It’s grand to have a hobby, something you can make progress with, learn from and keep you focused on. Sometimes hobbies can relax us after being around people all day and sometimes they can bring us towards like-minded people when we struggle to make friends.

Here’s a list of Hobbies that are good for Anxiety

Photography

I’ve talked about being a photographer while having social anxiety before on this blog but I really do believe it’s a brilliant hobby to have. It helped my anxiety in such a way, that I was able to do it professionally.

The greatest thing about photography, is that there are so many subjects to choose from, that you don’t have to be massively social, you don’t have to photograph people but if you do, you tend to end up feeling more confident with a camera in your hand.

If you’re photographing landscapes or nature, it can help give you a little motivation to leave the house and take some long walks in fresh air, which is excellent for your overall mental (and physical) health.  If you want to try your hand at portrait photography, it will give you a push to work with people and build your social skills.

Gardening

There’s something really chill about gardening. Being outdoors in the fresh air, you can recharge and get some Vitamin D at the same time, which would be great for days where you’re recovering from being super sociable or you need to focus on something to distract you from anxious thoughts.

Even better if you can grow your own veg and put healthy nutritious food in your body.

Walking

Personally one of my favourite things to do to clear my head and make me feel more relaxed, confident and strong. Taking long walks and hikes helped my mental health in so many ways at the darkest times in my life.

Try using a fitness tracker and hitting a step goal every day, surround yourself with trees, somewhere away from buildings and people.

Crafting

Crocheting, making your own clothes or jewellery; Anything crafty can be a great distraction from your anxious thoughts going wild and can be deeply relaxing.

Writing

I’ve talked about how much writing this blog has helped me but I really do think that if you enjoy writing, it can be extremely beneficial to your anxiety and overall mental health. It’s such a lovely, creative way to process your thoughts and feelings, especially if you write specifically about your experiences and if you choose to share your writing publicly, you can help so many people who are in a similar boat.

The art of journaling is also becoming increasingly popular due to its mental health benefits. Faith from Radical Transformation Project has some great journal writing prompts on her blog to get you started.

Art

Another really relaxing and creative way to process your feelings through a hobby. You can paint/draw or digitally illustrate pieces that reflect your anxiety and experiences or you can just learn a new skill and use it as a way to escape every day life.

Reading

This is not something I ever do, I’m ashamed to say. Unless articles I found on Pinterest or other blogs count? I’ve heard reading books is very relaxing though! Maybe one day, I’ll give it a try.

Exercise

Any exercise is good for anxiety and stress relief but Yoga is up there at the top for many people with anxiety. Yoga with Adriene was recommended to me by someone following this blog, as she has lots of yoga videos specifically for anxiety.

Boxing can also be ace for relieving all the tension and stress that anxiety causes. Imagine having an awful day and then beating the crap out of a punching bag?! Yes please!

You could also try swimming, which is a good all-rounder or maybe an exercise class where you can meet new people and step out of your comfort zone a little.

Playing an instrument

Especially if it’s the Drums! You can relieve so much stress and anxiety playing the drums (I used to have a kit in my room as a teenager) but if it’s another instrument, it still has the potential of being therapeutic.

What are your favourite hobbies? Let me know in the comments!

Kel J

I'm Kel, a Somerset blogger originally from North Wales & a professional portrait photographer. I grew up with a severe social anxiety disorder and now blog about triumphing over anxiety and looking after your mental health.