With so many responsibilities at hand, it becomes impossible to find time for ourselves. While it seems trivial, this lack of “Me” time has adverse effects on our mental health, and sadly, we don’t even notice.
The great news is that experts like Gary Pryor are working day and night to help people fight stress. In this blog, we will look at some simple hobbies that you can incorporate into your daily schedule and feel good about yourself.
Gary Pryor’s Top Picks for the Best Hobbies for Mental Health
Playing Music
Music is food for the soul, and it gets even better with a musical instrument in your hand. Regardless of what instrument you play or the genre of music you like, music calms you down and balances your mood.
From learning an easy four-chord song to writing your own music, you can really get your creative juices flowing.
You can jam with a bunch of friends or perform at an open-mic gig at your local club. According to Gary Pryor, the feeling of creating something is uncanny, which is why you must give it a try.
Walking
It’s always a good idea to switch off your gadgets and head out. A quick walk around the block not only boosts your mood but also enhances your energy levels.
If you struggle with negative thoughts, you can slowly graduate from walking to hiking. A hike takes effort, but it makes you feel good about yourself, thus uplifting your self-esteem.
Gary Pryor believes that hiking doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead, it must be fun enough to keep you motivated.
Gardening
Do you want to feel optimistic? Try gardening. Studies have shown that people who tend to their plants grow to live longer.
Tending to a plant or a tree helps clear your head while giving you ample physical activity. Whether you plant a little kitchen garden in your backyard or participate in a community gardening project, the options are endless.
According to Gary Pryor, gardening helps you become a more caring and empathetic version of yourself, which helps you in your interpersonal relationships.
Dancing
Feeling down? Now is the time to dance to your favorite jam. Dancing not only helps your heart rate, but it also helps you manage stress and anxiety.
You can either groove to your favorite track in your living room, or you can even join a dance class. Whichever route you take, you will end up feeling happier by the time you are done dancing.
Gary Pryor’s Final Thoughts
Dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression isn’t easy, and Gary Pryor understands this well. Different people have different coping mechanisms.
While some people turn to social media to fight their demons, some of them resort to unhealthy activities like drinking and smoking.
A hobby gives you so much to do, and it reminds you of all the possibilities you didn’t pay much attention to. If you aren’t feeling too well, try one of the above-mentioned hobbies. Or, you can be creative enough to find your own hobbies.