Psychologists say this simple thing can help you overcome chronic stress
We’re all constantly told that we need to lessen our stress levels.
Chronic stress causes a variety of negative life outcomes, including depression and illnesses. In addition, it usually depresses us. But we don’t necessarily know how to lower our stress levels just because we know we should. Despite their many health benefits, some common stress-relieving techniques, like taking a walk or practising deep breathing, can be tedious.
The One Thing That Really Works
However, a hobby is one way to enjoy yourself while reducing stress!
A hobby doesn’t have to be something you’re naturally good at; it can be anything you do for enjoyment that you don’t intend to make money from. Consider a hobby as an enjoyable way to take care of yourself. You’re engaging in a pleasurable activity that enhances your mental and physical health and lowers cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone.
Read on to discover the stress-relieving advantages of hobbies and how to incorporate them into your daily life if you’re starting a new hobby.
Hobbies’ Stress-Relieving Benefits
Hobbies are an excellent way to reduce stress. According to Dr. Vidhya Sagar, clinical psychologist at Hope Trust, “One of the main benefits is that a hobby can help you cope with stressful events in your life. When engaging in a hobby, you are probably concentrating on that activity rather than considering any difficulties you might be having.”
Hobbies also allow our brains to unwind, he continues. You’re merely engaging in an enjoyable activity that helps your overworked mind to relax. Consequently, your stress levels may decrease.
Benefits to Physical and Mental Health
It includes not only the body but also the brain. “Having a hobby gives you a sense of purpose, which is a great psychological benefit,” Dr. Vidhya Sagar says. It’s also beneficial to your self-esteem. He continues, “Being better at anything, including hobbies, helps boost your self-esteem, which can help you realise your worth.”
Hobbies also give us something to look forward to, which is “psychologically important because it boosts motivation, promotes goal setting, and can improve overall mood,” according to Dr. Vidhya sagar. By engaging in hobbies, you can transform everyday negative stress into eustress—the positive kind of stress that comes from excitement.
Hobbies’ Social Benefits
Hobbies can be pursued alone, but engaging in activities with others can also be very healthy. According to Rajeshwari Luther, a psychologist at Hope Trust, “Loneliness is becoming an increasing problem in our society as many people spend endless hours online instead of socialising in person.”
Hobbies are a great way to meet people who share your interests and do something you enjoy. They provide a feeling of community and belonging.
Additionally, according to Rajeshwari, your hobbies can help you form connections and friendships that last a lifetime.
She says, “Whether taking part in a cooking class, attending a book club, or playing sports, these activities create an opportunity to bond with others.” This is because you already have a simple starting point for forming bonds with new people when you meet them in an environment with similar interests.
Adult friendships can be much more manageable with hobbies.
We are aware that it is difficult to make friends as an adult. It’s not as if adults can make lifelong friends at school the way a child can. However, because you’re avoiding awkward first introductions and “what should we talk about” conversations, hobbies help ease this issue. The hobby – you know what to talk about!
However, What If I’m Already Occupied?
You’re convinced you should take up a new hobby, but you’re afraid you don’t have the time. Many people believe their entire energy is focused on earning a living, caring for their families, or dealing with life’s daily stresses. This can make taking up a new hobby seem intimidating. However, regardless of how busy you are, there are ways to fit one in.
Dr. Vidhya Sagar advises beginning small.
He offers the following advice: “You can start on a smaller scale with the minimum amount you can commit to each week being 15-30 minutes of time.” Additionally, he advises you to “consider how you currently spend your time and look for ways to substitute something more rewarding for something ineffective, like excessive social media scrolling.”
After you start, you should be mindful of your schedule and schedule specific times for your hobby. Rajeshwari says, “To stay on track, put hobbies on your calendar or in your note, and schedule them just like any other day of the week.” “If you engage in your hobby simultaneously every day or week, it can become habitual.”
Finally, be kind to yourself. She advises, “Take your time and let yourself know that it is okay if you initially only have a limited time to commit.” “Pay attention to the enjoyment and fulfilment your pastime brings, not the amount of time you invest in it.”
The Most Helpful Pastimes
Certain pastimes are better for our bodies and brains than others. If you’re looking for something mind-based, Rajeshwari suggests “a hobby that involves critical thinking, such as solving a puzzle or playing chess or bridge can improve cognitive function.”
If those activities don’t appeal to you, other cognitive-based activities, such as “playing a musical instrument, which requires memorisation and the use of other sophisticated cognitive skills (e.g., reading sheet music; multitasking, etc.),” are recommended.
If you’re more of a physical person, try “healthy hobbies like yoga or gardening, which can be beneficial for relaxation. “Exercise and other cardiovascular-related hobbies are especially beneficial for stress management.
Selecting Your Ideal Hobby
How do you choose a pastime? We’ve got you.
Rajeshwari says the first step is to “consider what your interests are.” “To do this, find out what kinds of activities you used to enjoy.”
“Think about some of the pastimes that your friends engage in and ask yourself if you think this is something you would also enjoy,” she suggested.
How to Launch a New Hobby in a Realistic Way
The next step is to commit to your new hobby, but only in moderation, after you’ve decided to try it. Dr.Vidhya Sagar advises starting small to prevent burnout because taking on too much at once can burden your new hobby. Incorporating your new hobby into your existing activities is one way to get started without becoming overwhelmed. “You can work on a creative project during your lunch break or listen to an audiobook in the car on your way to work,” he says. “If it’s a social pastime, you can make it a shared experience by inviting family members to participate.” As a result, it may be simpler to incorporate something new into your life.
Engage in Self-Reflection
Once you have taken up a new hobby, evaluate whether you enjoy it enough to keep doing it or if you would be better off trying something else. Keep in mind that this is meant to be enjoyable! Rajeshwari says, “After a month or two, consider how it’s gone.” She continues, “Having this time for introspection allows for a low-pressure approach without feeling locked in.”
Consider volunteering if you start a new hobby and end up not enjoying it. Volunteering reduces stress and naturally makes us feel better about helping others. “Look into the needs of local volunteer organisations,” advises Dr.Vidhya Sagar. “Usually, these groups wait with their arms extended.”
Are You Ready to Destress?
Hobbies help us so much, from reducing stress to fostering the development of new friendships. If you’re ready to start a new hobby, examine your current pastimes or look for something new on online forums such as Meetup. From there, be sure to begin gradually to avoid over-committing, and after a short time, determine whether you’re enjoying your new hobby.
“Always keep an open mind!” Says Dr. Vidhya Sagar. You might think the pastime isn’t for you initially, but you’ll enjoy it. Getting out of our comfort zones can be beneficial. With these tips, you can quickly use your new hobby as a stress reliever!
If you need support, click www.hoptrustindia.com for an online appointment with a therapist.