12 Hobbies That Will Reduce Your Anxiety And Make You Feel Fulfilled

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Since we are in the middle of planning our goals and habits for next year, let’s talk about hobbies. I think hobbies are important in helping you to become happier for many reasons. For one, it will help you focus on something other than your work or your life at home. It can also help you meet people who have similar interests! Also, one thing that I love is the way I feel after creating something. So I want you to feel fulfilled too! Try out these hobbies and see which ones help you reduce your anxiety and feel more fulfilled 😀

1. Photography

I think there’s no secret here when I tell you that I love photography. I started to get into it in high school and took a class in college to learn how to use my camera manually. Since then, I have watched so many creative live classes to improve my skills. Here’s why you should try photography:

• Creating beautiful images is amazing
• Learning new skills is fulfilling
• It will take you to places you’ve never been before to have the perfect shot
• You will learn to see the beauty around you
• It will get you out of your house

2. Writing fiction

A few years ago I was really into writing young adult speculative fiction. I loved creating characters, imagining a new world and simply writing. I took a few classes at a community college close to my work so I could go in the evening. It was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to get back into my stories. One tip, however, would be to first start with a short story because writing a whole book is very long! Here’s why you should try writing fictions:

• You will get lost in your own universe
• You will meet new people if you take classes
• It’s a good way to escape the stress in your life
• Writing “The end.” is so fulfilling
• Nobody has to read your story, but you can also share it with the world easily
• It’s therapeutic, it will help you deal with your inner demons
• You will feel like the hero of a story

3. Exercising

You should start considering exercising as a hobby instead of a chore. Why? because exercising is fun and will help you live happier! Here’s why:

• Exercising creates happy chemicals in your brain that fight anxiety and depression
• It will get you out of the house
• You will meet new people if you stick to the same classes for a few weeks
• It’s the perfect way to have some me time
• You can catch up on your favorite show when you are on the elliptical (I’m currently watching once upon a time)
• All of your worries will be gone once you get back home

4. Blogging

Beware blogging can be addictive 😉 I started Hello Peaceful Mind a year ago to help me deal with depression and anxiety, and I have to say it has been a wonderful journey so far. Here’s why you should try blogging:

• You can blog about everything
• It helps to put your ideas in order
• It holds you accountable
• You will meet amazing people
• Receiving emails from strangers that are feeling better thanks to your blog is the most rewarding feeling
• You will learn so much from it

5. Gardening

People who know me well are aware that I really don’t have green hands (does this expression exist in English or is this frenglish :D). But this summer I tried to take care of my yard by pulling weeds out, and oh my it felt good. Here’s why you should try gardening:

• It’s a workout, so your brain will create happy chemicals
• You will feel proud of yourself when you see the results
• It will get you out of the house to get some fresh air
• You will want to hang out in your yard more often, just add a hammock and grab a magazine to relax

6. Playing music

I am not a musician at all, but when I was in high school, I started to learn how to play guitar. Okay, it only lasted one summer … but I remember how into it I was! I stopped because that was the summer when I headed to college and had to adapt to a new lifestyle on my own. However, my husband and most of his family is a musician. He even teaches kids how to play drums. Here’s why you should try to learn how to play an instrument:

• Learning new skills is rewarding
• It will take your mind off your thoughts
• Listening to music is relaxing
• You can start a band with your friends

7. Hiking

This is something I want to do more. Right now I go on walks at the beach or other beautiful parks around my house be I want to do more of the hikes that are around Seattle. I’ve had issues with my knees for years, but since I started my workout routine last year it actually is better now 🙂 so I don’t have any excuses … Here’s why you should try hiking:

• There are trails for every level
• When you reach the end of the trail, you will feel so proud of yourself
• You can take beautiful pictures
• It will help you create fun memories with friends and family
• You can hike year round, just make sure to have an outfit adapted to the weather

8. Yoga

I started practicing Yoga last year after the recommendation from my doctor to fight my depression and anxiety. I have to say that even if I do have a good workout routine, yoga is one thing that I am having issues doing since I do it at home and not at the gym. But this is going to change! It’s one of my goals for next year 😉 Here’s why you should try yoga:

• It will calm your mind
• It’s good exercise for your body
• If you have pets, they will play with you while doing yoga, and it’s fun
• If you go to classes, you will meet new people
• You will become more flexible
• It’s a good beginning to start meditating

9. Dancing

There’s nothing better than dancing! You can dance at home, in a club or at the gym. I personally try to go to Zumba at once or twice a week! Here’s why you should try to dance more:

• It will create happy chemicals
• If you take classes or go to a club, you will meet new people
• It will make you stop thinking about your worries
• It’s fun

10. Painting

My husband creates at least one painting per week. He usually paints in the evening after a stressful day or during the afternoon when he has time. What he usually does is watching YouTube videos of people painting and learning from them. Here’s why you should try painting:

• It’s so rewarding to finish a beautiful painting
• You can surprise your loved one by giving them an unexpected gift
• You will learn new skills
• Painting is a good way to stop your wandering thoughts

11. Cooking

This is still a work in progress, to be honest, most of my food is coming from the frozen section unless my husband cooks. But I love baking cakes when we have celebrations like Christmas and the kings. Here’s why you should try cooking:

• You will eat healthier food
• Trying new recipes and being successful is so rewarding
• You can make it a fun activity family
• You will taste new food

12. Coloring

Once a week I try to color a page in my copy of You Are Here. It’s a time for me to relax and enjoy the moment. Here’s why you should try to color a book:

• It’s relaxing
• You will feel accomplished when you finish the page
• It will free your mind
• It’s fun
• It will bring you back to when you were a kid

Save for later

Further Reading

• New Habits That Will Make You Happier
• 14 Pinterest Boards That Will Inspire You To Change Your Life
• Everything I Learned About Happiness In The Last Year
• How to Easily Sleep when your Mind is Preoccupied
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Start a Diary

Over to you

What do you do to relax? Share your hobbies in the comments!!