We all experience stress from time to time. But some of us even suffer from chronic stress when we don’t take the time to de-stress often. The good news is the best way to combat stress is to change your environment by taking up a new hobby.
Much of the stress we feel comes from our environment. When something stresses us out it raises the stress hormone cortisol. If your cortisol levels are continually elevated by a busy schedule you will have a hard time finding time in your daily life to relax and de-stress.
Focusing on a new hobby will help you to live in the present moment, get some fresh air, and spend more time with friends and family members.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor. All opinions are my own.
Check out these 30 stress-reducing hobbies that you’ll wish you knew sooner!
1. Learn a New Language
If you’ve always wanted to learn a second, third, or fourth language now is a perfect time. With free apps like Duolingo, it’s super easy to learn a new language in only a few minutes per day!
This is a great way to use your brain and reduce your stress levels. It will give you something to look forward to and to do in your free time. Learning new skills will help reduce your stress.
2. Work Out
Working out is by far my favorite activity for stress relief. Using physical activity to get your heart rate up is an excellent way to combat stress and get healthier in the process!
If you can’t get to the gym, you can work out at home!
3. Start a Nature Journal
Starting a nature journal will get you outside and enjoying nature. Start by going into your backyard and looking and listening to your surroundings. Write down the date, temperature, and weather conditions, and draw something you saw or heard.
It’s so relaxing!
4. Take up Photography
Even if you don’t have a professional camera, taking up photography to a great hobby. You can just use your smartphone! While you’re at it you can even learn to edit your photos like a pro!
5. Make Your Own Health & Beauty Products
Do you like to try new DIY projects? You can get lip balm-making kits online with all the necessary ingredients or even make your own hand sanitizer with this recipe!
6. Give Yourself a Home Manicure
Do you like getting your nails done? Why not give yourself a home manicure?
Choose from these trending nail colors and you’ll have fresh gorgeous nails in no time!
7. Learn Chalkboard Art
Chalkboard art is a great spin on traditional drawing. If you have a chalkboard and some chalk, turn on your creativity, start drawing, and see where it takes you!
We use chalkboard contact paper that sticks right to the wall and makes an instant chalkboard!
8. Learn to Crochet
Crocheting is a super relaxing hobby that’s also very rewarding because you end up with a new pair of socks or a beanie when you’re finished! All you need is some yarn and a crochet needle to get started!
9. Start Tracking Your Habits
Think of all the daily habits you would like to accomplish that will help you to feel happier and less stressed. Then start tracking your habits and see how much happier you feel!
10. Learn to Bake
Baking is another hobby that you’ll love the results! I love baking this super simple flour-free banana bread recipe!
11. Learn to Hand Letter
Hand lettering is a wonderful skill to have and a great option for hobbies you can learn at home. Do a quick Pinterest search and you’ll find a ton of easy tutorials. Then once you’ve practiced, you can use your new skill to send beautiful letters to your friends and family!
12. Learn to Cook
Everyone has to cook every day so why not learn a few new recipes? I’m sure you’ll enjoy spicing up your diet a little as a result!
13. Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful hobby to relieve stress because it gets you outside in nature and gets your body moving. It’s a win-win!
14. Reading
Curling up with a good book can be a great hobby to reduce stress! You only need a few minutes of reading a day to feel the calming effects.
15. Walking
Have you ever heard of a mental health walk? Walking is excellent for your mental health and you can do it just about anywhere. Try a pair of grounding barefoot sandals for added health benefits!
16. Read The Bible
Reading the bible every day had been shown to reduce stress and negative thoughts. Save some of your favorite bible verses so you can read them anytime you are feeling stressed.
17. Gardening
Gardening has so many mental health benefits. It gets you outside and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you see your garden start to grow!
18. Listen to Music
Put on your favorite tunes and watch your stress melt away!
19. Coloring
Coloring isn’t just for kids. Adult coloring books are a great way to get yourself into a positive mood. Coloring is one of the best creative activities for stress relief.
20. Eat Healthy Food
Eating unhealthy food can make you feel sluggish and foggy. This will increase your stress levels. Eating healthy food fuels your body so you to take on their day.
21. Spend Time in Nature
Nature has a profound effect on humans and can help release tension and help you feel more grounded. According to The Scientist, spending time in nature can improve your mental and physical well-being!
Anytime I am feeling unsettled or unhappy, I head outside and try to just soak in the nature around me. I always feel happier afterward!
22. Sleeping
I mean sleeping can be a hobby right?!
I recently watched a documentary that talked about how the brain uses our sleeping times to detox and reset. That is why sleep is so important for our overall well-being and the reduction of stress.
Try these night routines to get better sleep and reduce your stress!
23. Pray
People who practice any type of faith, prayer, or mediation are said to be calmer and happier.
Spending a few minutes in prayer every day being still and calm to focus on what’s important to you will increase your happiness and decrease your stress which is one of the main causes of unhappiness.
24. Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a great hobby to reduce stress and you can even enjoy them with your friends and family. Puzzles are a fun way to spend your time that helps you destress in the process!
25. Thrifting
I love thrifting! Head over to your local thrift store and spend some time browsing. You will likely find many unique items to bring home with you and you’ll have a great story to tell!
26. Shell or Rock Collecting
If you live near the beach or somewhere where there are rocks, try shell or rock collecting. This is a good way to get your mind off of a stressful day and appreciate the beauty of nature.
27. Biking
Riding a bike can be a great tool for stress management and you can do it in your spare time. Just get your bike out and start riding!
28. Paddleboard or Kayaking
If you live near water paddleboarding or kayaking is such a fun hobby! You can spend your leisure time out on the water and it’s a great stress reliever. We have blow-up paddleboards and we love taking them out on the water!
29. Start A Blog
Do you love writing? Try starting a blog of your own!
30. Get A Pet
Getting a new pet can be a big responsibility but the joy and happiness they will bring to your life will be well worth it!
I hope you enjoyed these great hobbies for stress reduction! Stress can be rough but there are always ways to get back into a positive mood and just know that a lot of people are going through the same thing.
Trying new hobbies will help you not to have as much stress. What’s most important is that you take care of yourself and enjoy the little moments in your life!
