When it come to anxiety problems, the common advice is to take deep breaths, get a bit of exercise, and change your diet. Of course these suggestions are great and in many instances they can go a long way towards helping those who have issues with anxiety. The truth is that just like with most things in life, different approaches are going to work differently for different people.
In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at one approach that you may not have considered for dealing with anxiety–finding a hobby that calms you. Having a relaxing place to focus your energy can be a huge benefit. As a clinical psychologist, I have seen the amount of good that a relaxing hobby can have. Keep reading to learn more!
Which Hobbies Work Best?
Some of the best hobbies out there are the ones that give you a feeling of relaxation and which reward you for taking it slow. It’s also great to have a hobby where you can enjoy the results of your work. Here are a few that you might consider:
Gardening
Gardening is a great hobby for those looking to help relieve some of their anxiety because it forces you to take things slowly and wait for the results to come together. Planting flowers is a great option because it provides you with a beautiful bouquet to put on your table every week. On the other hand, you could plant vegetables to use in home cooked meals and truly enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Photography
Photography is another great hobby that allows you to focus your energy outward and see things from a unique perspective. There are plenty of great options for cameras for every budget and skill level, but if you’re looking to control the entire process, purchasing a used film camera is a good place to start. Choosing the right film, developing it yourself, and making your own prints is very relaxing and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Woodworking
The time-tested craft of woodworking is another hobby that allows you to slow things down a bit. You could choose to use power tools, or if you appreciate a good challenge, hand tools can help you to really focus in on what you’re doing as you cut dovetails or mortise and tenon joints. With a bit of practice, you’ll find that woodworking is both fun and restful. Drawing up plans, laying out your cut lines, and figuring out how you’ll approach the joinery on a project can all provide relaxation. The end result is a beautiful piece that you’ll enjoy for many years to come. It doesn’t get much better than that!