With everything going on in our world over the last few years, we have seen a significant rise in depression, PTSD and mental health issues. As humans, we innately desire freedom and individuality. When these values are threatened this can cause an array of mental health issues.
The external and social aspects of our life were also being negatively impacted. Our sense of community and connection started to whither away. Human beings are innately social creatures who are hard wired to connect and — our mental health depends on it. Depersonalization with masks and distrust and fear in one another has created lasting affects that we will all need to work through.
As our lives find some “sense of normalcy” it will be essential for all of us to start taking actionable steps to reconnect, to nourish our mental health and to thrive again. Spending time in nature, getting physical exercise and ample fresh air and sunshine are crucial everyday but we also have to pay attention to other creative ways we can spend our free time. Ways that improve our mental health by unplugging us, challenging us and offering a space for creativity and personal expression.
Finding hobbies that align with our energy and interests have been proven to improve mental health, positive mood and over all well being.
How do hobbies improve our mental health?
Learning new things literally rewires our brain circuits and the connections between neurons. We are then, encouraging our brain to adapt to new circumstances. Which we are faced with in our daily lives and oftentimes struggle with. Also, hobbies can actually make us smarter. I’ll be listing a few of them below.
Lastly, learning new hobbies can improve our sense of self. Allowing us to feel more confident and accomplishment. With that being said, here are a few budget friendly ideas and inspiration for you beautiful humans!
Learning a musical instrument
Here’s one that has been proven to make you smarter and it’s one of the most nourishing for the soul. On a budget? Check a used instrument store or community selling website!
You can learn for free on youtube and even on some apps. I am currently learning Ukulele for free on the Kala App. You can learn for free or upgrade to Premium.
Coloring in an adult coloring book
Remember how much you used to love coloring as a child? This activity not only nourishes the inner child within but will also increase your intelligence! You can buy these books almost anywhere these days and they generally run for about $5-15.
It also really improves patience for those of us who like to start something and complete it right away! Make sure to choose one that has images that inspire you!
Learn a new language right from your phone
This is one of my favorites and it’s such an effective way to improve intelligence. You can download most apps for free with ads. I have been strengthening my Spanish for free on Duolingo for almost two months.
It’s one of my favorite hobbies because it’s interactive, fun and it offers visual, audio and story learning. It’s also competitive if you want it to be and creates a sense of accomplishment through Leagues and Rewards.
Reading a new book
Whether its fiction or non-fiction you can increase your intelligence, stimulate your imagination and learn something new by reading.
In a world of screens, electronics and visual stimuli it can be hard for most of us to unplug and connect with a page. That is a cause for concern. We need to practice slowly down and shifting our source of stimulation.
We need to use our imaginations again and connect with something physical. A book with pages, with history, active highlighting and interactive hand holding the objecting is nourishing for our mental health and our soul. We need this more.
Committing to new hobbies is the hardest part
It seems one of the hardest things for us as humans is “making the time” for hobbies in a busy world with the demands of work, family and responsibility. But it is not the time that we don’t have. It is the will to commit to ourself. All your hobbies need is 10 minutes a day because it is the small actionable steps that get us towards our big goals.
Give it a try, commit to yourself and enjoy the rewards of seeing your progress, your growth, your journey and all the ways you change and feel happier because you are choosing to do something for yourself.
You will feel your brain change. You will feel yourself get smarter and you will feel your mental health and happiness improve. This I can promise you.
I can’t wait to see and hear about all of the things you learn! Don’t hesitate to share them with me.
With love always,
Adriona Gaia
So amazing adriona……..perfect time of year to start …..I’m looking into yoga andxsekf defense classes….your amazing 👏 🙌