When you are coping with depression, it is important to take a full-on approach to healing that involves a combination of therapy, support from your loved ones and efforts to reduce the stress in your life. While you can’t expect to feel better overnight, you can start now by finding activities that help you overcome your symptoms. These 12 hobbies are all perfect for helping you to heal mentally and physically from the effects of depression.
Dig Into the Soil
Gardening provides you with an opportunity to take care of something else, which is great for increasing your self-esteem. As you spend time outdoors, you will soak up the healing rays of sunshine and increase your levels of vitamin D, which helps combat fatigue. Watching the beauty of your garden blossoming also provides a sense of accomplishment that is a definite mood-booster.
Take Up Photography
Seeing the world through the lens of a camera provides you with a different perspective on life. Searching for cool new things to photograph also serves as motivation to get out of the house and explore the world. Photography is also easy to start as a beginner since even a smartphone camera takes amazing pictures, and there is enough to learn that you can stay busy discovering new techniques as you build your confidence.
Express Yourself Through Art
Paint and canvas are forgiving mediums that allow you the freedom to engage in self-expression. Whether you choose to paint an abstract image using colors that represent your feelings or prefer a more realistic style, putting the brush to the canvas lets you get all of your emotions out. Sculpting, drawing and sewing are a few more types of art that allow you to enter a zone where your mind is solely focused on the creative process.
Go Hiking
Exercise is an important component of treating depression, yet it is hard to stay motivated for going to the gym. Hiking helps you to keep your motivation because there is always somewhere new to explore. Additionally, spending time in nature is known to have mood-elevating effects that increase relaxation and help dispel negative thoughts.
Start a Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is about so much more than just organizing your photographs. As you sort through pictures, you will be reminded of the wonderful times that you share with your family and friends. Scrapbooking is also a fun activity to do with others, so invite a few of your favorite people over and enjoy socializing as you put new pages together.
Try a Team Sport
Think about some of the sports you enjoyed playing as a kid, and look for a group in your community that is open to accepting new players. Whether you choose soccer or volleyball, you will increase your endorphins through regular exercise. Joining a team puts you in contact with other health-minded people who enjoying showing each other support through challenges while also celebrating victories.
Take a Yoga Class
Yoga is another hobby that offers the therapeutic benefits of exercise, yet it also offers a chance to learn how to practice mindfulness. Many yoga classes also include meditation as part of the practice. Holding poses while focusing on your breathing helps you discover new ways to ease anxiety and depression symptoms by staying completely in the moment.
Learn to Play an Instrument
Music is wonderful for promoting relaxation, and playing an instrument provides you with a distraction from your problems since learning to read music takes concentration. If you find it stressful to learn to play an instrument, then you can still achieve similar benefits by diving into a specific genre of music. Create a playlist of tunes that relax you, and use it anytime you need a little stress relief.
Become a Thrill Seeker
The natural high generated by tackling a challenge helps combat the sadness of depression. From going skydiving to conquering a white water rafting expedition, there are many options for finding new thrills to chase. Looking forward to your next adventure will keep you feeling excited about the future, and stepping out of your comfort zone gives you more confidence. If taking part in extreme outdoor activities makes you uneasy, try exploring the theme parks in your area since they offer a safer way to get your adrenaline pumping until you are ready to dive into another type of adventure.
Solve a Puzzle
When life seems overwhelming, working on a puzzle gives you a chance to take your mind off of the day-to-day struggles you face. Solving a puzzle instantly brings you happiness, and figuring out each part of the puzzle gives you little moments of satisfaction that come with restoring order. With a puzzle, you can also step away and pick it back up again anytime you need to enjoy a little mini-break during your day.
Start Swimming
Being around water is always comforting, and diving into a pool refreshes both your body and your spirit. Swimming provides a full workout that helps you get out any tension, and breathing helps relax your mind similarly to meditation. Find an indoor pool so that you won’t be hindered by weather, and you can enjoy this hobby all year long.
Write It Out
Journaling is an informal writing style where you can let your mind wander as much as you desire. Whether you want to write about what makes you angry or sad or you want to reflect upon a silly incident at work, putting your thoughts down on paper is a great way to gain perspective. Those who love writing already can take this hobby a step further by starting a novel or non-fiction piece that can be added to each day.
When depression rears its ugly head, it is time to take action. Always begin by seeking professional help to ensure that you begin the right treatment. Then, enjoy exploring new hobbies that help transport you to a happier state of being where you are in control of your health and happiness.
