When people fall into a hard time in life, it’s easy to get swept up in the depression or stress that accompanies it. Whether you’re dealing with something like a DUI or a life-changing event such as divorce, finding a temporary escape from your issues can be a healthy way to cope.
Picking up a hobby is a great way to distract from what’s going on in your life. If you already have a hobby that you like to spend time on, developing new skills in your chosen hobby or even finding something new that interests you is a worthwhile investment of your time if it reduces stress. If you don’t have a hobby, choosing one that fits you is easier than you think.
Creating things or working to improve your home are two of the most popular hobbies; by making something new or making your house feel more like a home, you can help make yourself more comfortable in the situation you find yourself in. Taking up an activity such as gardening can be incredibly rewarding, watching your plants grow can give you a sense of accomplishment and may help with any feelings of loss that you might have.
Having a hobby doesn’t mean that you have to be a homebody, though. If the thought of staying at home stresses you out, traveling is a terrific way to clear your thoughts. Don’t let the installation of a Low Cost Interlock device or the fear of driving by an old haunt keep you indoors all day. Experiencing a new culture or place is exciting and keeps your mind busy and off of whatever may be bothering you.
Traveling is more than just buying an airplane ticket to an exotic land though – even hopping on a train or in your car to a nearby city or the countryside near your town can be relaxing. The important part of traveling is the change of scenery and allowing your mind wander along with your body.
Improving your outlook is key to distracting you from your troubles and improving your physical fitness is an efficient way to distract yourself, mind and body. Exercising is just as much a mental workout as it is a physical one. By taking up some form of physical activity you are committing yourself to pay attention to what your body is doing, therefore taking your mind off of everything else. Having exercise as a hobby doesn’t have to mean having an expensive gym membership or fancy home equipment – it can be as simple as going for a brisk walk to clear your head or doing some intensive cardio to keep yourself busy.
No matter what hobby you find or however many you go through, don’t be discouraged if you lose interest in something you try out. The best part about having hobbies is that you can pick them up and leave them alone whenever you want. Using a hobby to get through a tough time in your life is not only a healthy distraction for the time being, it can also lead to a lifelong passion or skill that will serve to improve your life for years.
