Picking up a Mindful Hobby to Unwind
Everyone is talking about picking up a hobby and doing it mindfully. Why is it considered helpful and so widely talked about? A mindful hobby helps us in so many different ways. It helps us focus, be present and aware. It gives us a sense of accomplishment when we meet our goals, it makes us feel in control of something and also helps us manage stress as it makes us feel happy and relaxed.
An Ideal Hobby
It is a normal perception that a hobby needs to be something you are passionate about. This is not necessarily true. Also, hobbies need not always be laborious or time-consuming like gardening, learning a new musical instrument, or a sport. If you can accommodate it in your schedule, then you should go for it.
Remember, it is important to not overburden yourself with activities in the name of hobbies. If your day is filled with overwhelming activities and you set out to pick up an activity that can barely fit into your schedule, you may end up giving up soon. It is especially difficult when you are a working professional with the responsibilities of parenting or elderly care. As a result, you end up thinking “Hobbies aren’t for me”. Many of us have already done this.
But you still need a mindful hobby that helps you unwind and relax. It is ideal to pick up an activity that is a keeper, especially when the goal is to give yourself a break and relax. Try something simple that helps you be present and connect with yourself:
- Mindfully listening to music: Listening to music that soothes you, mindfully. That is without any distraction. We often play music and never really listen to it. Experiencing music mindfully helps you find calm and composure.
- Journaling: Spending a little time writing about your thoughts and experiences for that day helps unwind and understand how you experienced the day.
- Write a letter for the future: Write a letter to future you, your spouse or children about anything that you want to talk about. In the long term, the letters could become something you or your loved ones would treasure.
- Photography: Use your phone and capture the highlights of your day, each day. Just pick one or two images and save them chronologically to revisit them.
- Walking or Yoga: Among calming activities, mindful walk or yoga is widely recommended. They can also help in being physically active and finding calm at the same time.
- Drawing or Painting: From doodling to creating art like a pro, whatever your current level is, drawing and painting, by being present can help you unwind.
- Dancing: Shut your room door, play your favourite beats to dance to, and just let it all go.
- Time with Nature: Spend time with nature with a simple goal – to observe and activate your five senses. Sit in your garden and observe the beauty of nature or watch the sky during sunrise or sunset observing the play of colours on the horizon.
- Stargazing: Marvel at the wonders of the universe watching the moon and the stars in the night sky.
- Chanting: Chanting has a transformational effect on body and mind. You can choose a chant as simple as “OM” or use a favourite mantra, or weave a short and simple chant of your own that syncs with your personality.
- Pet Care: Pets are wonderful companions; you could mindfully spend time with them, observing them and yourself in the moment.
There are just an infinite number of activities that you can choose from. Pick an activity that you can do every day, or try everything and see what activities help you really wind down, or you can even choose a combination of activities.
Do it Mindfully
No matter what you choose, do it mindfully. Make sure you are single-tasking as opposed to multitasking during your practice. Give yourself a device break and try not to have any distractions. Start by bringing your attention to the present by observing your breath. Notice how you experience each step in the activity; observe your feelings and emotions.
In case it seems impossible to add a hobby, choose to do a regular activity mindfully. You can mindfully practice almost any activity while making sure you focus only on the task at hand. Even activities like driving, cooking, eating, bathing, doing the dishes and so on can be done mindfully and you’ll reap the benefits.