In a fast-paced world of deadlines, devices and noise, the 20-year-old actor says focusing on yourself is more important than ever. That’s because hobbies are anything but idle pursuits – they’re powerful mood enhancers, stress relievers and mental health boosters.
Below, we take a look at some popular hobbies that can boost your mental well-being and add more joy and balance to your routine.
1. Gardening: Growing Peace and Positivity
Many refer to gardening as “nature’s therapy.” The deep satisfaction and calm that comes from planting seeds, fostering growth, and watching flowers bloom are all readily available.
Example: Tending to plants for just 30 minutes can lower your cortisol (stress hormone) and instantly improve your mood.
The takeaway: When you nurse your plants, they help you nurse peace of mind.
2. Painting and Drawing for Expression
Art is the way to communicate your non-verbal thoughts and emotions. No matter if you’re sketching, coloring or painting, letting your creativity flow will relax the mind.
Example: Art therapy is commonly used to help people cope with anxiety, depression and trauma.
The takeaway: Creativity is healing; it’s not about perfection, it’s about expression.
3. Journaling and Creative Writing
It’s also a way of processing feelings, reflecting on experiences and getting clear. It’s a good way to vent worries and see your own growth over time.
Example: Maintaining a gratitude journal can make you a lot happier and less stressed.
Takeaway: Writing transforms inner chaos into clarity and calm.
4. The Joy of Cooking and Baking Mindfully
Cooking is not just about food — it’s about creativity, patience and sensory pleasure. Preparing and eating can really be very grounding.
Example: Cooking something by the numbers, like meditation, can help you be in the moment.
The takeaway: Cooking nourishes both your body and your mind.
5. Reading for Relaxation and Escape
A good book does take you to another world, and gives your mind a moment of rest and redirection. Reading fiction has been shown to increase empathy, while self-help books are associated with personal growth.
For example, just 15–20 minutes of reading each day can reduce stress levels by a whopping 68%!!!
Takeaway: Books are doors to peace, creativity and understanding.
6. Photography: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Photography fosters mindfulness — it trains you to slow down, look and appreciate little moments. Taking photos of the beauty around you puts your mind on gratitude instead of stress.
Example: Nature or street photography is a creative meditation for lots of photographers.
The takeaway: Your lens is your way to search for tranquility and perspective.
7. Yoga and Meditation Practice
Yoga practice includes controlled breathing and a variety of poses, with focus on mindfulness, which is why yoga is one of the best hobbies for mental health. It is good for the body and good for the mind.
Example: Physically performing yoga on a daily basis can decrease levels of anxiety, increase energy and enhance emotional health.
The takeaway: Yoga brings the mind, body and spirit into balance.
8. Music: Listening, Playing, or Creating
The impact of Music on Emotions Music is powerful in emotions. Grab your instrument, sing along or just listen to some of your favorite tunes — music can relieve stress and raises dopamine (the “happy” chemical).
Example: Practicing guitar or piano engages both hemispheres of the brain, which can increase focus and mood.
The lesson: Music is the therapy of speechless things.
9. Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Simply put, it’s one of the easiest and most effective methods to get in high spirits. Hiking is exercise melded with nature therapy, a rare opportunity to break free from screens and from being too hard on yourself.
Example: Research indicates that frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and boosts creativity.
The message: Nothing clears the mind like fresh air and open skies.
10. Crafting and DIY Projects
Handcrafted crafts, knitting or pottery or even DIY home décor can be extremely rewarding. They are drives factor in focus, creativity and satisfaction.
So in theory, you meditate at the same time that you learn a skill. You’re supposed to both reflect and improve your mind while developing new capabilities.
The takeaway: Working with your hands can help you stay present — and chill out.
11. Dancing for Joy and Freedom
Dance gets your endorphins going, improves coordination and lets you express yourself fully. You don’t have to be a pro — just dance along.
“Zumba, hip hop or freestyle dancing can all make you get up and instantly feel better about yourself.
The bottom line: Just the act of moving is medicine – dance out your worries.
12. Volunteering and Giving Back
A strong feeling of purposefulness and belonging Helping others feels great. Volunteering combats loneliness and enhances mental health.
Example: Joining a local community group or animal shelter allows you to get out and give back.
The lesson: When you bring joy to others, you experience peace.
13. Learning a New Skill
It challenges your brain, builds confidence and keeps you engaged. It can be anything — a new language, coding, calligraphy.
Example: Even brief courses online spark curiosity and self improvement.
The finding: A continually curious mind is a youthful one.
14. Meditation Through Puzzles and Games
Games, puzzles and crosswords are ideal for mental stimulation and stress relief. They sharpen the mind and offer a wholesome diversion from the norm.
Example: Jigsaw puzzles or Sudoku help to hone focus and problem-solving exercises.
The lesson: If you can center, you can be centered.
15. Pet Care and Animal Companionship
Pets Provide Unconditional Love and Emotional Support. Animals playing with or being near animals lowers stress and reduces loneliness.
Example: It is proven, the studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and are happier.
A furry friend is the best kind of therapy.
Conclusion
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Scheduling time for you isn’t just about fun — it’s self-care. Whether you dance or garden, each activity is an opportunity to slow down, express yourself and reconnect with what really counts.
In a busy world, hobbies give you things to do when you need some balance in your life and remind us that happiness isn’t something you find it’s something you create.
FAQs:
Q1. How can hobbies benefit mental health?
By activating the brain’s Reward Center, coloring has a profound effect on your mental and emotional well-being.
Q2. What are the best hobbies to help alleviate anxiety?
Some other great practices to help still the mind include yoga, journaling painting or gardening.
Q3. What’s the correct amount of time to spend on hobbies every day?
And even just a home half hour or an hour of hobby time does wonders for mental health.
Q4. Are creative pursuits better for your mood than physical activities?
Both are helpful creative hobbies relax the mind, while physical ones can release endorphins and provide a surge of energy.
Q5. How do I find the right hobby for me?
Begin by thinking about what activities you engage in for which time seems to disappear and with it, feeling refreshed or inspired.
