods of stress can result in various health problems. The good news? Engaging in certain hobbies can help relieve stress! In this blog, we’re going to share a few of our favorite hobbies to minimize stress and promote relaxation.
1. Walking
Taking a light stroll outside can do wonders for your health. According to research, a quick hike can help reduce overthinking, which occurs when you ruminate over a stressful situation. In essence, walking can be a healthy distraction from stressful thoughts or circumstances.
2. Listening to Music
Let’s be honest, listening to your favorite song just puts you in a good mood. And a major plus? There are health benefits to listening to music! Listening to music for at least a half hour each day can lower your blood pressure, slow down your heart rate, and calm anxiety.
So, go to a quiet place, pop in some headphones, and let your favorite tunes melt away your stress.
3. Yoga
One activity in particular that is gaining traction for its ability to melt stress away is yoga. Though yoga is a great way to build strength and tone, it’s also an excellent go-to choice for alleviating stress. Studies show that yoga can help reduce your body’s stress response and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. Reading
If you’re looking for a cheap hobby to start, why not opt for reading? Even just six minutes of reading a day is enough time to reduce stress by two-thirds. You can escape into a fictional world and leave reality behind for a bit. Reading is shown to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation by slowing your heart rate down.
5. Gardening
It’s time to put your gardening gloves on and plant some seeds! As the weather in Michigan continues to warm up, it’s becoming more and more inviting to go outside and garden. Studies show that gardening can improve your mood and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Not only does gardening get you outside in the sunshine—a proven mood booster—it also helps you focus your attention on one activity! Thereby, distracting you from other stressful thoughts or situations.
6. Hiking
There’s nothing quite like a scenic view to make you forget about life’s stressors. Walking in nature can help stop rumination, the pattern of obsessing over negative thoughts and ideas. In addition to providing a wonderful view, hiking also provides good aerobic exercise. So, lace up your boots and hit the trails!
So, What’s the Best Hobby to Relieve Stress?
It’s probably no secret that the best hobby to reduce stress is the one you enjoy most! If you’re someone who likes to paint birdhouses as a stress-free activity, then do it! The goal here isn’t to be a professional overnight—it’s to rid your mind of negative thought patterns and promote healthy coping mechanisms! The less stress, the better.
For more information about all things health, explore the Metro Community Development blog.
