Relaxing Hobbies for Anxiety and Stress to Start Today on a Budget

Stress affects everyone. Unfortunately, the world we live in has no shortage of stress. Stress is a silent killer and a global pandemic. Stress can lead to an increase in chronic illnesses and shorten your lifespan if you do not deal with it in healthier ways.

Most people will suffer from anxiety at some point in their lives, even children are not exempt from its evil grip. Many things can cause anxiety and stress ranging from unhealthy family dynamics, financial difficulties, unexpected sudden calamities, etc.

You have many options at your disposal to choose from to take care of yourself. Let´s explore some relaxing hobbies for anxiety and stress you can start immediately on a budget.

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Stress a quick review

When stress and anxiety enter your life, it´s easy to become overwhelmed and fall under its pressure. Some people may not realize that they are under stress. Prolonged stress and anxiety can lead to burnout.

There is an antidote to stress. It´s called the relaxation response (stress management techniques that help release stress from your body). Our bodies have a natural built-in fight-flight response, but it doesn´t have a built-in relaxation response.

You need to actively seek ways to improve and practice your natural relaxation response which may vary from individual to individual because of personalities, preferences, and interests. To read more on the dangers and types of stress go here.

Now that you know chronic stress can be a problem, remember you have options to combat stress and anxiety. Here are some tools you can use now, starting today, to get you on the road to renewed health and wellness with vitality and fulfillment.

Hobbies that are excellent for people suffering from stress and anxiety

One of the most effective ways to reduce the high levels of dangerous cortisol in your body is physical activity due to the increase of endorphins (the feel-good hormones) that the body desperately needs to combat stress and inflammation. Another way to reduce stress and anxiety is to let your creativity flow.

Anxiety declines in the presence of creativity and physical activity, among other things.

Creative outlets allow you to get out of your head and feelings and give all your attention to the present moment and the task at hand.

Some effective hobbies for anxiety and stress

1) Physical Activity

Exercise

Exercise reduces the high levels of dangerous cortisol in your body. Also, if you want healthy energy levels throughout your day, exercise may be your go-to stress antidote. Exercise is something you can start immediately.

Consult your physician before starting an exercise routine to prevent injury.

My Personal Testimony

A few years back, I was under a lot of stress and started experiencing symptoms in my body. My primary physician was a God-send and recognized what was going on. She gave me valuable advice and encouraged me to start a workout plan after routine testing.

I decided to start running. Now, I didn´t consider myself a sporty type (although I am a die-hard sports fan of ALL major sports). Running transformed my life. I felt refreshed and energized and I was symptom-free within a short period of time.

I know this may sound cheesy but I felt like every cell in my body was thanking me because they were finally getting what they needed to flourish and thrive.

Besides running, I hike once to twice a month (usually on the weekends). I also work out and lift weights 3x a week. Along with my exercise routine, I eat healthier meals full of fruits and vegetables.

A healthy diet can improve your health, energy levels, sleep, and more. It pays to eat healthier and it may cost you your health if you don´t.

Music is therapeutic and can instantly change your mood. I make music a part of my workouts. I have a good playlist with uplifting music that motivates me and makes me feel good. I plug in my earbuds and I´m good to go.

Being active doesn´t have to cost a lot. All you need are good sporting shoes to help prevent injuries and to make your workout as comfortable as possible. If you don´t like going to the gym, you can go for long walks, run, jog, hike, or engage in simple exercise routines from YouTube videos of your choice.

You do not require expensive gym equipment, but comfortable shoes are necessary to prevent injuries and make your workout as pleasurable as possible, and the Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 38 does just that. These are good for running, jogging, hiking, and for a workout.

Comfortable shoes are essential for a great workout. I recommend Nike´s Pegasus 380.

They are lightweight with a padded insole for comfort. The Pegasus 38 is made with innovative fabrics, and I love the style as it pairs nicely with any workout garment. The colors are black, hyper pink, and lilac.

If you want to have a comfortable workout and protect your feet, the Nike Pegasus may be an excellent choice for you.

2) Yoga

Yoga is an excellent tool to increase your body-mind connection. Its stillness allows you to quiet your mind and emotions. It also allows you to practice necessary self-care; everyone needs to have moments for themselves.

Yoga is excellent for men, women, and senior citizens. Other benefits of yoga include:

• reduces stress and anxiety
• improves flexibility
• builds strength
• increases muscle tone
• improves balance
• supports joint health
• strengthens back
• enhances breathing patterns
• benefits heart health
• reduces inflammation
• may aid in normal thyroid problems
• may improve sleep
• releases mental and physical tension
• improves digestion

Yoga can make you feel good, refreshed, and energized. There are many yoga videos on YouTube that you can try.

To start a yoga regimen, you will need a good yoga mat. I like this one from Volar Ideas. It comes in different colors black, blue, and pink. It is lightweight for effortless travel yet thick enough to encourage comfortable floor workouts.

Other features of this yoga mat include:

• excellent slip resistance to prevent injuries
• increase the comfort of floor exercises
• ideal for yoga, floor exercises, push-ups, stretching, and more
• durable
• 3 mm thickness
• an excellent choice for home use, travel, and studio
• easy roll and storage function

Creative hobbies for stress and anxiety

3) Gardening

There is something about nature that draws us to it. Isn´t it amazing how a simple act of slowing down and stopping to smell the roses can be therapeutic? Taking opportunities to enjoy nature´s beauty impacts your well-being and mental health.

Gardening allows you to be outdoors, get fresh air, and get a healthy dose of vitamin D in a natural environment. Other benefits of gardening:

• lower stress
• create calmness
• boost your mood
• boost your immune system
• opportunity to grow your own foods
• cultivate a nourishing connection with earth and nature.

I always thought I had a green thumb and couldn´t grow anything to save my life. But one day, I wanted to prove myself wrong and planted some simple onion bulbs. I remembered when I noticed them growing and when I cooked with them for the first time, a feeling of deep satisfaction overcame me.

Gardening has a calming effect. There are some easy kits for beginners which are simple to follow. Whether you`re gardening for beauty (flowers) or to grow your vegetables/fruits and the peace of mind that comes with it, the sky is the limit as to what you can achieve.

This gardening set from Garden Republic Plant Growing Kits is truly a God-send. It comes complete with everything you need to start, and it is perfect for beginners and people with green thumbs (or those who may think they have green thumbs erroneously).

Other features include:

• 100% non-GMO seeds
• contains Genovese Basil, Italian Parsley, English Thyme, and Cilantro
• easy to use and germinate
• complete starter kit
• allows you to grow your own herbal garden
• enjoy the taste of fresh herbs in your meals
• may boost your gardening confidence
• may increase your appetite for gardening
• may increase your boldness and creativity to plant more

I love adding fresh herbs to my meals straight from my garden. I get a piece of mind and great satisfaction knowing what I put in my meals.

4) Journaling

Have you ever had a good friend or loved one point out something about you that you weren´t aware of? We all have blind spots. Often the people around us have a different perspective of us than we do of ourselves.

Journaling is an act that helps you learn more about yourself when you write down your feelings and thoughts. Journaling can help you navigate through them. Journaling is good for your soul and has many health benefits:

• can encourage physical and emotional healing
• help evaluate/process thoughts and feelings
• discourages negative obsessive thoughts
• bring awareness to things you may not realize
• excellent self-care habit
• encourages moments of self-reflection
• increase your gratitude level (keep a gratitude journal)

You can make a habit of journaling easily if you keep things simple. You do not have to do it every day. You can start writing for 15 minutes. Do not focus too much on grammar; write what comes to your heart. Journaling can be very therapeutic if done correctly.

Over the years, I have kept many journals, and I usually go back through them; each time, I gain a better understanding of myself and my progress. It can also trigger memories, both negative and positive. The negative memories can help you remember how you overcame adverse situations.

Gratitude journals are very powerful. They help keep you centered and on track. There is something about being positive and grateful for your many blessings.

One journal that I recommend is Happy Thoughts Happy Life: What a Concept by Kayla Micheals.

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Sometimes we tend to overthink things or have negative thoughts and expect a positive outcome. Some people do not realize the power of positive thinking. Perhaps they have been thinking wrong thoughts for so long that developed into a nasty habit.

The good news about bad habits is that they can be broken; with a little TLC and tiny alterations. What I like about this journal is its fortune cookie concept. There is a positive thought for each day to keep you on the right track. It is available on Amazon.

5) Candle making

Candle-making calms the mind, can be lots of fun, offers the opportunity to experiment with fresh scents and vibrant colors, and increases your creativity.

Some benefits of candle-making include:

• may instantly boost your mood
• may relieve stress
• aromatherapy (holistic)
• set up an ambiance
• calm your mind
• stimulate memory
• may facilitate sleep
• may increase your joy level

Candle-making may sound like hard work, but it is not. There are many candle-making sets available that make the candle-making experience pleasant.

I remember my first candle-making experience. I was excited. I learned a lot along the way. And with practice; your candles will get better every time.

I love experimenting with different scents (lavender, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood are some of my favorites), and sometimes I add colors and make my own decorations. It certainly leaves room for creativity along with all the health benefits it offers.

This DIY Candle Making Kit from Viegine is an excellent choice for beginners. It comes with everything you need to create your candles in the comfort of your home.

The Viegine DIY Candle-Making Kit also:

• comes as a complete easy to use set
• offers the enjoyment of craft time
• enhances creativity
• excellent family art project (kids will love this)
• great for party favors/souvenirs
• wonderful holiday gift ideas, meaningful gifts for loved ones

Conclusion

Stress is on the rise globally. Many people may not realize how stressed out they are until it’s too late. Start engaging in activities that help reduce stress and anxiety such as exercise, yoga, gardening, journaling, and candle making.

Each of these activities offers many benefits to your mind and body. It is possible to reduce stress and anxiety with the activities mentioned above.

Don´t just live an ordinary life; take care of yourself by engaging in hobbies to help elevate you to an extraordinary life.

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