Life can get pretty hectic at times, can’t it? Between social commitments, work, family time, and just managing day-to-day responsibilities, it’s easy to forget how important it is to just slow down and take some time for yourself – but that’s where stress-free hobbies can be so useful. The great thing about finding a good hobby is that it won’t matter whether you’ve got a couple of minutes or a whole afternoon, you’ll still be able to fit it in somehow, and when you do, you’ll find your stress melts away and you can get a little more balance into your life. So, if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to unwind, here are some low-pressure and enjoyable hobbies you could consider taking up; read on to find out more.
1. Play a Classic Game
Sometimes all you need is a simple game to take your mind off things; there’s just something incredibly soothing about the familiar way a game is played, and a good game like spider solitaire can tick a lot of boxes when it comes to enjoyment and relaxation, so why not give it a go? You can play it with a physical pack of cards, but you can also go online, so you don’t need anything more than a phone or tablet if that’s easier – in other words, you can play whenever and wherever you want to, so you’ll always be able to relax.
The great thing about this game or any similar one is that you can pick it up and put it down at any time, and it doesn’t rely on you having to remember where you were and neither will you lose any saved progress if you have to stop because something else is calling for your time. And it can be done in moments, so even in the smallest of breaks, you can still play a game to pass the time and help your mind get quiet for a little bit, and that can be worthwhile.
2. Try Adult Coloring
+Adult coloring books are really popular right now, and for good reason! There’s just something so therapeutic about picking up a set of coloring pens or pencils and filling in the patterns and pictures with bright, fun colors. Some of those designs can be really intricate, and some can be nice and simple, so it really depends on what you want to do – there will be a book that suits you, that’s for sure.
Coloring is one of those hobbies that anyone can enjoy, and because the pictures are already there, you can have fun with it without the pressure of having to be a great artist, making it even better! You don’t need any special skills to do it, and there’s no right or wrong way to color – you can even choose unusual colors or go outside the lines if you want to; no one is going to worry about it, and if it makes you happy, that’s all that counts.
If you’re new to adult coloring books, it might be best to start with a simple design and a few colored pencils or perhaps crayons if that’s better. Start simple and work up to the more intricate images, and you should have a great time.
3. Enjoy a Puzzle
If you’re someone who likes a bit of mental stimulation but you don’t want to overdo it, puzzles are a great option that can give you everything you’re looking for. And puzzles come in all shapes and sizes (literally), so whether you choose a 500-piece jigsaw or a word puzzle like sudoku or crosswords and so on, you’re going to be challenged in just the right amount to keep your brain engaged, but not so much that you start to dislike what you’re doing (which is the absolute opposite of what you want!).
Puzzles are great because they’re entertaining and calming at the same time, and because there’s no rush to finish them and you’re not in competition with anyone else, you can go at your own pace, which is going to mean you can definitely do them without any stress. According to reports, jigsaw puzzles with pictures of scenery on them or calming colors are especially good for reducing stress, so you might want to bear that in mind when you’re choosing what to do for your next puzzle.
4. Take a Nature Walk
Getting out and about in nature is great for stress relief – the combination of the fresh air, the sounds of nature like birds singing, and the general peace you’ll find outside is wonderful, and you’ll feel amazing after a walk through the woods or along the local river bank or even just to your local park. And since you’re walking, that’s good too because you’re exercising (which is something you’ll need to do on a regular basis to stay healthy), which is another way to reduce stress – so it’s two for the price of one!
Take a leisurely stroll to the park, into the woods, or even just around your garden if you don’t want to venture too far, and you’re sure to feel the benefits. And if you can’t get outside because of the weather or any other reason, or you live in a big city, you can still enjoy nature by having some plants in your home; taking care of them can be just as stress-reducing as getting out into the natural world, so it could be a good alternative (or do both, for even less stress).
5. Try Knitting or Crochet
Knitting and crochet are some more hobbies that are gaining in popularity, and although they might once have been considered a bit old fashioned, they’re really for everyone and anyone, so why not try them out? You might find you love one or both of these crafts and they could become your new way to relax.
Conclusion
The reason these hobbies are so good at reducing stress is that they’re repetitive, so you can focus your attention and quiet your mind while you’re doing them. And if you’re not sure where to start, you can often find knitting or crochet kits in craft stores that have everything a beginner could possibly need.
