Hobbies as a Stress reducer
I find engaging in my hobbies, even if the hobby requires a lot of mental work, reduces my stress level. Now that spring is here, I spend a lot of time gardening. It can be quite physical, I call it my exercise, and relaxing at the same time.
Yes, many people feel that gardening is a great stress reducer. You can burn a lot of calories in the process too!
I agree ... I let out stress with my hobby, photography. It helps keep everythin in focus, esp my teaching.
It is not actually a hobby but, I have found that when I have my motorcycle to ride it has always helped me find balance. First I must focus on the task of riding. Second I must observe those around me who may be inattentive and drive defensively. Third It gives me time to focus on the items of my day and sort them out.
I think riding is absolutely a hobby. In fact, many instructors in this course have mentioned doing the same thing!
Hobbies can be one of the most effective stress reducers as we are always passionate about our hobbies and it is something you love doing and don't mind spending money on. So always find the time in your busy schedules and persue your hobby.
This is true. It's hard to resist spending time doing something you truly enjoy and are passionate about.
Good point. I love going birding and challenging myself to identify new sightings, and to enjoy watching birds' behavior. It really helps me calm down. If you don't have a hobby you're passionate about, find one. It helps!
Wow, what an interesting hobby Jennifer. This is a first mention for this forum, but I can see how birding could be very relaxing!
Hobbies, what a wonderful thing. I am always signing up for new and different classes with friends. I have done yoga, zumba dancing, joined a biking club, I am on a golf league now.
Being outdoors sharing a few laughs with friends always makes me feel good at the end of the day.
Yes, hobbies are a wonderful thing. I like the way you incorporate so much variety into what you do. This probably sustains your interest.
I think physical hobbies are very good ,
its even better if you have someone to share it with my wife and i love to fish . we both have stressfull jobs so its nice to have a relief
Fishing is a great stress reliever Daniel. It's also a great way to spend quality time with friends and family.
I find peace in other forms of art. I expand my mind in the 3rd dimension. I work with my hands, I make wood beads, I make necklaces, I make wire sculptures, I illustrate, I invent solutions to problems around my house.
Whenever I come to a mental block, I take 1-3 hours depending on the stress level to step away and completely disassociate myself from the situation. When I come back, the problem seems so small and simple, I can handle it in minutes.
Wow David, It sounds like you have some very creative outlets. That's great. Also, research does show that taking a step back from our problems really can help us solve them more effectively when we return to them later.
I look forward to my hobbies, but you can even turn everyday chores in to stress reducers...like clean house with music or stretching while folding laundry...it just takes a few moments to take off the edge.
These are really creative ideas! Thanks for sharing Regan!
I agree with cleaning the house while listening to music can be a great stress reliever. I also like to read something I never have the chance to read, or even write a poem or write something based off of a creative prompt since I love writing. Doing something I love to do in the middle of being stressed can ease the weight that I sometimes feel is on me.
It's great to hear you are able to mode switch between completing stressful tasks and doing things that you enjoy. Most people can't work back and forth like that.
I agree that activities outside the realm of your job resposibilities can be a great stress relieving source. Taking your mind off problems and unfinished business is the key to mental stress reduction and should be practiced by everyone. Mitchell Becker
