A person with a cup of tea in their hand and books on their bed

Hobbies That Can Evolve Your Mindset​

By Matthew Schwimmer and Isabella Panagakos

When was the last time someone asked you what your hobbies were? Unless you work with children, it’s probably been a while. So, think about it. What are your hobbies? A concerning number of adults answers this question with – I have none. And the reasoning behind this answer is most commonly a lack of time and energy. Much like you are responsible for feeding and clothing your body, you need to do the same for your mind. Luckily, ensuring mental and physical wellbeing doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many hobbies that can evolve your mindset, the only thing you need to do is find one you genuinely enjoy.

1. Meditation

While Zen masters probably wouldn’t call meditation a hobby, there are many ways to incorporate it into your everyday life to help you relax. This ancient practice of attaining inner peace has gained popularity over the years, and for a good reason. Meditation helps improve focus, lowers blood pressure and stress, reduces anxiety and depression, etc. The list of benefits is too long not to give it a try.

The good thing about it is that you can practice it anytime, anywhere, without spending a single cent. However, if you want to be extra fancy, you can create a meditation space at home for an added dose of motivation. Even a few minutes of meditation a day will jumpstart positive changes, but it is vital to stay persistent and practice regularly.

2. Reading

If you want to keep your mind sharp, reading might be the perfect hobby for you. While this is not an innovative or uncommon pastime, reminding ourselves of its importance and benefits is vital. 

Reading improves focus and comprehension, encourages curiosity and learning, and improves your vocabulary. On top of all that, it also helps you sleep better!

If you don’t do it already, you might want to grab a book or two from time to time. Any genre you enjoy is fine, but try to challenge your mind by going out of your comfort zone.

3. Gardening

On this list of hobbies that can evolve your mindset, gardening seems to be the most relaxing one. It makes sense that touching dirt and being surrounded by nature can do wonders for the mind. Many studies suggest that gardening lowers the amount of the stress hormone our bodies produce and decreases the risk of developing dementia. Isn’t it funny how we spend endless amounts of time, money, and energy to fix ourselves when the solution could be so simple?

Two people gardening

Whether you take up gardening in your backyard or inside your studio apartment, you can count on becoming more productive and motivated and acquiring a more positive outlook on life. Getting your hands dirty has never sounded better!

4. Dancing

Do you dance when you’re alone at home? No? Well, you should give it a try. Not only is dancing fun, but it can also be highly beneficial for your mental wellbeing. By raising the levels of happy hormones in your body, dancing helps you fight depression, increase relaxation, and improve cognitive sharpness. The fact that it counts as a workout isn’t too shabby either. After sitting at a desk all day, dancing could help you by improving your circulation, strengthening your muscles, and increasing flexibility.

Depending on your preference, you can incorporate some freestyle dancing to your favorite hits at home, or you can take a dancing class if you want to be more formal. Either way, the dance floor will surely put a smile on your face.

5. Using your hands to create

Whether it’s knitting, painting, cooking, sculpting, woodwork, or embroidery, creating something with your own hands is the most effective way to evolve your mindset. The effort and love you put into your creations will help you become more confident, focused, and content. 

If you think you are not crafty enough for these hobbies, remember that acquiring any new skill takes time and persistence. Your work will likely be wonky at first, but seeing and tracking your progress, no matter how slow, will undoubtedly lift your spirits.

6. Playing sports

Most people who have not practiced sports outside of school are apprehensive about becoming more physically active. However, it’s essential to know that you can start a new sport later in life, as well. Staying fit and healthy has no age limit and is highly beneficial for both the body and mind.

Whether it’s power walking or aerial yoga, you will undoubtedly find something that fits your personality and energy level. By including regular physical activity into your routine, you will strengthen not only your body but your mind as well.

7. Volunteering

The best way to evolve your mindset is to be more generous toward others. This doesn’t mean you should donate all your money to a charity, but your time and elbow grease would be highly appreciated. If you are looking for a meaningful way to spend your free time, you might want to look into volunteering. 

Three female volunteers unloading food from a truck

Depending on where you live, there are different options when it comes to what you could do. Almost every nook of the world has a charity, NGO, or simply people in need who would be over the moon if you offered help with something. From cooking and serving food in a soup kitchen to reading to the elderly, there are options for anyone. The only thing you need is some free time and a smile!

In conclusion

This list of hobbies that can evolve your mindset is only a fraction of the possibilities out there. Anything you genuinely enjoy doing that doesn’t hurt you or others counts as an excellent way to evolve your mindset.

Photos used:

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