11 Hobbies That Benefit Mental Health

Studies show that the pandemic lead to 59% of Americans taking up a new hobby. Especially at the beginning of lockdowns and social distancing, and layoffs, many people had more time on their hands to stay home. During this time, people ventured into activities they may not have considered delving into before. This rise is reminiscent of how people coped with their unemployment status during the Great Depression. Think about yourself and the people around you. Many people you know have probably learned a new skill, started listening to an alternative type of music, or maybe even started their own small business. As this article will illustrate, many benefits of hobbies could help with your physical and mental health.

Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies

First of all, what are hobbies? Hobbies are ways we pursue things that interest us and have a creative outlet, separate from work. Therefore, hobbies can be really beneficial for us, in particular, our mental health. Hobbies allow people to channel themselves into creative outlets. Researchers suggest that leisure activities provide many physical and mental benefits for people. 

• Physical Health Benefits of Hobbies

Physically, people may practice hobbies such as hiking, yoga, swimming, martial arts, and other sports or leisure activities.  Such hobbies could help you to enhance heart and brain function, lower blood pressure, lose weight, build muscles, strength bones, and increase energy level.

• Reduce Stress

Cortisol is one of the most widely studied hormonal markers of stress. One study showed that about 75% of participants’ cortisol levels were lowered after making art. In fact, hobbies are great for people of all ages! These activities help children learn more about the world and themselves. A study involving middle-aged adults in Japan suggested that hobbies could “play a role in benefitting overall well-being and providing a buffer against stress”.

• Enhance Social Connection

It is a great way for people to socialize when they learn or practice a hobby. Many hobbies involve group or team work. For instance, a dance class,  a reading group, or a movie club, are all wonderful channels for people to meet new people, make friends, bond with each other, and build support with each other. 

• Decrease Depression and Anxiety

As we all know, when people have depression, they tend to have unwanted depressive emotions, isolate themselves, focus on negative thoughts, have reduced energy, and suffer from insomnia. Research shows that having a hobby is linked to lower levels of depression, to some extent, it may even prevent depression. Finding time for your hobbies and interests could bring more pleasures and joy. In other words, hobbies for depression can actually reduce depression. In addition, taking up a hobby can ease your anxiety. Some activities like yoga, meditation, or creative outlets like drawing, crafting, and baking, can be relaxing and excellent ways to relieve anxiety.

• Improve Self-Esteem

Indeed, hobbies can give you a sense of mastery and control. For example, you may feel rewarded when you achieve a goal in learning or practicing hobbies. Your self esteem level tends to rise as you feel ever more accomplished at a particular task. 

• Increase Life Satisfaction and Well Being

a study in New Zealand found that engaging in creative activities can lead to an improved sense of wellbeing that may have long lasting effects. Participants felt a higher positive affect or mood and a sense of flourishing after days where they engaged in a creative activity. A 2016 study from the Journal of Positive Psychology found that spending time on a creative activity every day can lead to improved well-being.