19 Calming Hobbies You Can Try If You're Stressed And Need To Make Time For Yourself

What should "me time" look like for you? Let's find out!

Do you often feel like climbing the nearest mountain (or heading up to the rooftop, for simplicity's sake) and getting your main-character moment by just screaming at the top of your lungs?

Yeah, same!

Well, I've spent upwards of two years dealing with that stress by indulging in some ✨ hobbies ✨, and I've got some cool recommendations for my fellow stressed and sexy support group members.

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Let's get into it!

1. Start journaling.

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Now, before you call me clichéd and click away, hear me out! I know that it's super hard to stick to a journal and not give up midway out of laziness, and I have only one thing to say: It doesn't have to be that serious! Start by putting down a few words in writing every day or every week. You can even use your Notes app, or a tiny notepad as a micro-journal.

2. Learn an instrument, like drums or guitar.

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Instruments are the perfect stress relievers, so get one that interests you and start learning on YouTube (like these beginner ukulele tutorials), or join classes if there's a teacher near you.

3. Dance, even if you suck.

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Whether you've got two left feet or were the type to enter dance competitions as a child, I think we can all agree that dancing is a great stress buster. So just put on some music and jump around for bit. Or search up tutorials on YouTube. No one's watching!

4. Go take a walk.

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Put your headphones in or grab a friend, and just set out for half an hour or so. Extra points if you're able to find a path filled with greenery. There's nothing more calming than a stroll, especially one with the sounds of nature as the backdrop.

5. Learn a language.

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Who doesn't want to be multilingual? Learning a language is a challenging yet extremely rewarding activity that can do wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, it's the perfect distraction from daily stressors. These days, it's pretty easy to start learning new languages online with apps like Duolingo, e-books, or videos (like Talk to Me in Korean's YouTube lessons, which were a huge help to me personally). You can even do it while commuting to and from work!

6. Start cooking or baking.

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If you're part of the few who didn't start randomly baking or cooking during the pandemic, then this is your sign to do it now. Besides being a necessary life skill, the repetitive tasks will fill you with serenity.

7. Learn a skill you could never put on your CV.

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Why? Because then there will be no pressure for you to commodify it! That way, it won't become another added stress for you. Beware of hustle culture and the advice to turn anything you're remotely good at into a moneymaker. It's nice to let hobbies stay hobbies sometimes, right?

8. Or try something that you could put on a CV, if that'll motivate you.

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If you really want to stick with a hobby, you could pick a skill that will actually look good on your CV to motivate yourself to keep going when it gets difficult to practice. But be wary of burning out or giving too much importance to the "work" factor. Pick something you'll actually enjoy.

9. Try knitting or crocheting.

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Busy hobbies with repetitive motions, like crocheting and knitting, are just perfect for people who want to spend some mindless hours creating something cool. And it's been proven to work for a lot of people already!

10. Learn wood carving.

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Okay, this one might have quite a bit of a learning curve but is nonetheless extremely therapeutic on those days when you just need to direct your focus somewhere other than all the things you're stressing about.

11. Start shooting and posting random videos or reels.

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It's creative, it's fun, and it helps you make new friends! What's not to like? And even if you don't want to make it a big thing, it's still a nice way to express your thoughts and creativity on the internet.

12. Read books or listen to audiobooks and podcasts.

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I don't know about you, but I can spend, and have spent, hours mindlessly listening to random podcast episodes about weird little facts and human experiences. Moreover, books are always helpful! Even if you aren't a big reader, slowly going through a book over a period of time can be really peaceful.

13. Go out alone.

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Trust me, it's only awkward the first couple of times (and then the craving sets in). Be your own date to the movies, theatre, workshops, concerts, or museums; you'll thank yourself for it.

14. Start a collection.

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If you've got things like cool stamps, old coins, pretty rocks, or even collectible cards lying around, then you might like directing your energy towards starting a proper collection.

15. Volunteer.

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Volunteering can be extremely fulfilling, giving you a cause to believe in and root for, while simultaneously helping society or your environment. Try contacting your local charities or NGOs to see where and how you can pitch in.

You can also try taking up a side gig you don't care too much about to relieve the stress from your full-time job or studies.

16. Do puzzles or build things with Legos.

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If you hold the (false) misconception that puzzles and Legos are only for kids, let me relieve you of it immediately. They're extremely fun and very much for any age that enjoys them! In fact, there's a whole section of thoughtful puzzles for adults out there in the world.

17. Seek thrills and adventure.

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Go on a hike or set out on a trekking expedition. Or, if you want something that requires a little less commitment, try looking for local places that offer activities like indoor rock climbing, laser tag, etc.

18. If that's too much effort, start doing yoga or going to the gym.

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Physical activity helps you stay fit while also keeping your mood lighter. It might take some time to make a schedule and stick to it, but working out is undoubtedly one of the healthiest ways to get all the stress out.

19. Finally, keep your phone down and just do nothing.

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Believe me, it's a real hobby that will certainly make you feel better afterwards!

What do you do to say goodbye to stress? Drop it in the comments!