Top Ten Hobbies to Relieve Stress

We live in a hectic, chaotic, world where there is no time to even stop to take a breath. Your portable planner is full of appointments written in blue, black ink and highlighted so as not to forget. Your day is full around the clock, leaving you with no time for free time except for an hour or two here and there on the weekends. Well, I have written this article to help you find a hobby in that hour or two you are taking to relieve your stress. I hope you find this article helpful.

10. Reading- this isn't a hobby, however, it is relaxing. I am an avid reader. I read every genre; from Horror, fiction, science fiction, biography's, etc. As long they are great writers. I feel that I learn from them as I read. I turn everything off, T.V. radio, cell phone, etc. It relaxes me as I study the writer's technique, and word play.

9. Writing- Writing in a journal can be a hobby. I've written little stories since I was a little girl and I still do. It relaxes me when I just turn off my censor, editor and just write. You can find great story ideas just from an hour session.

8. Making Jewelry- I love to make my own Jewelry. It is so relaxing to fan through the multi-colored beads to find that perfectly shaped and colored bead. I love to make jewelry with the radio playing soft music. Just recently I made my own lariat. (You know like a lasso) It is the latest thing. I had a lot of prototype fail, however I finally made one. It is not perfect, but it is mine and I made it. I take great pride in the accomplishment. I am now working on another different style of lariat.

7. Maintaining Aquarium- studies show that aquariums are a great stress relief. The lollypop colored fish swimming inside is calming and peaceful. Most Dentist offices have one sitting outside the waiting rooms to calm the guests. I did have an aquarium when I was younger, with exotic fish, however they all died. So, I am not sure I should do this again, however I do recommend it to anyone. It is expensive to get everything you need separately. Some Pet stores sell aquarium starter kits with everything you need to start your own aquarium. (With rocks, and plant life, except, you provide the colorful fish).

6. Spa (At home)- To the rich, going to the spa is a hobby. However, like everyone else I am not rich so I have fashioned a little spa at home. I have brought all the creams, masks, brushes, robes, slippers, and headbands to make my own spa. (Which is my small bathroom). Just take an hour or at least 45min of free time. Put on a robe, and slippers and do a mask. It is relaxing, to just put on soft music and lay back in a bubble bath.

5. Cooking- Great hobby. I don't know how to cook however, I am learning and that is relaxing. To just quietly read a menu as you gather all the ingredients and mix it all together is very relaxing; especially, when all the ingredients sing together in harmony and doesn't poison anyone.

4. Music- Music can be a hobby. You learn to play the piano, guitar, or drums. I downloaded an app to play the guitar and I spend my spare time analyzing the guitar masters. It is a great to way to melt the bad day you had at work. Try it.

3. Photography- Photography is the best hobby to have. Capturing the beauty of a sunrise or sunset at that one particular moment. I take random pictures outside my backyard where I have a menagerie of animals. Those who live in Florida would understand this. You look outside and you have Moscovy Ducks, Owls, Falcons, black ducks, crows, Sand hill Cranes, etc and I have taken a picture of all of them. It is a fun hobby, however, it can be expensive if you have to buy a digital camera. This hobby is great if you have a digital camera already. I don't have one. I use my cell phone camera and use the pictures as wallpaper.

2. Drawing or doodling- this is a great hobby if you have the talent. It doesn't have to be expensive you can buy those kid's drawing kits. The kits vary; some may have small easels, or manikins or even both. They all include chalks, crayons, paper, etc. and the prices are reasonable when they are on sale. You may find them in Toy stores, outlets, or art stores. Or you can just use pen to a legal pad, or old jeans to a marker and you are set.

1. Crosswords or word games- last but not least solve crosswords puzzles or word games to relax. I love word games. Crosswords and word games engage your brain to think about something other than work deadlines. I usually go online or do the crosswords books you buy at the pharmacy. I buy one every time I visit. I love to sit down in a quiet room and start playing HANGMAN, WHEEL OF FORTUNE (The video game version) MAD LIBS. I have tried the New York Times crosswords, however never finished so I go to the regular crosswords, which are much easier.

That is it. I hope you enjoyed my list. Please feel free to add the ways you relax with a hobby after a long hard day in the box below: (Let's see if we agree).