Anxiety can have a crushing impact on a person’s life and limit every aspect.

Hobbies allow us to engage in an activity or interest for pleasure or relaxation.

13 Outstanding Hobbies For Anxiety | Stress

Hobbies provide an outlet for creativity, distraction, achievement and something to look forward to.

Research also shows that there are both physical and mental health benefits to taking up a hobby.

That is why hobbies can be a good way to help fight anxiety.

It can also help calm down an overactive mind, reduce chronic worry and bring a sense of fun and freedom.

What hobbies are good for anxiety?

Some activities like crafting, writing, yoga and baking can help give the mind a much-deserved break from anxious thoughts.

Are there any health benefits of hobbies?

Engaging in activities you enjoy will help improve your mental health and overall well-being.

When you are happy, endorphins or happy hormones are released which helps reduce stress and anxiety and makes you feel optimistic.

Your mind is also taken off your worries as you concentrate on the hobby.

So, in this article, I will explain why hobbies for anxiety and stress can help improve our life.

Roll up your sleeves and let’s get to it, we’ve got lots to discuss!

1. Drawing

Drawing can offer a means to unwind and focus.

Bottled up thoughts and emotions can also be expressed through drawing.

When your thoughts begin to overwhelm you, you can draw whatever is troubling you. This can be a record you can keep going back to when you want.

2. Photography

If photography is a passion of yours, then try day or nighttime photography.

Photography at night can be interesting, as it can reveal views that people aren’t used to seeing.

For example, with long exposures, you’ll see stars you didn’t realise were there. Areas you are familiar with will look different at night.

This can be an interesting activity and you could produce stunning images which could eventually earn you some income.

You do not need a camera to take up this hobby. Mobile phones can equally take excellent pictures.

Photographing can also give you a reason to go out for a walk where you can capture interesting images. It will surprise you how you capture breathtaking images.

You will also benefit from the fresh air, which is excellent for your overall well-being.

3. Acting

Acting can bring out your creativity. It can help you unleash your imagination and need for free self-expression.

What is interesting about acting is the fact that it can help you become whoever and whatever you want.

4. Writing

Writing can result in improved mental health. It can also help people express experiences that are too difficult to put into words.

Expressive writing has been found to help people overcome trauma and manage negative emotions.

A study by King (2001) noted an increased sense of psychological well-being when people were asked to write about positive experiences and about “the best self” that they wanted to develop.

As part of my morning routine, I write in a journal and find that it allows me to express myself freely.

I find that journaling helps me to be a little more present and kind to myself.

Research by Oppenheimer (2014) has also shown that writing things down can help with learning and memorization.

5. Music

You may choose to listen to all sorts of music, especially uplifting ones.

Research by Krout (2006) found that listening to music facilitates relaxation and promotes wellness.

Listening to music can positively affect the emotional and neurophysiological responses related to relaxation.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” – Bob Marley

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” – Victor Hugo

I completely agree with both Bob Marley and Victor Hugo.

People are not always there for me, but music always has, and it has always been my refuge when I am at my lowest.

6. Painting

Do not worry if you are good at painting or not.

If painting is an activity you are interested in, try it.

Research shows that painting allows you to pay attention to what is happening at the moment and shifts your mind from problems that contribute to a high stress or anxiety level.

Painting promotes stress relief and eases anxiety levels. This is because it allows your mind to relax and let go of your worries.

It also stimulates your creative brain while relieving mental strain.

7. Dancing

There are both physical and mental health benefits associated with dancing.

A Korean study by Kim and Kim (2007) that looked at hip-hop alongside aerobic dancing found that participants experienced not only lower psychological distress, but they also reported lower levels of fatigue.

This means that dancing can be related to improved well-being.

8. Gardening

Gardening has a positive effect on our overall well-being, and this a long-established fact.

No matter how old you are, you can engage in gardening and experience its benefits to both your physical and mental health.

You can get some fresh air and much-needed vitamins like vitamin D.

Simply growing a plant and having it at your desk or room can help reduce your anxiety levels and make you feel more energised.

Research shows that people who experience anxiety have found gardening and caring for plants beneficial to their well-being.

What’s more? You can grow your own vegetables and plants for you and your family.

9. Dog walking

Dog owners have shared in several studies that being around dogs helps them relax and has a positive psychological impact on their well-being.

Walking a dog is also a way to get motivated to get up, out and about.

There is also the opportunity to practice mindfulness and enjoy nature and wildlife around you.

10. Walking

Walking helped with my mental health in so many ways.

I experienced physical symptoms of stress for many years, and walking saved my life (literally)!

I use a pacer app on my phone to track my steps each day.

11. Knitting or Crocheting

When feeling stressed or anxious in your daily life, being creative by making your own hats, bags and jewellery is a great way to shift your anxious thoughts and can be good for alleviating anxiety and stress.

Research shows that new neuropathways can be created by learning new skills and movements.

By being creative, you are taking your mind off things that are bothering you.

You will also feel productive and useful after creating your own product.

Your self-esteem will be boosted further when you get compliments or when someone buys your finished items.

Crocheting also puts you in control as you are in charge of the product you are creating.

12. Exercise

When you exercise, hormones called endorphins are released, and these hormones make us feel good naturally.

Exercise can help improve our mental health by reducing anxiety, depression and improving our self-esteem.

Excess energy that can lead to anxiety is burned off, resulting in an overall calming effect.

13. Start a blog on mental health

I started a mental health blog to have a creative outlet for myself.

Through this blog, I have the freedom to share my knowledge and experience around mental health.

Writing about my feelings and providing useful resources can also help raise awareness around mental health.

So, start a mental health blog where you can create a platform to share ideas, provide tips and strategies to help others with their mental health.

I learn about my own mental health every day and feel astonished that people read what I write. This encourages me to write more!

Before you go

Anxiety and stress can negatively affect your life. Engaging in any hobby is a good way to help ease symptoms. If you are struggling to find a hobby, check out local resources for anxiety near you.

Am I missing something or have you taken up any of these hobbies? Let me know in the comments below.

13 Hobbies That Are Good for Anxiety & Stress

1. Drawing
2. Photography
3. Acting
4. Writing
5. Music
6. Painting
7. Dancing
8. Gardening
9. Dog walking
10. Walking
11. Knitting or Crocheting
12. Exercise
13. Start a blog on mental health

READ NEXT

MIRACLE MORNING ROUTINE | HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR DAY AS A SOCIAL WORKER

PIN FOR LATER!