Last updated on February 13th, 2022 at 08:36 pm
Introduction
Stress is actually a normal part of life, as it is our body’s physical and mental response to difficult things in life. However, when stress is constantly happening (chronic), this has a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, for many people, stress is more often a chronic thing as opposed to only being occasional, and work is rated among some of the most stressful things in life.
Burnout at work is very common, so it’s important to take breaks to refresh your mind and body during the workday and to take breaks from work altogether. What also helps with work stress is finding hobbies to enjoy outside of work. Here are some of the best stress-relieving hobbies to take up.
#1: Creative Activities
The Journal of The American Art Therapy Association states that just 45 minutes of engaging in the creative arts can decrease stress, even if you don’t consider yourself to be any good at art. Focusing on creative activities such as painting, drawing, and coloring forces you to focus on what you’re creating, taking your mind off of your stressful workday. Psychologists say that your mind goes into a state that is similar to meditation. Scrapbooking is another creative art form to try if you don’t feel up to using paint, pencils, and other art mediums to create art.
Two other creative forms, music and writing, are also good hobbies to look into to relieve your work-related stress. Similar to drawing and painting, writing allows you to release your feelings that may be too hard to verbally express. Keeping a daily journal or even writing short stories are both great ways to express your thoughts. When it comes to music, listening to it is therapeutic for most people, but actually creating it becomes even more powerful when relieving stress.
#2: Fishing
Fishing is a hobby that is popular among the older generations, but it is becoming more popular with younger people too. Fishing is a relaxing hobby that allows you to be outside in the fresh air and sunlight, which is beneficial to both mental and physical health. Studies have shown that being around nature relaxes the mind. There are also different types of fishing to engage in— freshwater fishing, ice fishing, big game fishing, saltwater fishing— all of which provide the same stress-relieving benefits. If you’re unfamiliar with any of these types of fishing, Tailored Tackle is a great resource to learn more about it.
Fishing is also a physical hobby, allowing you to reap the same benefits you would have if you were doing some form of mild exercise. Exercising is also a great way to relieve stress after a long day of work.
#3: Gardening
Like fishing, gardening provides you the opportunity to be outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight, surrounded by nature. It’s a more quiet and relaxing hobby, yet it still allows you to get in some physical activity, especially if you’re digging larger holes to plant bigger flora. This act of being productive and caring for another living thing increases serotonin in the brain, which stabilizes our mood and makes us feel happy.
#4: Reading
Another popular hobby, reading has a long list of benefits that go beyond relieving stress. Reading sharpens the mind, prevents cognitive decline; builds your vocabulary; strengthens your brain; and it’s a great way to wind down before bed, helping you to sleep better at night. In addition to all of these benefits, reading allows your mind to temporarily visit another place, making you forget about your stressful day at work
Stress, whether stemming from work or your personal life, can’t be avoided 100% of the time, but there are healthy ways for you to manage it. Regular exercise (whether it’s light exercise or heavy exercise), eating nutritiously, and socializing with those you care about are all great ways to manage your work-related stress, in addition to taking time for yourself to enjoy a relaxing hobby.
