In today’s fast-paced world, we can face a lot of stressors, like health, relationships, and work.
As a result, many folks find themselves facing anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. What this means is that some serious stress relief is needed.
That’s what these 15 anxiety-relieving hobbies are for!
Some relaxing, cheering hobbies will not only help you feel better (which is important), but they will also help you feel more capable when it’s time to get back to work!
1. Have a Peaceful Tea Ceremony
In the Western world, most of us know little about tea, what makes a true tea, its history, and how to bring out its efficacy and flavor.
Actually, most of what Westerners consider tea are actually herbal tisanes. A genuine tea is one made with the Camellia sinensis leaf. This has its own distinct flavor. There are also all kinds of true tea, from Oolong to Pu’er!
Next, you may wish to try a tea ceremony, perhaps starting with simple Leaves in a Bowl.
These ceremonies will teach you how to serve and prepare tea in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.
What with the fragrant teas and gentle pouring of steaming water, a tea ceremony is an ancient method of anxiety relief, as well as a way to elevate the self.
2. Become a Passionate Bird Watcher
Bird watching is not the sole province of retired folks; anyone can take a few moments out of their day to sit and watch a bird feeder, or even take a little nature walk.
The birds that you glimpse in passing day to day are just a fraction of the birds you can see up-close at your feeder!
Lesser Goldfinches are quite common, and these are just larger than a hummingbird and bright, canary-yellow.
Or, if you’re lucky, you might glimpse an indigo bunting, whose body is primarily an iridescent, indigo blue color!
Just make sure to clean your feeder at least once a week, or your feathered friends could become seriously sick.
Also, be sure to place any feeders out of view of land or sky predators (hidden in the leave of a tree is ideal).
You’re also likely to see a few birds on a hike if you know to look! To identify any birds you see, all that you need to do is make a quick search online, or refer to a bird guidebook.
3. Craft Your Own Jewelry
Believe it or not, nearly anyone can become a jewelry maker (of course, you will need to practice in order to hone your skill).
You can start with just some beads and yarn from your local craft store or online, or even try your hand at precious metals and a solder.
Not only is this a nice way to get your mind off things, but you also end up with a pretty bit of jewelry to sell or wear!
4. Give Candlemaking a Try
Candles are wonderfully relaxing, with their pleasant fragrance and cozy glow! If you’re a fan of candles, have you ever considered making some yourself?
This will allow you to customize every aspect, from the base -whether paraben wax, soy, coconut oil, or a mix- to the fragrance to the shape and color.
All that you need to get started is the base of your choice, the fragrance of your choice, a mold or two, and some wick.
Complete guide to candle making here!
5. Learn to Play an Instrument
At first, learning an instrument might just sound like hard work. Actually, the basics are not very hard to get down, and these will open up a lot of songs that are suitable for a beginner!
What’s more, the ritual of practice gives your restless mind somewhere to focus, while you are given a chance to make some music and maybe even express yourself.
The combination of discipline and freedom creates a balance, encouraging you to relax.
6. Hike (Enjoy Some Sunlight and Fresh Air)
If you’re not a fan of roughing it, maybe you’ve never seen yourself as much of a hiker. Fortunately, there are plenty of trails that are more nature walks.
These allow you to get some light exercise, take it easy, and take in the gorgeous sights and fresh air at a forest or park.
It’s a great way to get away for a bit; and potentially, a potent source of anxiety relief. Just make sure not to forget a first aid kit, a water bottle or two, and an energizing snack!
Adventure hobby guide, Read more here.
7. Escape into a Good Book/Audiobook
If you’ve never been much of a reader, it’s possible you just haven’t found the right book. If it’s a good fit, a book can take you elsewhere as well or better than a movie or TV.
If dyslexia is a deterrent, an excellent way to still enjoy an enthralling tale is a quality audiobook.
8. Become a Crystal Collector
If you like cool-looking stones or are interested in the metaphysical (or both), you may like to become a crystal collector.
There are many more crystals besides the lovely-but-a-tad-cliche Rose Quartz, such as sky-blue, striated kyanite, lava-made obsidian, tourmaline (which resembles a dragon scale), and labradorite (which looks like nothing so much as a wizard’s stone).
Some crystals are also said to have metaphysical properties and may provide grounding (calming and focusing), energize and uplift you, repel negative energy and entities, etc.
It all depends on what you believe personally and what you’re looking for!
9. Make Soap at Home (Pick Your Own Scent and Color)
Soap: a necessity that, more often than not, has little romance to it. Not only that, but many soaps are harsh on the skin, containing chemicals and unnatural fragrances that are downright unpleasant.
This is, no doubt, why homemade soap has become so popular!
Homemade soap can be crafted with only the best, skin-nourishing ingredients, not to mention, you get to choose the fragrance, shape, and color!
Best soap making gift sets here
All that you need are a few oils (such as palm oil, avocado butter, shea butter, etc.), lye, and your choice of fragrance or color, and you can create your own, custom soap bar.
Not only is it fun to create a bubbling brew, the scents, creamy oils, and colors are soothing to gently mix together. When it comes to hobbies to help ease your anxiety, soap-making just might do the trick!
Learn how to make soap at home here!
10. Start Your Own Little Garden Plot
Gardening is one of the all-time best ways to get backs in touch with the earth and your roots.
There is something healing about the tactile feeling of soft, rich soil, the springy, enthusiastic green growth that rejoices to receive water.
What’s more, you’ll get some fresh-grown produce out of the deal (fresh tomatoes and strawberries are to-die-for). In a nutshell, gardening is an excellent way to renew your connection with nature, get some sunshine and fresh air, and relax.
11. Try Your Hand at Being a Forager
If you like being out in nature, and like the taste of fresh fruit, greens, or mushrooms, then you just might make a great forager. This is a fun and relaxing hobby that allows you to enjoy natural sights and fresh air… all while looking for a free, fresh snack.
It’s important that you know a few key things before you get started, however!
First off, anything poisonous that might look similar to what you’re foraging. Secondly, endangered plants to avoid, and proper foraging etiquette.
For example, forage only up to ⅓ of what you see in any one berry patch or mushroom cluster, as this leaves some for hungry wildlife and allows the land to recover!
Read our complete guide to foraging here!
12. Sculpt With Clay
Even if you’ve never considered yourself much of an artist, can be a calming and really rewarding hobby. You can start very small, using mediums like polymer clay to make miniature food, mythical creatures, pendants, you name it.
If you feel so inclined, you can even move up to life-like dolls, ball-jointed dolls, and other projects that are more complex.
13. Make Meditation an Important Part of Your Day
This one may seem a bit obvious, and yet, meditation is largely misunderstood. Many see it as an obscure spiritual practice. In reality, it’s a simple mental exercise and meant to help you calm your emotions and get your thoughts in order.
Over time, calming yourself and finding clarity will become ever easier!
All that this beneficial, life-enhancing and amazingly calming hobby requires of you is a brief, 10-minute break. That, as well as a quiet spot (ideally), some deep, healthy breathing, and a bit of focus and willpower!
14. Care for a Sweet and Needy Animal
If you don’t have an animal companion, you may want to get one. Animals are selfless, loyal friends and don’t receive as much recognition as they should.
They offer an unconditional kind of love that you will rarely find elsewhere, and they ask little in return (only some attention, food, and care).
Rescue animals are highly recommended, as they need you, making the adoption very meaningful.
If you don’t want a pet of your own but would like to enjoy interacting with one, you can always try volunteering at a shelter, or even find work as a pet sitter (read: hanging with a cat, rabbit, turtle, or pup). Or, you can always foster!
15. Transform Ordinary Rocks With Your Own Rock Tumbler
Rock tumbling can be heaps of fun, if you like rocks – this is definitely a requirement. A rock tumbler can turn even the plainest of rocks into something shiny, colorful, and full of wonder. Hunting for the rocks in nature can also be a lark – and a great way to relax!
So, there you have it: 15 of the top hobbies to help ease your anxiety. This is an all-too-common ailment that can really take some of the pleasure out of life.
Fortunately, finding effective ways to manage your anxiety and relax can make your quality of life significantly higher!
