The pace of life seems to be persistently frantic. Whether you’re back in the office or working from home, a full-time parent or a busy volunteer, the pace just doesn’t seem to let up. Is it just me, or do you feel like life is passing you by? Each day merges into the next and it’s hard to achieve a sense of work-life balance.
All this dashing about has made me think that there must be a better way. We need to slow things down, take time to enjoy the moments, breathe a little and be mindful. After all, we’re ‘human beings’ not ‘human doings’! I began to wonder what would help me to ease the pressure, bring me back into the moment and allow me to relax…
Well, you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve come up with ten wonderful ideas – ten hobbies or pastimes that really do benefit our health and promote self-care. So, read on!
1: Qigong
Many people have heard of Tai Chi, but not everyone has come across Qigong. According to the National Qigong Association, it’s an ancient Chinese “mind-body-spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique” and much more. There are many different schools, styles and forms, but there are bound to be classes in your area. It’s an effective and gentle way of building up strength, developing flexibility, improving breathing and posture. It’s also great for the memory as you learn different movements and postures each time. Why not enhance your inner ‘qi’ or ‘chi’ (your life energy)?
2: Shinrin-Yoku
This wonderful Japanese term translates literally as “forest bathing”. Isn’t that beautiful? When I walk in woodlands, immersed in birdsong, leafy scents and a profound stillness, I feel as if I can really breathe. My heart rate slows and I lose track of time. I really unwind. Basically, Shinrin-Yoku describes spending time wandering in and enjoying nature. Nihon Scope explains that “this therapeutic method was developed in the 1980s in Japan, and it was designed to enhance wellbeing, health and joy.” In our hectic lives, often disconnected from green spaces, we really do need to get back in touch with nature whenever we can.
3: Sewing
As you know, I love craftsmanship. Just over ten years ago, when I was made redundant from my previous job, I took up upholstery and I’ve never looked back. But I find that sewing in any form is deeply soothing. Because you’re focusing intently on your sewing, the activity becomes a meditation and you forget about all the other things that you should or could be doing. Whether it’s tapestry, quilting, dress-making or free-motion embroidery, see what classes are available in your area and get creative. Not only will you feel more relaxed, you’ll have some lovely handmade items to enjoy. I’ve nearly completed this funky design from Rebecca Strickson Illustration which shows that embroidery these days isn’t just about flowers and samplers.
4: Gardening
Most of the keen gardeners I know are a pretty laid-back bunch. I think it must be that connection with the earth – having your hands in the soil, the sun on your back, being surrounded by birdsong and in contact with new life. It makes you feel in touch with the bigger picture. You may love growing flowers, fruit trees or vegetables, but whatever your passion, this hobby gets you outdoors and keeps you active. As Margaret Atwood said, “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” So, get digging! My sister is a garden designer and occasionally Baa Bar Stools feature in her outdoor kitchens!
5: Art
Sanna, our Workshop Manager winds down from her busy days by drawing. She uses different media and subject matter and shares her creations with creative communities on Instagram. It’s a bit like meditation in that you can really get absorbed and remove yourself from the daily noise. There are even studies that show making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones in your body. I love Sanna’s baby dragon.
6: Music
The benefits of music seem to be infinite. There’s nothing like lively music for lifting the spirits, and there’s nothing like calming music for soothing the soul. According to Healthline, researchers have found that music improves your memory, lowers anxiety and aids depression: “Listening to music triggers the release of several neurochemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health”. It’s also a well-known fact that exercising to music improves your performance as the music encourages you to do more. For me, though, putting on some of my favourite tunes at the end of a long day can be a real lifesaver. I also love piano music and used to play. I may have kept up my practice if I’d had such a cute piano stool!
7: Meditation
Basically, meditation is all about being quiet, still and mindfully aware. It’s a practice that helps us to find peace, but it can take some time to perfect. Meditating doesn’t mean that we should try to switch off our thoughts and empty our minds; when thoughts come, we should just allow ourselves to be aware of them, in a non-attached way, and then let them go. The NIH in America explains that “meditation has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and wellbeing.” Ultimately, it’s a tool that helps you to cope better with all that life has to throw at you.
8: Journaling
I always have a notebook to hand. Not only do I use it for jotting down my to-do lists and plans, I also use it for recording quotations that inspire me and any brainwaves I may have. Sometimes I just doodle in it. Of course, journaling or keeping a diary can be an important part of self-care. By writing down your thoughts, worries and concerns, you’re offloading the problems from your mind and into your notebook. Sometimes we need to write down more serious frustrations – allowing our feelings to pour out – so that our anger and upset can be expressed without restraint in private. Journaling is a great way of relieving stress and it can be a useful tool for self-reflection. I recently chatted with Sally Reading, author, chartered psychotherapist and coach about her first journal And Breathe.
9: Knitting
When my generation was growing up, it seemed that many of my female relatives were knitters. I grew up wearing handmade woolly jumpers, cardigans, gloves and hats. So, I was interested to learn from Country Living that a new study has found that knitting is the most relaxing hobby of all; it has the ability “to decrease the average heart rate by 18.75%”. It seems that having busy hands is exceedingly good for you. I love the big chunky knits by Mizz Knits below.
10: Walking
There’s simply nothing like having a walk in the fresh air, preferably in the countryside with a couple of dogs in tow. It doesn’t have to be a long climb up a steep hill or a trek with a backpack; simply getting outside and moving will make you feel so much healthier. The NHS says that even a brisk ten-minute walk each day is good for your health. Walking can help us to build up stamina, burn calories and strengthen our hearts. However, I think it’s that sense of escape that makes it special for me – getting away from it all for a while and having time to think. It’s my favourite way to spend the weekends – out exploring the walks of North Wales with Cagney and Lacey.
Whichever slow and calming hobby you choose, make sure you enjoy some precious, self-care time.
*Any links or recommendations in this blog are there because I’m a genuine fan and Baa Stool Ltd has received no reward, financial or otherwise, for mentioning them.
