Battle Depression and Anxiety with These 36 Hobbies
Days can be darker than nights. Everybody has tough times, tough days, and tough seasons. But, nobody deserves this, and it has to be dealt with. One can take a deep breath and see that the world is still the same world, where we once laughed, danced, and had joy at some time.
Let’s try to get back into that world by using these hobbies to battle depression and anxiety.
Indoor Hobbies to Keep the Blues Away
- World Out, Music In
Plug in your headphones, put your favorite song on replay, and zone out. You’ll find yourself releasing those pent-up emotions. It’s ok to cry, but the feeling afterward is great.
- Learn a New Language
Imagine how much cooler it would feel if you could watch your favorite K-dramas or Japanese anime series without needing subtitles? You can learn a new language for free on Duolingo, Memrise or Babbel.
- Chess
Rise to the challenge. Chess stimulates your brain to think smart and release your happy chemicals whether you win or not.
- Netflix and Chill
There’s nothing chill about depression, but watching your favorite movies on Netflix feels good. Tired of staying indoors? Buy a movie ticket and take your chill to the cinema.
- Create Simple Art
Now that you’re feeling a lot, pick up a pen and scribble about whatever makes you happy.
- Singing
Sing along to your playlist. Better still, write your own song and entertain your friends with it. Whichever way, singing helps you become a better version of yourself.
- Dance Bad Times Away
Shake your body a little, then some more. Dancing improves life.
- Yoga Is Perfect For You
Especially now. You can do yoga anywhere, whether you register for professional classes or prefer the comfort of your home. Allow yourself to get lost in its powers of meditation while improving your muscle strength and tone, respiration, and energy.
- Painting
There’s something therapeutic about swiping a brush on a canvas. Just swipe away.
- Pottery
Because, why not? Instead of dwelling on dark thoughts, get your hands dirty with this hobby for anxiety, some clay, and have fun!
- Read A Book
Don’t feel like getting out of bed today? While you’re at it, make some coffee and binge-read your favorite fiction series. Don’t have a favorite? Romance, mystery, and fantasy novels are killer choices. You’ll sail on a journey to the land of dreams. When you’re done with the book, you’ll come back to a different, better reality.
- Make a Virgin Sangria:
Wondering what you should do with all that fruit? Add some orange juice, brown sugar and ice, and whatever else makes you happy and you’ll have your refreshing smooth glass of sangria. Alcohol is not recommended, it’s the fruity flavor that will make you happy. - Start Your Fitness Journey
Hit the gym. Do push-ups, squats or lunges. Anything to get out of your head and back on track with your awesome life.
- Pin It
Start a Pinterest project. Get your favorite pins to your boards. Connect with people all over the world through pictures. Get inspired.
- Cooking
There’s nothing like resisting the temptation to order food. Roll up your sleeves, dust your cooking books and dip your hands in some dough. Tired of mama’s recipes or the ones online? Then make your own! Whether it turns out delicious or not, it’s still a win-win for you.
Outdoor Hobbies to Help with Depression and Anxiety
- Go On a Road Trip
With the ones you love. Get yourself out of your house for days. Just leaving will feel great. Remember to take a camera along with you.
- Picture It
Finally got outside? Take pictures of the favorite places you visit and compile them in an album. Take random pictures of things you’re drawn to. Snap away. With current technology it’s free anyway!
- Hiking
You’ve probably heard this somewhere before, but now is the time to do it. Choose a quiet or busy trail somewhere in your neighborhood, whichever works best for you.
- Watch The Elements
Get some vitamin D for free! Sunrise and sunset are beautiful no matter how you look at it. That’s of course if you have sun where you are. If not, there’s something soothing about watching and listening to rain fall, or the glisten of snow falling.
- Pack a Picnic
For your friends, family, and all the ones you love. With spring just around the corner, there’ll be plenty of sunshine, fresh air and beautiful flowers to enjoy.
- Take Up Gardening
Treat yourself to the pleasant smell of beautiful blooms right in your backyard. If you don’t have a yard, use a few flower pots and place them on your balcony or somewhere where you’ll see them every day. First, it’ll be a hobby for depression, then you’ll fall in love with the act and it will be a lifelong hobby.
- Go to a Concert
While you vibe to the beats and hopefully terrific dance steps, you stand the chance to meet someone new. You never know how a night out may positively affect your life.
- Open Mic Nights
Open mic nights are golden, to say the least. You witness the power and beauty of spoken word for free. Who knows, you might even get a chance to perform in front of a large audience, and set that stage on fire. That’s a stretch I know, but the thought may excite you a little.
- Host a Barbeque
Or attend one in your neighborhood. As the meat or veggies roast on the coals, connect with your neighbors. You’ll be surprised at how less lonely you’ll be.
- Stare at the Stars
Gaze up at them. Grab a blanket and head to your favorite spot outside, or admire the beauty of the starry skies from your balcony.
- Ride The Waves
Surfing is good for many reasons. Nature, peace, beauty. Each wave-ridden is a personal story, so tell yours today.
- Kayaking
Can’t surf? Rent a kayak or borrow one from a friend and paddle away. For a better kayaking experience, choose a small calm body of water and a sunny day.
- Swimming
What’s more relaxing than being in the water itself? Get some exercise and clear your mind at the same time.
- Fruit Picking
Besides keeping you busy, fruit picking brings you closer to nature and her healing powers. Find a community garden, or your own, and enjoy the flavors that organic fruit brings.
- Horseback Riding
You can ride on horseback on various terrains, from beaches to flat land to mountains, or the local club. Horseback riding provides a healthy combination of workout with an exciting mental challenge.
- Be A Kid All Over Again
Rehash your favorite childhood pastimes. Make dens, climb trees, feed birds. This time, you make the rules.
- Go Bowling
If you thought the bowling alley was only for dates, I’m happy to let you know that you were wrong! Bowling is a great way to get active and social at the same time, with no skill required. Sport or hobby, whatever you want to call it, it’s fun and engaging for anybody.
- Drink Mixing
Create cool concoctions! Whatever you have in your fridge, or whatever season it is, you never know what cool flavors you can mix. Whether it’s a shake or a regular juice drink, mix flavors to your hearts delight. When in doubt, add cinnamon!
- Find an Online Friend or PenPal
Plenty of people are looking for somebody to talk to. Go online, join a happy group, and find somebody you have things in common with. Feeling ol’ skool? Find somebody to mail a letter to.
- Shopping
Retail therapy works. Although it’s a short-term fix, it’s something to do. Try to get out and shop in a store rather than online. Part of the experience is being amongst people.
- Eat or Make Ice Cream
Vanilla. Chocolate. Strawberry. Banana. Whatever flavor you want, whenever you want it. Find your happiness with the milky sweetness of ice cream. A cone of ice cream every now and then would not break the bank, would it?
Feeling Better Yet?
Getting yourself to do something is a large part of the battle. These ideas are meant to get you thinking of better ideas and to get you to occupy your thoughts. Start with one and see where you end up.
