It’s perhaps fair to say that many of our mental health has taken a bit of a beating over the last 12 months. From wars to the cost-of-living crisis, political turbulance to the day-to-day stresses we all face, 2023 hasn’t exactly been kind.
But we now approach a new year, and that brings hope, particularly for the millions that have been suffering. UKAT London, a based has welcomed a larger number of patients than ever before over the last year, making 2024 a year where we should all prioritise our mental health, and there are many hobbies people can take up to do that.
Hobbies can be a great way to look after your mental health, and if you’re looking for a fresh start to get your thoughts and mind back in a healthier state, here are five you should consider taking up…
Walking
While the weather may be wet and cold outside, that doesn’t mean you should stop getting your exercise in. Exercise is so important for our mental health, and walking can be a great way to release those endorphins and spend a few hours enjoying some fresh air and natural surroundings.
Whether it be heading out with friends or on your own, there’s great value in walking, while you could also join a club, making new friends and exploring new surroundings each week.
Gardening
Similarly, gardening is also and boosting mood. Getting out at the beginning of the year can be a really cathartic experience, too, getting rid of the old, dead plants and preparing your space for the spring and summer months.
Of course, not everyone has a garden, so consider joining a community club in a park or hiring a plot in an allotment, giving you the perfect escape all year round.
Swimming
Wild swimming has been hugely popular for improving mental health in recent years, but don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of the open water, a swimming pool can be just as good of an answer.
Swimming can improve things like sleep quality, boost brain quality, and release endorphins just in the same way running, cycling, or walking will. It’s great exercise and a brilliant way to set yourself up for a good day in the morning.
Arts & Crafts
For those who are a little more creative, committing to some artistry or crafting can be a really great way to not only improve your mental health across 2024 but also get something physical from it.
Perhaps you have a new child coming into your life and you want to create them a blanket, or maybe you have a penchant for knitwear? Not only is being creative good for the brain, but you’ll also get that sense of achievement when a project is complete. You never know, it could turn into a business for you!
Learn a new skill
Finally, why not occupy your brain with learning something new? Like arts and crafts, you get that concentration on a project as well as a sense of achievement when you get somewhere with it.
From learning a new language to learning how to cook a certain type of cuisine, the possibilities really are endless, and it can be so valuable to your mental health, giving you a sense of purpose and a great way to switch off from the rest of the world.