Hobbies for a better mental health
There are many reasons to get a hobby and for lots of people, the health benefits top the list. Let’s share some ideas here about the hobbies you have which you find help to support your mental health.
Know someone that may be interested in joining this forum, then just tell them about the forum and give them the link below. I am trying to update the list sooner but it could be a few days.
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Gardening 🌻🍉🥕
One of my favorite hobbies is gardening. Whatever thoughts are going on in my mind they go away once I'm out in nature and be with my plants. The flowers and vegetables demand my attention, so there is no space for other thoughts. Currently I am growing tomatoes and love attending to them, making sure they are properly pruned so they can grow better and bigger fruit. Also I find that for instance digging soil which is a more physically demanding work helps me to release excessive negative energy so that I can calm again.
You can find more benefits here https://www.healthline.com/health/healthful-benefits-of-gardening#builds-strength
tagging @purpleTree4652
@amiablePeace77
Hi, Peace,
Thanks for the tag and the link. Today I was gardening and got bit or stung (don't know which) by a hornet or a wasp. That put an end to my gardening for the day. They love to build nests in a bush right next to my front door, and I didn't see them. I was trimming branches and they thought I was attacking their nest. Luckily I only got bit once.
@purpleTree4652
I'm so glad nothing more happened purpleTree! I learned the hard way too, now going into the garden with long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat and gloves when I need to do certain kind of work. These days I make sure that I check the area out before doing any trimming or picking fruit in trees.
@amiablePeace77
You're absolutely right about dressing correctly. This hornet or wasp bit me right through my clothes. I've researched it and read that they can bite/sting through one layer of clothes, so it is recommended in this area to wear two layers of clothes when gardening.
I should have known better. I was ignoring what was right to do. That is a problem I used to have more of but am experiencing less, thank God. I think I'm improving. :)
@amiablePeace77
I have few hobbies. One of them is taking pictures. Recently I am exploring different analog cameras from the past about 50 years old. Trying out different films. I also like to take videos and drone videos of different places and edit the videos. Two of my videos got more than 20.000 views. I like to play on my flute and drums. Walk with my dog and bring him to different places. I enjoy swimming and being in nature. Hiking and anything outside. Unfortunately I don't have a garden but I also like flowers and different plants.
Lie, hobbies don't change anything
@impartialCup6896 I am sorry you feel that hobbies do not help.
My experience is they do not change the underlying problem, but they do give me a new perspective on things.
Good for you, they don't do any effect on me
IMy feeling is that while hobbies don't change a problem, they are an enjoyable ewcape from the problem, if only temporarily. I find that if I do a craft or read a book it does not take my problems away. However, I feel quite a bit better as a result of it. Otherwise, I would only dwell on my problems and have no enjoymeent at all. @impartialCup6896
I never said they are supposed to change the problem, don't twist my words!
All I said is that I don't enjoy anything
@impartialCup6896 not ever hobby benefits everyone. It depends on what you're interested in. Me, I like to colour, to take photos, to go hiking, and to sew. Not always have the time to do it as much as I'd like.
So @impartialCup6896 - what do you prefer to do with your time? Are there any activities you enjoy?
@galfromaway nice hobbies!
Stop attacking me😭
@impartialCup6896
Sorry that hobbies do not work for you impartialCup6896. I believe that kathy3667 just wanted to help by expressing how they help them. How are you feeling recently? ❤️
@kathy3667
Doing a hobby is lot less harmful than other distractions from our problems. I agree with you. It's nice to turn so something that we enjoy to take a break from being down. I'm struggling to get back into mine. Hobbies are very important I believe, for mental health.
@impartialCup6896
They help to pass the time and some increase your self esteem. Most hobbies are good for you in some way. They can take your mind off your problems for a while.
I totally agree. Just think what it would be like if we did nothing but focus on our problems, with no outlet, hobby, or creativity.
@kathy3667
As I mentioned in my main post I find like digging soil helps me to get rid of negative energy so it's a great outlet to me. Focusing only on our problems can make them bigger than they are. What kind of craft are you doing if I may ask?
@kathy3667
Just reading your post again and was visualizing what could happen. I guess there would be one "explosion" after the other! What do you think?
@amiablePeace77
I'm trying to get more into my machine embroidery, and less into playing solitaire on my computer...lol.
@EmbStitcher33
Nice! I heard embroidery is not only fun but also helps to alleviate stress and has even more benefits for our mental health!
@amiablePeace77
I even have digitizing software now but just haven't had the will to really work with it yet. I'll get there eventually... I also do photography so if I get any good crisp pictures. Ones with good contrast. I can try and digitize the picture. Just seems to much to try right now. So, have to start out small and increase the complexity as I learn more... Don't know if it's my BP new medication (first time I've ever taken any). Or if it's just my PTSD, anxiety... or just plain loneliness... But bringing it all back on topic.... YES, Hobbies Help!! Sometimes it's the only thing that inspires me to get out of bed in the morning (well, besides the call of nature...lol).
@EmbStitcher33
Starting our small and increase from there makes sense and allows you to enjoy and by preventing to get overwhelmed with too much complexity at one time. I hope coming here will help you with PTSD and anxiety and make you feel more connected to the world.
@EmbStitcher33
Hi there, have you been able to take any new photos recently? 😊
@amiablePeace77 
I just posted a picture a few minutes ago in another thread...lol. So, here's another one I took a couple days ago. I have to get up early in the morning in order to catch my Morning Glories at the right time before the sun makes them wilt. I'll post another...
I saw the other one. Beautiful pics
Wood projects. First two pics are of the cane I built last year & currently walk with; the last pic is of three of my previous ones. One nice thing about woodworking: If you use a lot of hand tools, it gets you up & moving around. It can be good exercise without the stress on your joints that gym-type exercises often impose.
Fine looking canes
Wanted to drop by and share a picture I took this morning....
@EmbStitcher33 Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo!
@EmbStitcher33
What a beautiful capture of the flower and butterfly! Thank you for sharing!
@EmbStitcher33 wow that is lovely you were there at the right moment.
@amiablePeace77i enjoy painting
@HalKhatunBraunDiploma
Nice! I find painting is very soothing. What do you usually paint and on what material?
@amiablePeace77
Article: Musical Activity brings Brain Benefits to Older Adults
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.945709/full
("Frontiers" Swiss neuroscience e-zine)
@amiablePeace77
I dont have many hobbies. But I have only 1, and that 1 hobby can be expanded and broken into many hobbies:
SO the hobby is Video Editing. I basically listen to music and then I make short lyrical videos of it.
While writing this reply I am getting some more ideas as well: 1. To make motivational videos
2. To make relaxation music lyrical videos
3. To not be perfectionist and not think about results and do what your heart likes and get through it.
@hardworkingCity5776
Interesting hobby and I could it's a lot of fun too!
@amiablePeace77
I find going to the gym and running very helpful with my depression. I also meditate when I realize I'm overthinking. Other than that any type of dancing helps me relieve stress
@hardworkingBeechwood6063
Nothing is worse than going through depression without having any coping skills. Nice that you know what can help you. I find dancing is also a great way to boost the mood.