It feels hard to balance all the things you want to do in your downtime. With families, careers, and social lives, it's very easy to feel stretched too thin.
When you find yourself low on time to enjoy life, it can be hard to allocate even a little bit more time to self-care. Still, it's really important to take care of your mind and body at all times.
If you're looking to improve your mental health and well-being, consider picking up some of these hobbies. Not only are they a good way to carve out "me time," but they have benefits that have you doing all the best things for your brain, your mind, and your soul.
Play Music
Playing music has tons of benefits that will help your cognitive health as well as your mental health. Learning how to play an instrument or playing one you're already familiar with can help keep your brain sharp, create feelings of positivity, improve memory, and relieve stress.
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Read Books or Magazines
It doesn't matter what you're into reading. Know that reading in and of itself is really good for you. Reading allows you to use the parts of your brain that are responsible for recognizing patterns, problem solving, and interpreting conversations with others, particularly emotional ones. Reading can also help improve memory, build on your prior knowledge, and improve your imagination.
Learn a New Language
No matter what stage of life you're at, you can reap benefits from learning a new language. It slows brain aging, engages four different areas of the brain, and can strengthen your brain's natural ability to focus and process information. Apps like Duolingo can help you fire up your brain's flexible language learning areas, and practicing for just a few minutes a day is all it takes!
Exercise Regularly
Getting physically active can offer a lot for your physical and mental health. It releases endorphins in the brain, which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation that can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Getting outside while you're active has extra benefits thanks to fresh air and sunshine.
Do a Puzzle
It doesn't matter if you're a jigsaw puzzler, an avid crossword solver, or just a daily Wordler. Doing these kinds of puzzles increases brain plasticity. That means it allows the brain to continually make new connections by processing new information, thinking, and having to remember things.
Pick Up Knitting or Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting offer a lot of upsides for the brain. They improve hand-eye coordination and flex muscles mentally that can slow cognitive decline. Studies have shown these activities can reduce risk of dementia. They're also great because they can be done solo or become social activities.
Try Coloring or Painting
Painting and coloring are relaxing but rewarding hobbies. They let you enjoy creativity without requiring a lot of skill, which makes these choices unintimidating for a lot of people.
Meditate
Meditation offers benefits that last even when you're not engaging in the activity. It builds focus, concentration, and better memory. It also helps manage and, in some cases, reduce stress and anxiety.
Attend a Lecture or a Reading
Social learning is just as important a way to learn as any other. Sometimes, you need to interact with others over common interests. Keep an eye out for events in your area that allow you to immerse yourself in something that really interests you.
Try Your Hand at Gardening
Last but not least is gardening. Gardening has become a popular way for many to find some zen in recent years. It's great because it's a hobby that boosts your mood and improves your mental health while not requiring much but your time and attention.
