Hobbies That Relieve Stress

I recently had an interesting conversation with an acquaintance named Wayne. We were making small talk, and he asked me what I like to do for fun. "Come on, Jen, don't you have any hobbies? What do you like to do?" I laughed at my own inability to answer his questions, because I've never really developed any hobbies, and it seems like there's always too much to do to spend much time doing something I enjoy.

Does this sound familiar to you? If I met you on the street right now and asked you what you like to do for fun, could you give me an answer? If not, maybe it's time to explore something you've always wanted to do.

My friend Mary has always wanted to learn how to play the piano. She's 44 now, and she's been taking lessons for two years! She says that she finds it relaxing, and she's proud of accomplishing this life-long goal. Unlike the work she's done raising her family, this is something she accomplished just for herself.

Health experts agree that hobbies like playing the piano, scrapbooking, and gardening can actually reduce your stress level. So what is it that you've always dreamed of doing, and how can you begin to make that dream a reality? It might seem selfish at first, to think of taking time apart from your children and your job to do something you enjoy, but it can be an important part of managing your stress and recapturing the meaning and purpose in your everyday life. To find out more, read Hobbies That Relieve Stress by About's Guide to Stress Management, Elizabeth Scott.

Related: Ways to Relieve Tension | Combat Parenting Stress | Stress 101