Hobbies which calm the mind

Earlier this year I wrote about my obsession with jigsaw puzzles, and how it was helping me to calm my mind when I was going through a difficult time. I found it a great way to slow down, focus, and also feel that I was bring some order out of the chaos of jumbled pieces.

I've found a few hobbies that help to relax me when I'm feeling anxious or worrying about something, and so I thought I'd share them here in case they can be of help to others. These hobbies can help to take your mind off what you are worrying about, and their repetitive nature can be meditative and calming. They also offer a sense of achievement when completed.

Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles force you to slow down and concentrate on the shape and colour of the pieces in front of you, and you get a small hit of satisfaction with every one that you slot together. I like to have a jigsaw puzzle out on the table whenever I can so that I can work on it a bit a time. It's a really absorbing process watching it all come together.

Running or walking

I enjoy getting out for a run or walk a few times a week. I enjoy my surroundings, and I also have the mental space to sort through anything that's on my mind. Some fresh air and exercise always makes me feel better, and the feeling continues for a long time afterwards. Running is a great hobby to start because it's really easy to track your progress, and you can feel the satisfaction as you begin to complete longer runs and manage a faster pace. 

Colouring

Adult colouring is very popular at the moment, and there are a huge range of colouring books and pens available. Try to keep away from social media and just focus on colouring for yourself rather than feeling the need to compete with others. You really don't need many supplies, I'm sure most people have some colouring pens or pencils tucked away and there are lots of free printable colouring pages available online.

Cross stitch

Cross stitch or embroidery is another hobby that is easy to pick up and put down, with a repetitive and mediative nature. I like to work on large projects that take me years to complete, but I do intersperse them with smaller pieces that can be finished in just a few hours. I like the feeling of the thread running through the fabric and watching the pattern come together.

Similarly, knitting and crochet are great hobbies to quieten those racing thoughts with some tactile repetition as you follow a pattern, count the stitches, and watch your project take shape in your hands. Even though it's repetitive, it's challenging enough not to be boring.

Gardening

My garden is new so I have lots of empty beds, which very quickly fill up with weeds! I've found that I can easily spend a couple of hours out there weeding away and the fresh air and job satisfaction always leaves me feeling calmer afterwards.

Yoga or stretches

I don't do serious yoga, but I do have some stretching videos that I enjoy which often include yoga poses. Just closing the door and rolling out my yoga mat already helps me to feel relaxed, and because I follow videos that are familiar to me I don't have to concentrate on following the routine. I just go along with it and feel lovely and relaxed afterwards.

I think it's important to remember that taking the time for a calming hobby isn't indulgent, it's something that is really important for good mental health. Just making time for a few minutes doing something enjoyable and relaxing can make a big difference, and help you to face the world when things feel overwhelming.