Creative hobbies are an excellent way to release stress. When you create something with your hands, you can channel all of your worries and strife into your art.
As we age, life can get overwhelming. We have to deal with work, family, and of course, the general chaos of modern-day living. Stress is a constant companion in today’s day and age. But, there is some good news. You can kick stress to the curb with a little bit of creativity. That’s right, hobbies that involve creating something with your own two hands are more than just fun, they are therapeutic.
When we involve ourselves in a hobby, we are able to hit the pause button on our brains. Engaging in creative hobbies is the same as giving your brain a mini vacation area this is especially powerful for people over the age of 40. This is a time when life can feel like a delicate balancing act. And, creativity offers you a way to reclaim some of that meantime, while also doing something that feels productive and meaningful in your life.
So, if you’re looking for a way to help you unwind, refocus your mind, or even discover a hidden talent you’d never knew was there, this guide is for you. Let’s take a closer look at some creative hobbies that will not only help you to relax but will also make your life a lot brighter.
Why Creative Hobbies Are So Good for You
Let’s face it, stress is everywhere. But, when you dive into a new creative hobby, something magical happens. Your brain begins to shift gears, your shoulders become more relaxed, and suddenly, all of the weight of the world simply feels lighter.
Why? Well, creativity isn’t just about making things, it’s about focusing your mind on something enjoyable and rewarding. This sort of state of mind has been shown to help lower cortisol levels. And, cortisol is the stress hormone. Engaging in a hobby can also help to boost feelings of happiness.
And, here’s the best part. Hobbies that engage your hands and mine are effective at helping you unwind at the end of the day. So, if you are having issues with getting a good night’s rest, try including your new hobby as part of your daily unwinding routine. Pick up some knitting, some pottery, or even painting today.
Top Creative Hobbies for Stress Relief
Now, before we look at the science behind using creative hobbies to relieve stress, let’s take a look at some of the best options that are available for you.
Knitting and Crochet: Calm Through Repetition
This is probably one of the oldest hobbies in the country. Regardless of your gender, there is something truly hypnotic about knitting and crocheting. Has something to do with the repetitive motions, the soft deal of the yarn, and that clicking of the needles. It is quite literally a form of meditation in motion.
Why It’s Great
We have discussed mindfulness in the past. And, knitting and crocheting is great because it encourages mindfulness. It will also help you to improve your focus, and create a calming rhythm that will help you destress at the end of the day. It is a perfect hobby for your daily unwinding routine.
How to Start
Plus, it’s a whole lot easier to start than you think. All you need is some yarn, a pair of needles or a hook, and an online tutorial. Start with something that’s simple, small, and square. Most people start off with a simple dishcloth. But, you can also try your hands at a scarf, or a scully. And, when everything is finished, you end up with a handmade cozy item that is perfect to keep or give away as a gift.
Adult Coloring Books: Art Without the Pressure
Who said coloring is just for kids? Think about it, have you ever walked through the aisle, seen a coloring book, and reminisced about the days gone by when you picked up your box of Crayola’s and colored in the pages? Sure you have. But, you don’t have to color and books that are designed for kids. In fact, there is a wide array of adult coloring books available that are specifically designed to help you focus and relax at the end of the day.
Why It’s Great
Adult coloring books are super accessible. And, there is no artistic skill required. If you can’t find an adult coloring book, simply pick up one for a kid and have fun. The repetitive action of coloring will help to quiet your mind and can even reduce symptoms of anxiety.
How to Start
In order to start coloring once again, all you need is some crayons and a coloring book. Look for adult coloring books if possible, or just pick up anything from the kid’s aisle that grabs your attention. In no time, you will be de-stressing and preparing your mind for a better night’s sleep.
Pro Tip
Make your coloring session even better by pairing it up with some soft music or even a calming podcast. This will ensure that the session is truly relaxing.
Pottery or Clay Work: Hands-On Relaxation
Everyone played with clay back in school, but believe it or not, pottery can be a truly relaxing hands-on experience. The feel of clay being squished in a lump between your hands is truly satisfying. And, it provides you with a channel to turn your stress into something tangible. Quite literally, it allows you to mold your tension into art.
Why It’s Great
The idea of working with clay is very grounding. There’s something about the feel of the soft machine material between your fingers, just stiff enough to take shape and form. Plus, when you work with clay, it helps to improve your focus and let go of your perfectionism.
How to Start
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to get started is to join a local pottery class. But, not everyone has classes available in their area. As a result, why not look for a beginner-friendly air-dry clay that will dry at home. It’s easy, affordable, and allows you to express yourself in ways you can’t do on paper.
Photography: Focus on Beauty
Here’s another great one. The typography is more than just taking pictures. The hobby is all about seeing the world through a different lens. When you stare out at the world through a lens, you begin to notice the small, beautiful details that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday living. The manual focus feature allows you to tune into even the most minute details, and turn them into a work of art.
Why It’s Great
When you focus on capturing that perfect shot, it pulls your attention away from all the stress in your life. It allows you to focus on the beauty that is all around you. Beauty, that you walk past every day but never truly see.
How to Start
The easiest way to get started with photography is to simply use your smartphone. Remember though, photography can also be a fairly expensive hobby. So, if you are planning on purchasing a basic camera, then try to start with a used one. You can find them fairly cheap on sites like eBay. Start watching tutorials, experimenting with lighting, composition, and different subjects until you find something you are truly passionate about.
Pro Tip
Perhaps one of the best challenges you can accept and the photography hobby, is the photo-a-day challenge. This challenge will help you to build consistency and hone your skills as a photographer.
DIY Crafts: Projects With Personality
And, what’s not to love about crafts? I think my first introduction to crafts was when I was seven or eight. I had moved in with my aunt and uncle in Florida, and we lived near the Pinellas trail. Back in those days the trail didn’t exist yet, and the section near my house was full of old treasures. I used to love collecting the railroad spikes, taking them home, cleaning them up, and painting them in a wide array of different colors. The best part was, that my aunt would take me to the fleamarket every weekend to sell them.
Why It’s Great
When you start to craft, it helps you to focus and unleashes your creativity. Best of all is that crafting leaves you with something tangible to show for your efforts. If you find something that’s truly amazing, you can even share it with the world by selling it at local flea markets or other local outlets.
How to Start
To start, simply choose a project that actually interests you. Begin to gather supplies, and let YouTube be your guide. As you go, you will find that you are more interested in certain types of crafts and others, so don’t be afraid to experiment along the way.
The Science Behind Creative Hobbies
Okay, so here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. Believe it or not, there’s actual science to back up why creative hobbies make you feel so good.
Lower Cortisol Levels
Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities will help to reduce cortisol levels. Remember, cortisol is the stress hormone. The more hectic of a life we live, the more cortisol we have in our system. And, the more cortisol, the more stress. Engaging in creative hobbies provides an outlet that will help your body to release that excess cortisol.
Brain Boosts
Creativity also activates different areas of your brain that you use on a regular basis. If you are like most, then you working a 9 to 5 job where every day is monotonous. As a result, your brain simply stops functioning as effectively as it should. When you begin to engage in creative activities, you are improving cognitive function, as well as emotional resilience.
Mood Enhancement
Of course, we can’t forget the sense of accomplishment that you get when you complete a project. Anytime you pick up a paintbrush, knitting needle, or even a saw and chisel, your body will begin to release dopamine and other feel-good chemicals. This will enhance your mood, and allow you to look at the world through a brighter lens.
How to Get Started
Perhaps the hardest thing about starting a new creative hobby is the actual act of starting it.
Finding Affordable Supplies and Tutorials
It’s important to remember that starting any new hobby does not have to break the bank. You would be amazed at what you can find at thrift stores, dollar stores, or even your local library.
If you want to get involved in knitting, check out your local thrift store, where you will probably find an entire section of used knitting needles. For coloring books, you can find these at the dollar store. And photography equipment can be bought online or even at local fairs and flea markets.
From there, check out online platforms like YouTube or Pinterest for tutorials that will help you create something new and amazing
Overcoming Perfectionism
Remember, you don’t have to be perfect. In fact, the process of being creative is far more important than the outcome itself. It doesn’t matter if your first knitting project looks like a wonky three-armed sweater, embrace it. I personally love woodworking, and I have lots of wonky projects that are lying around. But, when I see them, even though they may not be perfect, just looking at them makes me feel relaxed.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, creative hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time. When you engage in a creative hobby, you are actively relieving stress, practicing self-care, and engaging in rediscovery. Regardless of whether it is the soothing rhythm of knitting, the meditative focus of coloring, or the hands-on joy of pottery, there is a creative outlet there for everyone.
So, find one that speaks to you, gather your supplies, and simply dive in. You may find that the act of actually creating is more therapeutic than anything else in your life.
