Do you have too much stress in your life? If you feel burnt out and are in need of some rest and relaxation, then the stress relieving hobbies shared in this article can help you take your mind off of whatever is causing you stress!
The key is to find a stress relieving hobby that you love. Luckily, there are plenty of options. That said, we've rounded up the best hobbies to reduce stress! But before we dive into our list, let’s talk about why you should try to reduce stress in the first place.
Why should you reduce stress?
So, why should you reduce your stress levels? After all, stress seems like such an unavoidable part of life for most of us. But unfortunately, stress can lead to long-term health consequences including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.
With all of these negative consequences of stress, reducing the issue as much as possible makes sense. The goal of picking up a hobby is not to eliminate stress completely. But instead, bring your stress level down to a more manageable level.
The benefits of reducing stress are extensive. But two big reasons to reduce stress include getting yourself in a better headspace to pursue financial and career goals. Without stress holding you back, you can reach your full potential. The good news is that there are many stress relieving hobbies.
17 Stress relieving hobbies to help you relax
It shouldn’t be too hard to find a hobby that you love. Below I cover some of the top suggestions. But view this list as a starting point.
If you don’t find a hobby that strikes your fancy, don’t give up on the idea of picking up a hobby. Instead, move forward with another hobby that calls to you. Let's get into them!
1. Journal writing
Writing down your thoughts in a journal is one of the best hobbies to reduce stress. Personally, I turn to my journal when I need to work through a particularly thorny issue. There’s something about putting pen to paper that feels very calming.
Not sure how to get started? Then check out our guide on journaling for self care. Or if you are looking for a way to relieve stress around your relationship with money, consider a spending journal instead.
2. Playing musical instruments
Do you love music? Take your passion to the next level by playing a musical instrument. Although it will take some time to become proficient in any skill, learning how to play an instrument can be a fun way to reduce stress.
If you aren’t ready to start playing, then consider listening to music that provides stress relief. For example, you could dedicate more time to listening to your favorite artist to reduce stress.
3. Puzzles
A puzzle is a challenge that can be fun to solve. You can pick up a puzzle with a picture that interests you. It might be surprising how quickly your stress fades away when you are wrapped up in solving the puzzle in front of you.
Putting together puzzles is not only one of the best hobbies to reduce stress, but it's also a budget-friendly activity!
4. Gardening
Gardening is one of the best stress relieving hobbies to try. Whether you start an indoor plant collection or plant an extensive garden outside, gardening can help to reduce stress.
Throughout the gardening season, you will feel a growing sense of pride in your small plant empire. If you want to get seeds for free, check out your local library. Many offer seedbanks with plant varieties designed to thrive in your climate.
5. Knitting
Knitting is a repetitive task that can help you get your mind off of things. Personally, I love knitting! It allows me to feel somewhat productive while enjoying my downtime.
Plus, you can turn this newfound skill into a thoughtful gift. People love receiving handmade items. Even if it's something as small as a dishtowel.
6. Crocheting
Although crocheting also involves yarn, it is a different skill than knitting. Instead of using two knitting needles, you’ll use one crochet hook. Crocheting is another great craft to pick up. If you can master the skill, you’ll be able to create all sorts of beautiful items.
7. Drawing
Drawing is another great way to relieve stress. It’s a great way to clear your mind while focusing on the page in front of you.
If you don’t feel up to freestyle drawing, consider picking up an adult coloring book. With lines to guide you, there will be a beautiful image on the page in no time.
8. Dancing
Whether you want to dance around the living room or find a dance class, this form of exercise can help you let loose. This physical activity can help keep your body busy for a while. With a little bit of time spent dancing, you might come back to your problem with a fresh outlook.
9. Exercising
Dancing isn’t the only way to get your heart rate pumping. According to the Mayo Clinic, almost any form of exercise can help decrease your stress.
So, it’s up to you to pick which physical activity best suits your life. A few stress relieving hobbies to consider include running, playing sports, yoga, swimming, and walking.
10. Baking
Baking is one hobby that results in delicious goodies. The process of baking can help to take your mind off of whatever is causing you stress. If you aren’t sure where to get started, try a simple baking challenge.
For example, you could start by making your very first batch of cupcakes. Baking is one of the greatest stress relieving hobbies that also makes your home smell amazing!
11. Cooking
Although you may hate cooking or only cook to survive, cooking can become an art form. Not only will you have a delicious meal, but also enjoy the moments of peace in your kitchen.
If possible, try to focus on cooking healthy meals that align with your ultimate goal of stress reduction.
12. Reading
Does a temporary escape into another world sound appealing? That’s what you’ll find in a good novel. Luckily, there is no shortage of great options to choose from.
And the best part is that you can pick up this stress relieving hobby without spending a dime. Instead, head down to your local library to check out a free book.
13. Gaming
Another way to escape your current reality is to start gaming. Most games are centered in a new world without any relationship to whatever is causing your stress.
As with all hobbies, you’ll need to make sure you don’t indulge too much. Otherwise, gaming could become an unhealthy activity that adds to your stress levels.
14. Painting
Picking up a paintbrush can help you reduce stress. That’s true whether or not you’ve taken a painting class. There are no rules that should stop you from giving it a try.
If you aren’t sure where to get started, consider a paint by numbers option. But if you want to take things to the next level, give a painting class a try. Painting is one of the most fun hobbies to reduce stress.
15. Volunteering
Volunteering your time and talents is a way to give back to your community. Although the priority of volunteering should be to help other people, donating your time gives you the chance to set aside your stress for a little while.
Take a minute to think about how you’d like to make the world a better place. Then find an organization that needs volunteers like you.
16. Camping
Spending time in nature is an amazing way to reconnect with what’s important. And that often helps you reduce stress. Even if you can’t commit to an entire night out of the house, consider going for a hike in nature.
17. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a crafty way to relive your favorite memories. Essentially, you combine visual arts with journaling to produce a beautiful finished product full of favorite moments.
You can scrapbook alone. But it’s also possible to scrapbook as a group, which can lead to even more stress relief.
These stress relieving hobbies can help you unwind!
Some amount of stress is unavoidable for most. But finding healthy ways to reduce stress is possible. Instead, of risking your finances with stress shopping, consider these stress relieving hobbies as a new outlet.
For even more ideas check out our post "70 Best Indoor Hobbies To Try Out." Which of these hobbies will you be trying out first?