Should I get a hobby?

Yes. Hobbies seem like one of those things that everyone has but doesn’t really matter too much. Studies are showing now though, that hobbies may help you destress and set yourself up for a better mental state.

Everyone has a hobby of some sort. Some people love to play music, some do photography, workout or even just hang around the house and play video games. Did you know that your hobby could greatly improve your mental health though? Research shows that people who with hobbies suffer less from depression and stress.

Not only can a hobby help you get away from a stressful project for a bit to recharge but it can also benefit your health in some interesting ways. Sports obviously can help you stay active and in shape, but they also let you form connections with others and reduce anxiety. According to Connecthealth.org.au a 2015 study found that 1.35 million Australians who took part in regular sporting activities were less likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yoga is incredibly effective as both a mental and physical exercise. It can help you relax your muscles, help with depression, and even calm your nervous system.

If you are not the sporting type, there are still plenty of options for you as well. Music and writing are all shown to greatly help mental health.  Everyone has some song that they listen to when they are stressed out and playing music functions largely the same while also teaching patience and communication. Writing has many surprising benefits such as improving memory, reducing stress and helping with sleeping problems. Both hobbies offer the person engaged with them a way to identify negative emotions and help give a sense of catharsis to those emotions.

Gardening is one of the most beneficial hobbies out there. Getting in touch with nature and cultivating your own personal garden can reduce your stress and your grocery bill in some cases. Growing your own food gives you both a sense of accomplishment and free supply of fresh fruit and veggies. Gardening also teaches some important traits like endurance and patience.

Hobbies can provide us with so much more than a sense of fun. They can also be incredibly rewarding to your mental health and help you reduce stress in your day to day life.

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