Hobbies Are Fun?

How Hobbies Improve Mental Health

Research has shown that participation in hobbies improves mood in those with mental illness. In their 2020 study Fancourt, Opher, and de Oliveira found, “…taking up a hobby was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms.” Therefore, pickup your favorite hobby or start a new one to reduce your stress and anxiety.

Below are some pros and cons of some common hobbies with additional ideas for implementing them.

Knitting:

Pros: Knitting can be a relaxing and therapeutic hobby, and many people find it helpful for reducing stress and anxiety. The repetitive nature of knitting can be meditative and can help to promote mindfulness. It also provides a sense of accomplishment when you complete a project, and you can create useful and beautiful items to wear or give as gifts.

Cons: Knitting can be frustrating and difficult to learn, which may lead to feelings of discouragement and low self-esteem. Knitting can be time-consuming and requires patience and attention to detail. It can also be frustrating if you make mistakes or encounter difficulties in a project.

Ideas: Try experimenting with different types of yarn and patterns to keep your knitting interesting. Consider knitting for charity or joining a knitting group to meet other knitters and share ideas.

Loom Knitting:

Pros: An alternative to traditional knitting is knitting on a loom. This is much easier and takes less time to learn. People with limited mobility who can’t manage needle knitting, can often still loom knit. Although he would not have been able to complete a project on his own, my nephew could use the tool and pull the yarn over the pegs when he was two. Loom knitting allows you to create a wide variety of projects and the finished product looks just like needle knitting. You can very quickly learn to loom knit just like a pro.

Cons: Loom Knitting may require a small investment in supplies. Another con to using a loom is that the gauge is set. Looms are not built for finer or thick gauged yarn, so some projects are limited.

Ideas: Search for free patterns available online. Ask friends and family to donate their excess yarn stash for your new hobby.

Coloring:

Pros: Coloring can be a calming and soothing activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety and provide self-care. It can also improve focus and concentration. Coloring can be an enjoyable way to express creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment when you complete a piece.

Cons: Coloring can be seen as a childish activity, and some people may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about it. It can also be time-consuming and may not provide enough of a challenge for some. Coloring may not be a sustainable activity for those who require a high level of stimulation.

Ideas: Try different coloring books, pencils, and techniques to keep things interesting. Consider framing and displaying your completed pieces, or even selling them online.

Doodling:

Pros: Doodling can be a fun and creative way to pass the time and express your imagination. It can also be a way to reduce stress and anxiety by allowing your mind to wander and focus on something other than your worries.

Cons: Doodling can be seen as a distraction from more important tasks, and some people may feel guilty or unproductive while doodling.

Ideas: Experiment with different pens and paper types to find the tools that work best for you. Try incorporating your doodles into larger works of art, such as collages or paintings.

Gaming:

Pros: Gaming can help to improve cognitive functioning and problem-solving skills. It can provide a sense of achievement and accomplishment and can be a social activity if played with friends or family. Gaming can also be a sense of escape and distraction from daily stressors.

Cons: Gaming can be addictive and time-consuming, and some people may prioritize gaming over other responsibilities or activities. It can also be expensive, especially if you invest in high-end equipment or games.

Ideas: Try different genres of games, such as puzzle games or role-playing games, to keep things interesting. Consider joining a gaming community or club to meet other gamers and share tips and strategies. Mix it up a little and play a card or board game.

Photography:

Pros: Photography can be a way to express your creativity and capture meaningful moments and memories. It can also be a way to explore new places and see the world from a different perspective. Connecting with others and building relationships can be a benefit of photography.

Cons: If you invest in high-end photography equipment your wallet may shutter at the cost. Also, traveling to take photos could add financial stress. It can also be time-consuming, and some people may feel pressure to constantly improve their skills and take better photos.

Ideas: Experiment with different types of photography, such as portrait, landscape, or wildlife photography. Learn how to use your smartphone for photography. You can take amazing pictures with most of the newer models. Consider joining a photography club or taking a class to learn new techniques and meet other photographers.

Cooking:

Pros: Cooking can be a way to express your creativity and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. It can also be a way to provide nourishing and healthy meals for yourself and your family.

Cons: Cooking can be time-consuming, and some people may find it stressful or overwhelming if they are not experienced in the ­­­kitchen. It can be frustrating if your cooking flops. It can also be expensive if you purchase high-end ingredients or equipment.

Ideas: Try experimenting with different cuisines and recipes to keep things interesting. Consider hosting a dinner party or potluck to showcase your cooking skills and share your favorite dishes with friends and family. Think about finding someone who is more experienced to be your mentor.

More Ideas:

Journaling, reading, and listening to music are other hobbies you can participate in to help reduce anxiety and help depression. Eric Baum at 7 Summit Pathways mentions these and other hobbies as a pathway to healing. He goes on to say that one of the benefits of participating in hobbies is to rediscover something you’ve previously lost interest in while being depressed. While many hobbies listed above can be solitary activities, most may be done with a friend. This social interaction also helps with depression.

What Benefits Have I Seen From Having Hobbies?

My favorite hobby, knitting beanies on a loom, helps reduce my anxiety and focus on the task at hand. I can focus on the conversation I’m in or on the show I’m watching while I’m knitting. Another benefit of knitting beanies is the feeling of accomplishment I receive when I donate them for the babies at the local hospital. Another favorite hobby is coloring. Coloring helps me refocus my thoughts on the speaker, if I am in a church meeting, instead of on the 1000 things going on in my head.

Learning new hobbies can be fun and challenging, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether you learn from a friend or mentor, take a university class, find a community course, or participate in an online class, there are a wide variety of options available for learning a new hobby. Also, YouTube is your friend.