Thinkers Thursday: 10 Hobbies That Naturally Relieve Stress

Hey Leaders,

When was the last time you lost track of time doing something just because you love it?

According to Verywell Mind, certain hobbies do more than just pass the time—they actively reduce stress, lower anxiety, and help your mind reset. These activities trigger flow states, create a sense of purpose, and give our brains the break they often crave.

Here are 10 hobbies backed by research for their stress-relieving power:

🌱 Gardening – Boosts mood through fresh air, sunshine, and care.
📷 Photography – Encourages presence and gratitude in everyday scenes.
📘 Scrapbooking – Combines creativity and reflection in a tangible way.
🐠 Aquariums – Watching fish has proven calming effects.
🧩 Puzzles – Sharpen focus and foster mental clarity.
🎨 Drawing & Coloring – Promotes mindfulness through self-expression.
🏃 Exercise – Naturally reduces cortisol and boosts feel-good hormones.
🧶 Knitting – Repetitive motion calms the nervous system.
🎸 Playing Music – Fosters flow and emotional release.

🧠 Why it works: These hobbies help shift your brain from survival mode to creative mode. They engage your hands and heart—and in doing so, they free your mind.

💬 Reflection Prompt

What hobby helps you reset mentally or emotionally?

Have you ever noticed your stress fade during certain creative or physical activities?

👉 Take a moment to read the article:

🔗 Top 10 Stress-Relieving Hobbies – Verywell Mind

Then share your favorite stress-relief hobby—or one you’d love to try!

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