Psychologists Swear This One Thing Can Help Cure Your Chronic Stress

Stress is something we're all constantly being told we need to reduce. That's because long-term stress leads to all kinds of bad life outcomes from diseases to depression. Not to mention, it generally brings us down. However, just because we know we should reduce our stress levels doesn't mean we know how to. Some common stress-relief tips like going for a walk or doing deep breathing can be boring, even if they have many health benefits.

But there's one way to have fun while relieving stress: a hobby! A hobby is basically anything you do for fun that you don't plan on monetizing, and it doesn't have to be something you're innately talented at. Think of a hobby as a fun act of self-care. You're doing something you enjoy that helps reduce your cortisol levels (aka the stress hormone) and improve your mental and physical wellness.

If you're reading to start a new hobby journey, read on to learn the stress-relief benefits of having hobbies and how to integrate them into your everyday life.

The Benefits of Hobbies for Stress Relief

Hobbies are great for relieving stress. “One of the main benefits is that a hobby can help you cope with stressful events in your life,” says psychologist Dr. Alexandra Stratyner, PhD. “When participating in a hobby, you are likely focusing on that hobby rather than thinking about challenges you may be facing.”

She adds that hobbies give our brains a chance to relax, too. You're just doing something just for fun, something that gives time off to your overworked mind. In turn, that can lower your stress levels.

Psychological and Physical Health Benefits

It's not just the body but the brain too. “A great psychological benefit of having a hobby is that it provides a sense of purpose,” says Dr. Stratyner. It's also useful for your self-esteem. “As you become better at any task, hobbies included, it helps raise your self-esteem, which can help you realize your worth,” she adds.

Additionally, Dr. Stratyner notes that “hobbies also give us something to look forward to,” which is “psychologically important because it boosts motivation, promotes goal setting, and can improve overall mood.” Through hobbies, you can turn negative, regular stress into something called eustress, which is the beneficial form of stress that we get from excitement.

Social Benefits of Hobbies

While hobbies can be conducted alone, doing activities with others can be highly beneficial for you as well. “Loneliness is becoming an increasing problem in our society as many people spend endless hours online instead of socializing in person,” says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind.

Dr. Hafeez also says you can develop lifelong friendships and connections from your hobbies.

“Whether participating in a sport, joining a cooking class, or going to a book club, these activities create an opportunity to bond with others,” she says. That's because when you meet in a setting of shared interests, you already have an easy starting point for bonding with new people.

But What if I'm Already Busy?

So, you're sold on the idea of a new hobby but worried that you just don't have time for one? Many people feel like all their energy goes into making a living, raising a family, or the day-to-day stressors of life. All of which can make picking up a new hobby seem daunting. But there are ways to incorporate one no matter how busy you already feel.

Dr. Hafeez recommends starting small when it comes to time.

Once you've started, you'll want to be conscientious of your schedule and setting times for your hobby. “To remain on track, make time for hobbies just like any other day of the week, putting it on your calendar or in your note,” Dr. Hafeez says. “It can become habitual if you do your hobby at the same time each day or week.”

Lastly, give yourself grace. “Take your time and let yourself know that it is okay if you only have a limited time to commit at first,” she suggests. “Concentrate on how much fun and satisfaction your hobby offers, not how much time you put into it.”

The Most Beneficial Hobbies

Some hobbies have more benefits for our brains and bodies than others. If you're looking for something mind-based, Stratyner recommends “a hobby that involves critical thinking, such as solving a puzzle or playing chess, or bridge can improve cognitive function.”

If those aren't your cup of tea, she suggests other cognitive-based activities like “playing a musical instrument, which requires memorization and the use of other sophisticated cognitive skills (e.g., reading sheet music; multitasking, etc.).”

If you prefer physical activity as a hobby, try “healthy hobbies like yoga or gardening, which can be beneficial for relaxation,” Dr. Stratyner says. “Hobbies that involve cardiovascular activity, including exercise, are particularly helpful for managing stress.”

Choosing the Right Hobby for You

How to pick a hobby? We've got you. The first step is to “think about what your interests are,” says Dr. Hafeez. “Do this by determining what kind of activities you enjoyed in the past.“

She says to also “consider some of the hobbies that your friends participate in and ask yourself if you think this is something you would also enjoy.” Dr. Stratyner recommends finding hobbies on websites like Meetup, which offer different types of activities and hobbies from professional networking to performing arts and DIY arts and crafts. “You will find inspiration and ideas that might not readily come to mind, and you can see what’s available in your geographic area,” she says.

Practical Steps to Start a New Hobby

Once you've picked a new hobby to try out, the next step is to commit—but only in moderation. “I suggest starting small to avoid burnout,” says Dr. Hafeez, noting that overcommitting can turn your new hobby into a burden. One way to start your new hobby without overwhelming yourself is to incorporate your hobby into activities you already do. “You can listen to an audiobook in the car on the way to work, or work on a creative activity on your lunch break,” she says. “If it is a social hobby, you can also invite family members to do it with you and make it a communal experience.” This can make it easier to integrate something new into your life.

Do Some Self-Reflection

After you've started a new hobby, assess whether or not you're enjoying it enough to continue doing it or if you should try something else instead. Remember, this is supposed to be a good time! “Reflect on how it's gone after a month or two,” recommends Dr. Hafeez. “Having this period of self-reflection allows for a low-pressure approach without feeling locked in,” she adds.

If you begin a new hobby and aren't loving it, you might want to look into volunteer work. Not only can volunteering relieve stress, but doing good for others naturally makes us feel happier. “Check out local volunteer groups and see their needs,” says Dr. Hafeez. “These groups usually wait with their arms wide open.”

Conclusion

Hobbies do *so* many things for us, from relieving stress to creating opportunities for new friendships. If you're ready to begin a new hobby, start by looking at what you enjoy doing for fun, or search for something new on an internet forum like Meetup. From there, make a point to start slowly so you don't over-commit—and assess after a short while if you're enjoying your new activity.

“Remember to be open-minded!” Dr. Hafeez says. “You may initially think the hobby might not be for you, but end up loving it. It can be good to step out of our comfort zones.” With these tips, you can use your new hobby to relieve stress in no time!