One thing I can say I learned to do in 2022 is enjoy my hobbies. My anxious mind struggles to enjoy my free time without guilt, something I’m sure many people within our society so driven by achievement can relate to. This year I learned that not only can I enjoy my free time more through my hobbies, but I can use my hobbies to destress in my most tense times. With 2023 quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the new year beginning.
Running/Cardio Exercise
Before this year, I hated running. I have asthma and still haven’t mentally recovered from having to run the mile in the eighth grade. Starting slow and working on consistency is the most important step in picking up running. However difficult it may be to pick up, the positive effect of running on mental health is unmatched. When you run or complete even just ten minutes of cardiovascular exercise, blood circulation to the brain and electrical activity within the brain is increased leading to a feeling of runner’s high and relief from stress.
Reading
As a student, I often view reading as a chore. However, reading is a great resource to reduce stress and boost your brain connectivity. Whether it’s a novel, non-fiction, comic, or anything else you enjoy, reading has many benefits. When you read, your heart rate is lowered and the tension in your muscles is relaxed. Reading allows your to use your imagination in a way that many others parts of life do not.
Crocheting/Knitting
Learning to crochet is one of my favorite things I did in 2022. I purchased some inexpensive crochet hooks and some yarn and spent some time on YouTube watching tutorials, but as soon as I made it passed the learning curve, crocheting became one of my most effective stress relievers and mood boosters. Knitting is similar to crocheting, in that the rhythm and repetitive actions of these activities help with serotonin release in the brain. The control of creating something new also helps calm and refocus our minds in the busy nature of life- plus you can make some really cute projects.
Journaling
As long as your have somewhere to track your thoughts, you can journal. Even the notes app of your phone can suffice for this hobby. Sometimes we don’t understand how we really feel about a situation until we get our thoughts out of our minds. Tracking thoughts, feelings, and encounters can help us process our days and track progress over time. Through journaling, one can participate in a psychology tactic called positive reappraisal, in which you reframe your thoughts about an experience to become neutral or positive.
Singing or Picking Up a Musical Instrument
Whether or not you feel like you have a musical ear, I firmly believe that anyone can experience the healing effects of music. Singing and playing a musical instrument has been observed to lower blood pressure and cortisol which leads to a feeling of relief from stress. Though this hobby might take a little time to learn, the internet gives everyone the power to learn a new musical skill.
Cooking and Baking
With Thanksgiving coming up, it may be the perfect time to learn to cook. Beyond the holiday, cooking and baking have a positive effect on mental health by improving goal-driven behavior and can even help limit procrastination. Cooking provides a positive break from tedious work or school activities. Ultimately, cooking lets you experiment and exercise your creativity.