What Hobbies Can Positively Impact Your Mental Health?

Our hobbies aren’t just a way to spend your spare time after work. Hobbies can also lower blood pressure and even reduce symptoms of depression. But which hobbies can help improve your mental health and how exactly do they do that in the first place? Here, we’ll dive into different hobbies that can positively impact your mental health.

Playing With Animals or Walking Your Dog

According to StatPearls, spending time with hobbies can improve our neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change its thinking pattern. When we engage in hobbies, our brains find different ways to think and react.

In addition, time spent on hobbies is relaxing, which decreases stress levels. For example, 67% of American families own a pet, and Orlando Health reports that 93% of dog owners say walking their dog is the best way to de-stress. According to the American Heart Association, caring for a pet will increase our levels of oxytocin and dopamine, the brain chemicals that create positive feelings.

Journaling

One of the many things we can do to boost our mental well-being is to express our feelings in writing. Daily journaling is a way to safely document our true feelings and express our genuine selves. We can pour any anger or frustration on paper instead of turning it on ourselves or others. If you prefer, you can turn your journal into a daily gratitude journal, reframing your attitude into a positive outlook.

Puzzles

Sharpening your mental powers with puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku, word games, or chess can ignite thinking. Completing these puzzles gives us a feeling of accomplishment, which will add to our enjoyment of life. Using your brain power in these ways will improve your problem-solving skills and cognitive development. Statistics show that keeping our brains active may also prevent dementia.

Art

Choosing art as your hobby allows your innermost feelings to be poured out through your hands and fingers. Channeling your emotions through artistic expression is often used by therapists to help people work through their problems.

According to Artland, abstract art (with its lack of restrictions) is one of the most popular types of art. When selecting your colors for an abstract design, you will unconsciously choose a color that spells out the story of your soul.

The quality of your artistic talent isn’t essential. When you paint, sculpt, draw, bead, or knit, you’ll come to savor it for the wealth of the experience. Craft your art for yourself. Other trending art styles include portraits, nature scenes, and minimalist presentations.

Music

Music allows the same depth of catharsis as artistic creations. The rhythm of music will allow your body and emotions to move and shake off negativity. Listening can also reduce your anxiety if you’re unable to make music. When you immerse yourself in a sea of music, the world will look more remarkable after the music ends.

Practicing a musical instrument or reviewing voice lessons will be a productive pastime to build a symphonic result. According to Mighty Expert, you must practice 30 minutes daily or three to five times weekly to master beginner-level guitar songs. Music has the bonus of helping you use math skills to learn rhythm. You’ll also hone your fine motor skills when you know where to place your fingers.

Walking or Jogging

Studies have shown regular exercise will ease symptoms of anxiety and improve your overall health. In addition to adding oxygen to your system, exercise can help balance your brain chemicals and hormones, which can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.

If you exercise outdoors, it will provide even more benefits since the leaves and sunshine will boost your mental and physical health by reducing stress and providing a source of vitamin D.

By spending time doing the things you love, your life will have added enjoyment. You’ll be able to erase the stress of the day. Most of all, you’ll find a positive change in your mental health.