Having a fun hobby can do wonders for your wellbeing. Many hobbies can help to reduce stress, promote healthy physical activity, build friendships and boost creativity. Spending your downtime doing something enjoyable and productive is a sure way to lead a healthier, happier life. Here are 5 cool hobbies that will positively impact your physical and emotional health.
1. Gardening
Gardening has been proven to have many physical and mental health benefits. Spending time in nature and digging in the dirt can help to reduce stress, decrease blood pressure and improve your mood. Working in a garden is also a fun type of aerobic exercise that incorporates many full-body work-out moves, including stretching, lifting, pulling and pushing. Doing this as a hobby can help to improve your strength and flexibility and increase your energy levels over time. Additionally, the endorphins released during exercise will make you feel happy and may help you to view life more optimistically. If you don’t have enough outdoor room to create a garden, consider investing in some grow lights that will help your indoor plants to stay healthy all year round. Gardening is indeed a cool hobby, and the health benefits of gardening are truly worth benefiting from.
2. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is rewarding in many ways. The act of giving back can give you the senses of fulfilment and purpose and is a great way to build confidence – challenging you to try new things, learn new skills and achieve goals. Volunteer work has social benefits too: giving you the opportunity to be a part of a strong community. It allows you to meet different types of people, make new friends and have fun, all while making a positive impact on society. There are always charities looking for extra help. Look for opportunities to become a regular volunteer in your area, whether that involves volunteering at the local animal shelter, helping out at a charity event or fundraiser, or working in a charity office.
3. Owning a Pet
Owning a pet has been shown to be one of the best ways to improve physical and emotional well-being. A pet provides a sense of companionship, which helps to prevent feeling socially isolated, and potentially reduces the chances of depression. Having your beloved pet by your side positively impacts your mood, helping to reduce stress, anxiety and tension. The responsibility of looking after an animal also keeps you active, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve physical health.
4. The Arts
The arts provide an array of opportunities to delve into your creative side. For instance, painting or writing allow you to tap into your feelings, thoughts and desires, and translate them into a piece of artwork you’re passionate about. Having this outlet for self-expression is great for reducing stress and providing a sense of peace and well-being. Expressing yourself through music or photography is also fantastic for boosting happiness and creativity. Getting involved in groups to practice the arts is also a great way to make friends – with performing arts such as dancing or acting often supported by strong communities. Rehearsing for a play or practicing a dance can provide you with a unique bonding experience with other like-minded artists.
5. Yoga
Yoga can benefit people of any age or fitness level, being of the best ways to improve muscle strength, energy levels, and cardio and circulatory health. It is an effective form of exercise and also has a positive impact on emotional well-being. Yoga encourages you to practice mindfulness, which helps you to ease stress. Therefore, doing yoga as a regular activity will help you to keep a relaxed, positive mindset and maintain better overall health.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Harper Reid is a freelance writer from Auckland, New Zealand who is passionate about healthy living and fitness. When not writing, you’ll find her practicing yoga or checking out the latest fitness trends. You can find more of her work on Tumblr.
