Are You Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Down?
We all know that leisure is Important To Your Mental Health, but do you Schedule it Practically?
It’s time to shake up your routine and try new leisure activities to boost your mental health.
Backed by scientific research, here are 5 fun and engaging hobbies to try:
1. Exercise: Get Moving for a Mood Boost
Studies show [1] that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The best part? You only need 30 minutes a day!
Try exercising first thing in the morning [2] to get an energizing start to your day, soak up some mood-boosting vitamin D [3] from the sun, and breathe in all you want of that rejuvenating morning breeze.
2. Read Your Way to Relaxation
Reading isn’t just for learning—it can also be a powerful tool for mental health.
Diving into a good book has been shown [4] to reduce stress and lower heart rates.
Set aside 30 minutes each day to read—whether it’s a classic novel, how to deal with toxic people, or how to forgive what you can’t forget—and you’ll be sure to feel more relaxed and connected.
3. Take a Long Walk
Studies have found [5] that long walks, especially in quiet spaces, can decrease rumination (repetitive negative thinking) and boost mood.
Hence, you could take one in nature or your neighborhood when everything is quieter (early morning, late night).
Use this time to unplug from technology and have a productive walking meditation [6].
Assess your daily habits, remind yourself of your future goals, or even plan the next day.
4. Get Crafty
Engaging in 3D activities [7] like cleaning, organizing, or rearranging your living space can calm the mind.
The act of creating order out of chaos triggers a sense of control and accomplishment, which can alleviate anxiety and depression.
Plus, you’ll have a more peaceful, aesthetically pleasing environment – win-win!
5. Connect with Loved Ones
As social creatures, we thrive on meaningful connections with others.
Scheduling regular deep conversations with friends and family can provide a much-needed outlet for sharing thoughts and feelings.
Don’t be afraid to open up about what’s on your mind—verbalizing your worries and seeking support can be incredibly therapeutic [8].
Conclusion
So there you have 5 fun, science-backed leisure activities to boost your mental health.
Whether you get active, get lost in a book, get outside, get organized, or talk, you will see the positive effects on your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to try something new!
