Unfortunately, stress is something that everybody will inevitably experience at some point or another in their lives. The teenage years are especially turbulent, what with the pressure of school, exams, and the overall tricky transition from childhood into adulthood. However, stress isn't something that you should have to put up with. Steps can be taken to reduce it, such as by talking to loved ones, doing meditation and breath exercises, and pursuing hobbies that make you happy.
The latter will be the focus of this article. Hobbies are a great way of getting away from your worries as enable you to focus on something else and in turn increase your mental well-being. The hobby doesn't have to be something extreme in order to reduce stress — it can be as small as going for a walk. The important thing is that you're doing an activity that brings you joy.
Read on for ideas of relaxing hobbies that will hopefully help you unwind!
1. Journaling
Having an outlet where you can write down your thoughts and feelings can be a source of great comfort. One of the best things about journaling is how simple it is; all you need is a notepad and pen, and you can begin immediately!
There's no particular thing you have to write about, simply jot down whatever's going through your mind, whether it's a friendship problem or holiday plans for next summer.
While some people may enjoy writing pages about their day, others find this to be a daunting prospect. If this is the case for you, don't worry! You could try taking up a one-line-a-day journal. These often span over five years. All you need to do is write one line about your day every day. This is a lower-effort option, but just as enjoyable.
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2. Clay modelling
Clay modelling hobby is another one that's easy to take up — all you need is some air-dry clay and a pot of water to keep the clay from drying out. Clay modelling is a good hobby to take up if you're new to arts and crafts, as it caters to your skill level — what you create can be as extravagant or as simple as you like. If you want to begin with something simple, you can try making a trinket dish for your jewelry before moving on to more complex creations like vases and trays when you're more experienced.
With clay modelling, the options are truly endless, so let your imagination run wild. The most important thing is you have fun doing it and enjoy taking your worries out by pummeling a piece of clay!
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3. Hiking/walking:
Numerous studies have shown just how beneficial being in nature is for people's mental well-being. With winter coming to an end and warm weather fast approaching, now's the perfect time to take up hiking.
Fill a backpack with snacks, grab a friend or just your earphones, and get yourself outside. If you're feeling ambitious, you can try hiking somewhere advanced such as a mountain, but if not, your local park works just as well — the important thing is being outside and building an active lifestyle.
If you want to make walking a habit, you can try incorporating it into your everyday life, such as by walking to school instead of going by transport.
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4. Coloring
Coloring is a hobby many of us loved when we were young but drifted away from as we got older. However, the last few years have seen a resurgence of interest in coloring, with many beginning to appreciate just how much of a calming, low-effort activity it is. Studies suggest that coloring can decrease feelings of fatigue and body aches, making it a great hobby to take up if you're someone with an active, toiling lifestyle.
Coloring's popularity means that you can get coloring books on pretty much whatever interests you; nature, animals, space, Marvel — it's all out there, so grab a coloring book and pens and enjoy an hour or two of therapeutic coloring. A great thing about this hobby is it can be equally enjoyed alone or with someone else.
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5. Gardening
If you're bored of seeing plain old grass in your garden, then why not try taking up gardening?
Not only is it satisfying to help plants thrive, but gardening also provides numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that gardening is good for mental health, improves the immune system, and can even help you sleep better.
Colourful flowers like daffodils and sunflowers are great to grow if you're after something that provides aesthetic appeal, while vegetables such as carrots and onions are a good option if you want to grow something that will grant you a physical, useful reward. Gardening will leave you revitalised as well as make your garden look amazing!
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6. Scrapbooking
If you're the type of person who enjoys collecting memories and indulging in creativity, then you may find it worthwhile to start a scrapbook. To get involved in this hobby, all you need to do is buy a scrapbook from your local arts and crafts store and then have fun filling the pages with photos, notes, washi tapes, and stickers. You can make it as maximalist or as minimalist as you like.
Scrapbooks are a more exciting way of preserving memories compared to plain old photo albums. They're also fun to make and a good reminder of all the amazing things that have happened in your life, as well as make you look forward to the things yet to come that will soon be recorded in your scrapbook!
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7. Baking
Baking is a highly popular hobby, and for good reason. Not only is the end result a reward in itself, but the process is enjoyable and will leave your kitchen smelling delicious!
Part of baking's appeal is how versatile it is; no matter your level of expertise, there's a recipe out there for you. If you consider yourself a total newbie to baking, why not try baking these three-ingredient peanut butter cookies or this easy chocolate fudge cake.
Baking is a perfect hobby for those with a busy lifestyle as you can cater it to your schedule. If you have a few hours to spare, you can give making macarons a shot, or if you only have a half hour, you could try whipping up a quick batch of brownies.
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8. Kintsugi
If you're someone who considers themselves creative, then the Japanese art of kintsugi is the perfect activity for you to try.
Kintsugi involves repairing broken pottery or ceramics using glue and powdered gold to forge the pieces back together. It reminds the maker of how, just because something is broken, doesn't make it bad; rather, its flaws are what make it interesting.
Kintsugi is perfect for those seeking to take up an art-related hobby that is more hands-on than just pens and paper. Once you've made your kintsugi creations, they can be used for eating, storing jewellery, or even just decoration.
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9. Cycling
Next on our list is cycling. This is a great option for those who don't find hikes appealing, but still want to take up an outdoor hobby. Not only is cycling beneficial for your body, but it's also great for your mind, as it releases the hormone endorphins which are responsible for making you feel good.
Cycling can be adopted as an occasional hobby, something to do on a Saturday with a friend, or even as an everyday activity by integrating it into your lifestyle. For example, you could make a habit of always cycling to school or the supermarket.
If you think cycling could be a good hobby for you but you don't have a bike, fear not! Many cities offer services where you can hire one out for a day or a few hours, giving you the opportunity to test out whether this hobby is for you before making the plunge and buying a bike.
10. Knitting
Knitting is a suitable hobby for people who like being productive, but still want a hobby that will allow them to unwind. The internet is filled with videos and articles on how to knit different things. All you need to do is look up a tutorial for what you want to make, buy your equipment, and get started.
Knitting is another hobby that has health benefits as it improves cognitive function and fine motor skills, as well as lowers blood pressure.
If you find yourself really getting into knitting, you could even try turning it into a business; you would be surprised by just how many people out there are willing to buy homemade knitted creations.
Im​​​​​​age Credit: ​Rocknwool from Unsplash
So there you have it: a list of ten hobbies that you can take up to help you unwind. Incorporating relaxing hobbies into your life is a great way of ensuring you get some time to unwind away from the worries of everyday life. I would recommend giving a few of them a try before definitively deciding on one to keep, as you may be suprised by what you end up enjoying!