Here Are 4 You Should Try Out
Hobbies are wonderful things. Most of us find our hobbies to be simultaneously relaxing and exciting, allowing us to pass the time while doing something that makes us feel happy and satisfied. Creativity can give us a sense of purpose and achievement, but it can also help us live longer by reducing stress and keeping the brain healthy. This is also why creative hobbies have been said to help with everything from cancer treatment to addiction recovery for seniors.
It’s never too late to pick up a new creative hobby, and nowadays with tutorials, workshops and lessons of every kind available online, there is no reason not to. Here are a few options — as well as some helpful apps — to get you started.
Playing an Instrument
Whether you’ve always seen yourself as a guitarist, love the sound of the saxophone, or just really want to bang some drums, playing music is one of the most satisfying hobbies there is. In fact, the benefits of playing music for the brain are greater than any other hobby.
Many people believe that they missed their chance to learn an instrument if they didn’t do it as a child. In reality, there is no evidence that children are naturally better at learning music than adults, aside from the fact that they have more time and tend to have a parent encouraging them to continue. As long as you are motivated to learn and are able to let go of any self-consciousness surrounding being “bad” at it (everyone is bad at first), you can learn to play an instrument quite quickly. And if you need some assistance, there are plenty of apps on the market that can nudge you in the right direction.
Dancing
Dancing can be a great means of expression and improving your health, but it is also just plain fun. If you’re not ready to start dancing in front of others yet, you can simply blast your favorite music and dance along, but there are also online resources that you can learn to keep things more structured. For example, you can find dance routines for most popular songs on YouTube — if you’ve never done this before, read up on the best ways to learn choreography first. There are also apps that will teach you some basic dance steps.
Going to Parks
If you’re looking for some inspiration to boost your creativity, try visiting local and national parks. Spending time in nature can boost your mood and spark your imagination, plus it’s a great place to workout, no equipment needed. You can go for a walk, do yoga in the grass, throw around a frisbee with friends, or use the park’s workout stations if they’re provided. There’s no one right way to experience the abundance of nature and wildlife that a park can offer.
You can also take your pet with you so that they, too, can experience the great outdoors and get some exercise. Don’t have a dog? That’s okay! If you have a cat, they can be a great companion on an adventure, just be sure to buy a good harness or stroller to keep them secure. You can find a list of the top cat strollers online based on a range of prices and sizes.
Having a difficult time finding some good parks in your area? Oh, Ranger! Parkfinder can help you find an area you and your furry companion can enjoy together. If you don’t have a national park within a reasonable distance, check out your local parks. These are often hidden gems filled with fresh air, great views, and amenities.
Pottery
There’s something incredibly soothing about shaping clay with your hands, which is why the New York Times wrote that pottery is a hobby craze for stressed-out city dwellers. The act of making pottery requires physical concentration and precise movements, while the spinning wheel has a hypnotic quality. Together, these aspects can make you forget about all your worries and focus exclusively on the piece coming together in your hands.
Pottery is best learned in a classroom, especially since the wheel can be expensive and the whole process is messy. You can find pottery classes in studios and community centers across the country. However, if you don’t have access to classes in your area, there are — you guessed it — quite a few apps that can help you develop your skills.
You aren’t going to become great at a hobby right away. However, once you start embracing hobbies, your skills will progress naturally with each and every practice. Once you find your niche, make the most of it! Over time, you’ll notice reduced stress, improved mood, and potentially a whole new way of approaching the world.
About the Author
Cheryl Conklin – Wellness Central
