We are living in stressful times and this is the worst our generation has seen. Be it education, career, or personal life, every aspect of our existence has been hit hard, overwhelming us in the process. The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health and how.
With lockdown and living in isolation from near and dear ones, the facet of human touch is missing causing a lot of tension and extra stress.
In order to safeguard our wellbeing, we ought to make a conscious effort and that’s where hobbies come into play.
Creative Hobbies to Improve Your Mental Health
I agree that it isn’t always easy to find time from day to day chores. But outside of these regular obligations, we must dedicate ourselves to doing something that brings joy and ignites our passion.
However, what separates a hobby from just doing something- like binge-watching Netflix is your level of dedication, commitment, and engagement. Besides relieving anxiety and stress, creative hobbies are an excellent way to learn a new skill and get out of your comfort zone.
I am going to share a few examples from my life as well as a couple of bloggers who I know and follow. I hope this brings positive vibes and makes you smile.
Art
Be it coloring, drawing, painting, graffiti, doodling, sculpting, or even graphic designing, this is one of the best things you can do to simulate your brain.
I always believed I couldn’t for the life of me draw anything! But it doesn’t hurt to try. Pick up some color pencils or crayons. You get free Mandala designs or coloring pages on the internet to download. Try it out! You may also try out coloring apps.
I am going to share a few of my favorite accounts from Instagram who does exceptional job at this!
** Click on the pictures to visit their accounts **
1. @shilpsart
Shilpa who blogs at ShilpaGupte.com does beautiful illustrations, mandala art, and ink art. Her drawings are intricate, clean, and precise and I often wonder how patient she would be so as to nail the geometric patterns and circles. She recently did commissioned work and I can’t be any more proud of her! Check out her Instagram feed for more.
2. @moderngypsy
There is no denying the fact that Shinjini’s ( at Modern Gypsy) paintings are a class apart. To be in awe is an understatement because you’d be drawn into her amazing play of vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. I do not know anything about paintings, I confess. But it doesn’t take a genius to appreciate her soulful art.
DIYs Make at Home
There are so many things that you can make at home – from the age-old crocheting and embroidery to the latest on the gram, the resin coasters, and scented candles, there is pretty much nothing you can’t do. Make jewelry with paper (quilling), upcycle furniture, create showpieces from old cutlery or leftover bottles, the ideas are unlimited.
3. @relaxnrave
We know Kala at Relax N Rave as a brilliant writer and her eye for home decor is on point. She also tried her hands on crocheting during these difficult times and you can’t help but admire her work. Check this out.
4. @dawn_to_dusk_24
I know Parul since the time I began blogging and while I love the beautiful nature photographs she takes (You should check out her #ThursdayTreeLove series on her blog), her crochet works are jaw-droppingly beautiful. Don’t you agree?
Nature Talks
From growing a garden to taking a stroll in the park every day, to camping or hiking up a trail, spending time in nature allows you to breathe in positivity while exhaling negativity.
I miss the sound of birds chirping around me as the soft breeze graces my face, eyes witnessing the beautiful green hills while my brain bids adieu to all its stresses and tensions. Poetic much? Nature does that to you.
My days in Pithoragarh were calm and relaxing but that doesn’t mean that I am not enjoying Kerala monsoons and its greenery.
5. @candifiedbyshlagha
I have known Shlagha Jindal for over seven years now and she surprises me almost always with her talent. Though photography is only a hobby, she also does weddings and event photography. The lockdown also saw Shlagha pursuing a YouTube career with tutorials on beginner makeup and beauty and trust me, her videos have helped me a lot. But for now, check out her Instagram feed and get mesmerized.
6. @dipikkasingh
Dipika at Gleeful Blogger is a talented lifestyle and mommy blogger. Thanks to Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter campaign, I came to know that she is also a plant mommy. Her tips and tricks on plant care are a must to check out, especially if you think you do not have a green thumb.
7. @thoughtsbygeet
Geethica at Thoughts by Geethica spreads happiness. Yes, that’s what comes to my mind when I think of her. Her motivation blog is a beautiful space just like her ever-smiling face. She is also a nature lover and you can see it here.
8. @rajlakshmib
What do I say about this superwoman! Rajlakshmi at Pixelated Tales is multitalented. Period. She is one of those bloggers who I have religiously followed since I began blogging. Her writes are captivating and humorous and she also does a brilliant job of making Zentangles. But what sets her apart is her dedication to Yoga. Outdoor or indoor, when I think of Yoga, I think of her.
Expressing Yourself
I consider myself inclined to this particular section of hobbies. Expressing myself frees my mind in so many ways I can’t comprehend. Be it photography, videography, music, writing, journaling, dancing, reading, cooking, baking, any form of expression is a beautiful thing to do.
9. @mysticmerrymaker
Mayuri at Sirimiri is a lifestyle blogger who writes books, movies, makeup, and product reviews. She is also a Tarot reader and storyteller and her short stories draw me in every single time. They are so captivating and engaging that you’d instantly feel connected to her words. Must read!
10. @talesofsuchita
I’ll have to say that Suchita’s Tales of Suchita blog tagline fits perfectly for her – “words are where the magic is”. Her stories weave magic because you feel that words flow smoothly whenever you read her writes.
11. @literaryleha
Leha at Literary Affair is exceptional with her words. Though she writes fiction as well, I am a huge admirer of her poems. I always feel that her thoughts are sewn in a magical thread to be able to put them into words.
12. @afew.handpickedthings
I vibe with Ranjini at A Few Handpicked Things a lot. I find myself in her in ways she doesn’t know, I am sure. 😛 She is an all-rounder- she writes, reads, cooks, paints, and also loves photography! But did you know she is an excellent singer as well? She practices on her Ukelele and her singing tug at your heartstrings.
13. @reemamichelle
I know Reema at The Write World as an amazing blogger and avid reader. But she is also a singer and you can listen to her soulful singing with Ukelele on her Youtube channel.
14. @nabanitadhar
I love Nabanita (Random Thoughts – Naba). She is inspiring in ways I cannot explain. Naba’s clear perspective on important social issues like women’s rights makes me admire her even more. She is an ardent reader and you should check out her detailed book reviews to know more. I don’t think I have seen a more thorough way of reviewing books by anyone else. I can always trust her choice in books and I make it a point to read her recommendations as and when I can.
15. @ramyarao_p
Ramya who blogs at Words & Me is a dear friend and I have always been in awe of her way with words. She also incorporates her poems with beautiful travel pics and they are so refreshing to the eyes. Her poems have deeper meanings and my favorite is her #GirlPower poems. Check this out.
And then there is @kohleyedme
Yup. That’s me! I have kept myself really busy this last year. Living apart from the soldier who is posted to the frontiers (It’s gonna be a year tomorrow!), I thought I was going to lose my sanity. I was sad and lonely but I pulled myself up by doing things that I love. From showing up regularly for dance workouts to birdwatching and nature photography to cooking and videography, reading, home decor and bookstagram and my current obsession with posting dance videos on Instagram (did you know I am a trained classical dancer of 12 years?) I do it all.
I am not a pro at any of these though but I sail through difficult times by getting my creative juices flowing. Would you take a minute to look at these? It would definitely boost my confidence.
Dancing
Home Decor
Nature Photography
Bird Watching
Bookstagram
Cooking
Videography
That’s all from me! I hope you enjoyed this post.
Let me know your favorite creative hobbies and drop in your Instagram handles so that I can follow you.
‘This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter and Blogchatter Half Marathon.’
That’s all for now!
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Wow! Thank you so much for the mention, Shalini! That was such a pleasant surprise!
Yes, art has been a life saver for me. I began this journey in 2014 to keep my mind busy and distract it from all kinds of frightening thoughts that tortured me then, and I am glad I kept at it. It helped me tremendously last year. It’s what keeps me mentally and emotionally healthy. It’s a fact that we won’t always have someone by our side to keep us happy and cheerful. That is our responsibility towards ourselves. And, that’s why I feel indebted to God for having gifted me with this skill that cares for me so beautifully.
We all need to pursue a hobby or two. Life can get pretty lonely and that’s when these hobbies will rescue us, right?
I admire your photography, your pics with Muffy and your home decor ideas. It’s like flipping through the pages of a home decor magazine, you know! Keep it up, girl. It’s such a necessary thing, not just for you, but for your followers, too. We all need something to get our mind occupied by something creative, something constructive.
Thanks for the lovely IG stories and images! Looking forward to more!
Wow, this was a pleasant surprise, Shalini! Thank you so much for featuring my art – it’s truly been the thing that has kept me sane during this pandemic! Creative hobbies are indeed very helpful when it comes to supporting our mental health. Art, podcasting, and writing have been my saviors – so much so I started a podcast and a new website to focus on long form writing during this pandemic! I’ve loved seeing your dance videos on Instagram. Keep them coming!
Modern Gyspy recently posted…Why do you make art?
Thanks a ton, Shalini for adding me to your list. Creativity brought us all together.
I read and follow most of the bloggers you’ve mentioned here and some of them are close friends as well. Hobbies indeed are the greatest stress buster and the best part is that we learn something new everytime!
So multi-talented you are! Your photos are mesmerizing. And thank you so much for including me in your list 🙂
This is such a lovely list Shalini! I am in pretty esteemed company indeed, thank you! I think these tough times call for thinking out of the box, out of routine if we have to come out of it sanely. Creative hobbies are our best bet. I love your lovely videos showcasing your love for dance and are you expressive or what! Cheers love, keep at it!
Honored to find my name in this post, Shalini. Thank you for thinking of me. Writing is the one thing that keeps me sane and has been a big help during the Pandemic.