Hobbies That Make You Happy!

Good morning you wonderful people! How are you all today? Doing well I hope 🤞🏼. It’s been so hot here in the UK 🇬🇧we’ve now just had our fourth heatwave within the span of a few of weeks since the last one, and while the heat has made us feel hot and tired a lot more, it’s not prevented us from being busy and doing things. It did however give us an opportunity to try the new Jaffa Cake and Milky-way McFlurries that came to McDonald’s last month, both of which were delicious 😋. As for the past two weeks though, it has been very up and down and here’s why:
Let’s start with the bad stuff – Firstly, I finally managed to see someone at my GP surgery to talk about my knee which has now been ongoing for nearly two months 😩 only for him to end up insulting me and dismissing me rather abruptly in the space of 5 minutes, so I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and file a complaint against him for a couple of issues, which got added to the list of people my mum and I had to get in contact with as we also had to send a couple of emails to some important people regarding a housing problem we’re currently having. Secondly, my mum received some bad news at her physio which left her feeling deflated 😔. Then last Wednesday we lost our internet connection 🛜 for the whole day as we got told our entire local area was down, which left us unable to contact anyone. And then to top it all off, I ended up cutting a chunk of skin out of my hand when the scissors I was using slipped causing a deep wide gash 😰, let’s just say it was not a pretty sight and ended up resulting in me having to go to the hospital to get stitches as the cut kept widening and bleeding. I have to go back in 5-7 days to get them removed and see if they’ve worked. Fingers crossed they have!
Now onto the good things that happened (which there wasn’t that many of), to start with, my little superstar of a nephew graduated nursery on Friday 🥳 we’re all incredibly proud of him and how far he’s come, as he didn’t have the easiest starts to life but he’s never let anything stop him and is one of the smartest and funniest kids I know 🤣. Then this week my dad’s off so we’re hoping to be able to use one of the days to go to the seaside to have a bit of fun and stuff our faces with donuts! And then to finish his week off, we’re finally going to see my sister that we couldn’t do a few weeks ago due to our busy schedules, so I’m looking forward to that and getting to chat with her and spend time with my nephews for a bit 🥰.

Moving on with today’s post…Life as an adult can get crazy busy, and we often find ourselves yearning for a little escape from the daily grind. That’s where hobbies come in! Whether you’re searching for a creative outlet, a way to unwind, or a chance to learn something new – hobbies, or leisure activities, can be the perfect antidote to the stresses of grown-up life. So, let’s explore the wonderful world of hobbies and find out how they can bring more joy into your everyday routine.

Hobbies are something that you do for fun or pleasure. You do it during your free time, and you don’t get paid to do it. Since hobbies are leisure activities, a lot of people discard hobbies as a “luxury” they can’t afford. However, it turns out that making time for a hobby is more than just a way to have fun. Picking up a hobby has a myriad of benefits, such as the following:

• A hobby can give you a sense of self-efficacy.
• Having hobbies will keep your brain engaged.
• A hobby gives you something to look forward to.
• A hobby can give you something to be passionate about.

Hobbies help develop our tastes and our passions in life. When something makes you happy, you will find that the release you get from it will give you a great amount of energy. What are you doing with that “me” time? Is it something that is providing you with additional benefits outside of the hobby itself? Consider picking up a hobby that will provide added benefits to your work and personal life. Why not give one of these a try!

Cooking

Similar to other creative outlets, cooking can help you relax, gain a sense of purpose, put you in a good mood, and help you eat better, Hester says. Studies show that cooking has social and emotional benefits, and can enhance food literacy skills, which may be linked to improved nutrition and a better mood. Cooking allows you to experiment with flavors, textures, and presentation, turning simple ingredients into something unique and personal. Cooking can also be a social activity, whether you’re cooking for loved ones, sharing recipes with friends, or even taking a cooking class. While it offers a sense of accomplishment, it also provides a relaxing escape from daily stresses.

Creating art

Creating art, in its many forms, is a hobby that can bring immense joy and happiness. Activities like painting, drawing, sculpting, and crafting can boost creativity, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Exploring different artistic mediums and styles can also be a fun and rewarding way to express yourself and connect with others.

Visual Arts:

• Painting and Drawing: These are classic forms of artistic expression that allow for exploration of color, technique, and personal style. 
• Sculpting: Working with materials like clay or metal to create three-dimensional art can be very satisfying. 
• Digital Illustration: Using digital tools and software to create artwork can be a fun and versatile way to express creativity. 
• Collage Art: Combining various materials to create a unique piece of art can be a fun and experimental way to express yourself. 
• Printmaking: Experimenting with different techniques to create unique prints can be a fascinating artistic pursuit. 
• Stained Glass: Designing and assembling colorful glass pieces can be a beautiful and rewarding craft. 
• Ceramics: Shaping and glazing clay to create functional or decorative objects can be a very rewarding hobby. 
• Mosaic Art: Piecing together small tiles or glass to create intricate designs can be a very satisfying craft. 
• Art Journaling: Combining writing and drawing in a personal journal can be a great way to explore your thoughts and emotions.

Crafts:

• Jewelry Making: Creating unique and personalized jewelry can be a fun and rewarding craft. 
• Woodworking: Working with wood to create furniture, sculptures, or other items can be a challenging and rewarding hobby. 
• Leatherworking: Creating leather goods like bags, wallets, or belts can be a unique and rewarding craft. 
• Scrapbooking: Preserving memories and creating personalized albums can be a fun and engaging hobby. 
• Calligraphy: Practicing elegant handwriting can be a calming and rewarding activity. 
• Pottery: Working with clay on a pottery wheel can be a fun and therapeutic experience. 

Photography

Photography can be a great hobby for happiness, offering both creative expression and a way to appreciate the world around you. It can be a relaxing and mindful activity that encourages observation and helps you connect with others. Photography also provides a sense of accomplishment as you learn new skills and see your progress. By focusing on framing a shot, adjusting settings, and capturing a moment, it can be a meditative and stress-relieving activity. It helps you disconnect from daily worries and be present in the moment. Photography allows you to express yourself creatively, capturing the world through your unique perspective. You can experiment with different styles, subjects, and editing techniques to find what resonates with you. Not only that, but photography can be a social hobby, allowing you to connect with other photographers, share your work, and even collaborate on projects. Sharing your photos can also bring joy to others and create lasting memories.

Knitting/Crocheting

Crocheting and knitting are hobbies known to boost happiness and well-being. Engaging in these crafts can reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of accomplishment. The repetitive, rhythmic movements involved can be calming and meditative, offering a creative outlet and a way to relax. Both knitting and crocheting require sustained attention, which can improve focus and concentration skills, and the act of creating something with yarn can be a powerful stress reliever. Focusing on the stitches and the process can help quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.

Meditating

Meditation is a wonderful hobby for happiness. Practicing meditation can help you relax and feel more in touch with your mind and body. Whether you want to kickstart your morning or wind down after a long day, pick a quiet spot, get comfortable, and focus on your breathing. You can choose from different meditation methods with online tutorials, or seek out a new community in group classes.

Journaling

Few hobbies are as therapeutic as journaling. Writing down your experiences and emotions helps in managing stress, clarifying your thoughts, and understanding yourself better. Start with simple entries about your day or feelings. Gradually, you can explore more in-depth topics or creative formats, like bullet journaling or doodling. Bullet journaling combines to-do lists, tasks, future plans, and present notes to keep your mind fresh and help you stay organized.

Gardening

Gardening is perhaps one of the most mood-boosting activities you can do. This is because you’re tending to a live organism—helping something grow. Studies show that gardening outdoors can significantly impact our mental health and reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression. Many people experience a sense of bliss when they garden, which can increase overall happiness. Watching plants grow from seeds or seedlings to mature plants and enjoying the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor can be very satisfying. Being in nature, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, can also foster a profound sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world. Furthermore, this activity doesn’t require much experience—anyone can become a gardener!

Hiking

If you love nature, hiking is one of the best outdoor hobbies for you. It takes you on adventures to places only accessible on foot and requires nothing more than your presence and maybe a pair of boots. Hiking can be a source of happiness due to its ability to reduce stress, improve physical fitness, and offer opportunities for connection with nature and others. The physical activity itself releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, while spending time in natural settings can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Hiking also provides a sense of accomplishment and can be a social activity, leading to deeper connections with hiking partners. Starting is as simple as gathering some friends and choosing a trail nearby. For a wider range of options, use an app like AllTrails to discover exciting and exotic locations.

Reading

Studies show that just six minutes of reading can lower stress levels by 60%. It’s a relaxing hobby that’s great for easing anxiety and fatigue. It allows individuals to explore new worlds, connect with different characters, and learn new things, all of which can contribute to a sense of well-being and contentment. Get started by picking a book that catches your interest, whether it’s a mystery, a romance, or a piece of history. You don’t need a lot of time or special equipment to enjoy this hobby—just a few minutes and a comfortable spot. Consider setting an annual reading goal. Many adults aim to read five books each year, but you can set whatever target feels right for you.

Camping

Camping can be a source of happiness due to its ability to connect people with nature, offer a break from daily routines, and provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Engaging in camping activities like hiking, stargazing, and campfire cooking can further enhance the positive experience. Spending time outdoors, especially in natural settings, can reduce stress and improve mood by increasing exposure to sunlight and promoting feelings of tranquility. Camping offers a chance to disconnect from screens and electronic devices, allowing for a more mindful and present experience. Camping with friends and family can foster stronger bonds and create lasting memories. 

Volunteering

Volunteering can be a fulfilling hobby that brings happiness by providing a sense of purpose, connection, and positive impact on others. Engaging in activities you enjoy while volunteering allows you to pursue your passions, develop new skills, and contribute to causes you care about.

If you love the outdoors: Consider volunteering for beach cleanups, gardening projects, or reforestation events.
If you enjoy working with animals: Animal shelters and rescue programs need volunteers to walk, groom, and care for animals.
If you’re passionate about helping others: Food banks, homeless shelters, and community centers always welcome volunteers to assist with various tasks.
If you’re creative: Consider volunteering with art programs, music organizations, or community theaters.
If you’re tech-savvy: Many organizations need help with digital marketing, website development, or online tutoring.

By finding volunteer opportunities that align with your interests, you can make a positive impact on the world while also experiencing the many benefits that volunteering has to offer, including happiness and fulfillment.

Learn an Instrument

Learning to play a musical instrument can be a very fulfilling hobby that brings happiness and numerous benefits. It provides a creative outlet, a source of personal satisfaction, and opportunities for social interaction. The process of learning, from the initial struggles to the eventual mastery of a piece, can be incredibly rewarding. Playing an instrument allows you to express yourself musically, which can be a very satisfying experience. The feeling of mastering a new piece of music, or even just a new technique, can be incredibly rewarding. Playing with others, whether in a band or an ensemble, can lead to new friendships and a sense of community. Ultimately, learning an instrument allows you to connect with the joy of music on a deeper level, whether you’re listening to it, playing it, or sharing it with others.

Dance

Dancing is a fantastic hobby that can bring immense joy and happiness, often leading to what could be described as a “happy dance” or a feeling of elation. Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, dancing provides emotional and social benefits that contribute to overall well-being. The focus and concentration required for dancing can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for a temporary escape from worries. Dancing allows individuals to express a wide range of emotions through movement, providing a healthy outlet for feelings. Learning new dance styles and mastering choreography can be incredibly rewarding.

Exercise

Fitness hobbies are not just about breaking a sweat; they are a perfect blend of physical activity and enjoyment that enhances both physical health and mental well-being. In a world that constantly demands attention, finding time for well-being can feel like a luxury. However, incorporating fitness hobbies into daily life makes taking care of oneself as fun as it is beneficial, turning wellness into an enjoyable part of everyday routine. Engaging in exercise can significantly boost happiness and well-being. Some popular options include running, swimming, cycling, and various sports like tennis or badminton.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a great hobby for happiness, offering both mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment. Activities like jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku can improve problem-solving skills, increase mental agility, and reduce stress. The act of completing a puzzle triggers a release of dopamine, reinforcing motivation and pleasure. The focused attention required for solving puzzles can be a great way to unwind and reduce stress, acting as a form of mental meditation. There’s a wide range of puzzle types, from jigsaw and logic puzzles to crosswords and Sudoku, offering diverse options for enjoyment. Furthermore, puzzles can be a social activity, enjoyed with friends or family, or a relaxing solo endeavor.

Other Hobbies You Could Try:

• Learn a language: It makes you smarter; it connects you to a new community
• Horseback Riding: Uses muscles you didn’t know you had; can lead to bonding with people—and horses
• Surfing: Offers an amazing workout and an escape from stress.
• Podcasting: Allows you to share what you know; topics that you’re passionate about.
• Candle Making: Light up your life with handcrafted candles that set the mood.
• Bookbinding: Create your own books or journals, each a testament to your creativity.
• Geocaching: Embark on treasure hunts for hidden geocaches using GPS coordinates.
• Fishing: Reel in relaxation and excitement with this timeless pastime.
• Genealogy and Family History Research: Dive into your roots and explore your family’s history.
• Traveling and Exploring New Places: Embark on journeys to new destinations, near or far.
• DIY Home Improvement Projects: Tackle home improvement projects, from small fixes to room makeovers.

If it seems like you just can’t fit a hobby into your busy schedule, try starting small — enjoy the activity for 15 or 20 minutes at a time and put it on your calendar like any other appointment so you don’t neglect focusing on yourself. There’s no right or wrong way to do a hobby. It’s for enjoyment, so explore it in a way that works best for you!

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading today’s post. I hope you all have a good day and enjoy the rest of your week, whether it be in this beautiful sunny weather that keeps occurring or whatever you decide to do! For now, though, I will end this post and say, see you in two weeks.