The truth is that the majority of people find it embarrassing to talk about anxiety because of the stigma that surrounds it. The misconception that anxiety is a weakness means that more people suffer in silence and ignore help. Nobody should suffer in silence. This is not a quick fix but instead the following hobbies to reduce your anxiety will offer relief when you need it the most.
Join an online forum like 7 Cups
The most important first step is to talk about how you feel. The problem is that sometimes you are not in a position to be able to talk somebody. You could be stuck at work or you might not feel comfortable talking to a friend about how you feel. 7 Cups solves this problem. They have listeners that you can talk to at any time time of the day and group discussions where you can talk to people who feel exactly the same as you. It is online free therapy without the anxiety of going to see a therapist in person. You can also download the app so you have access at all times. On the flip side, you can train to be a listener and help other people who suffer in silence.
Meditation
One of the best hobbies to reduce your anxiety and calm your mind is meditation. If you have a spare 15 minutes to yourself then I recommend watching a YouTube video for guidance. My personal favourite is Yoga With Adriene and she has a fantastic video called Meditation for Anxiety. Adriene is instructive and has a calm relaxing voice.
There is an extensive and informative article on Kelli’s website (groom and style) about different breathing exercises that is a great resource. The post explores the misconceptions about breathing techniques and also highlights certain exercises for different conditions amongst lots of other vital information. It’s definitely worth a read if you would like to reduce your anxiety.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is easy to practice when you are busy and do not have much time to spare. It focuses on paying attention to the present to relax your mind. Try the tips in the below post.
6 Mindfulness Exercises You Can Try Today
Express yourself through art or music
Buy an art journal or pick up an instrument and express yourself. You don’t need to be the next Mozart or Picasso to express your anxiety.
Gemma Correll creates comics to express how she feels and the below snippet from her insta is spot on.
Stay Active
Find a hobby that keeps you active and encourages you to go outside. Put your headphones in and take the dog for a long walk around the park. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea find a different outdoor hobby you enjoy. Practice your photography skills, go for a sail on the boating lake or go cycling.
On a side note, if you have the time and love to share then you need to get a dog. In a previous stressful job, I would go home at lunch to cuddle my dog and it would relieve my anxiety and help me to carry on through the day.
Go Dancing
Put on some good music and have a dance. If you feel up to it then contact some friends and go for drinks and dancing. Dancing is a great way to quiet your mind and help you to relax. Sometimes all you need is a girls night out.
Listen to a podcast or read a book
For my commute to work, I download a podcast before I leave and it helps to focus my mind instead of worrying about that day. At the moment, my favourite is Ted Talk‘s podcast so I can educate myself and alleviate my anxieties at the same time. In the evening, I read a book and my current favourite genre is self help. #GIRLBOSS is my firm favourite.
Podcasts and books expand your mind and imagination so instead of worrying about the next day you can get immersed in a fictional character or inspirational story.
I finished #GirlBoss today and I loved every page of it. Such a good read. One of my favourite quotes was, ‘dream big start small’.#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/tsJSoYsG3D
— Hobbyism (@Hobbyismuk) March 26, 2018
Netflix and chill
Netflix has a vast variety of media to suit every audience and no this is not code for sex (although that would help your anxiety). You can immerse yourself in a binge-worthy series, a thought-provoking documentary or an action packed film.
What hobbies to reduce your anxiety do you have?
I would love to hear your views in the comments below or through twitter.
Thanks to fellow blogger Jess over at All American Auto Services for the blog post suggestion!
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If you are suffering from anxiety a great blog, by my good friend Joan, to subscribe to is My Best Friend Adeline, it is packed with positivity and guidance and definitely worse a browse. Curiosity, hobbies and happiness, oh my! is a particularly interesting post about hobbies that I would recommend.