Over the past year and a bit, our mental health has taken a kicking for more than obvious reasons. We won’t be focusing on that here today, instead, we will be looking at some fun new hobbies you can pick up to help look after your mental health.
It is no secret that keeping yourself busy and your mind focused is good for your general wellbeing, both mental and physical, which makes having a hobby all the more important. Sitting at home, curled up on the sofa eating snack every day might be many peoples’ idea of heaven, but it’s not a healthy lifestyle. Beginning a hobby can be a good way to challenge yourself mentally, get out of the house, socialise with other people who share your interests and give you something to look forward to.
If you are stumped for ideas as to what hobby you could take up, below are five great examples that you can start with today. We hope you have fun!
Running
Running is a favourite hobby amongst the fitness-conscious because you can do it for as short or as long as you like, you don’t have to pay to go for a run outside and it leaves you feeling amazing afterwards. Exercise boosts endorphins which help to better your mood, putting a smile on your face. You can choose when and where you run, and whether you go out on your own or as part of a club, where you could make some new friends!
DIY
Whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a DIY hero or not, getting your tools out and trying your hand at building (or fixing) something is a great way to learn a new valuable skill. You can decide to buy flat-pack furniture (those instructions never make sense), learn how to weld or simply how to hang a picture on the wall. This is one hobby that, should you excel at, could open new career opportunities with many people always looking for a handyman (or handywoman) to help them out with DIY projects.
Volunteer
Volunteering with a local charity, at a community centre or sports club is a great way to connect with others in your area, as well as making for a good opportunity to give back. You can give as little or as much of your team as possible – there will always be someone more than happy for the help. Take a look at some local groups and/or local newspapers where you may come across adverts looking for a helping hand. This may just be the most fulfilling hobby on the list!
Martial Arts
What better way to look after yourself and make new friends than by taking up martial arts? You don’t necessarily have to be looking to become a black belt, but once you get the bug we suspect you’ll be keen on advancing through the different colours on offer. Classes don’t have to cost the earth and many centres offer women-only classes if this is a personal preference.
Writing
If none of the above ideas quite take your fancy, why not start writing? This can be for an audience of one, somewhere private that only you will ever see, or for a further-reaching audience. You can get started with a pen and notepad or a word processor and start tapping away. If this is a particular passion, why not start your own blog? You might just be surprised at the opportunities that can come your way with blogging.
