Yoga. Surfing. They’re not always the answer. Photo: Shutterstock.
Americans are stressed to the max. Not surprisingly, money and work are the top two stressors for us, according to American Psychological Association’s 2015 Stress in America study.
What’s worse, almost one-third of American adults reported that stress has a strong or very strong impact on their physical and mental health.
To combat stress, many health professionals recommend yoga. The gentle flow and focus on breathing has been proven time and time again to reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
But, if you’re like me, yoga isn’t at the top of your list of things to do. So, I’ve been searching for alternatives and found quite a few that can be enjoyable for almost anyone, regardless of your yoga preferences. Consider finding your zen and reducing stress with these hobbies.
Zen? Yup. Photo: Photobac
1. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing was the second most popular indoor hobby for 2016 in a poll of 3,500 people for a good reason. This hobby requires your full attention to avoid getting hurt. With such focus, you won’t have time to think about the last fight you had with your spouse or the deadline you’re running dangerously close to being late on.
While rock climbing can be done inside, which is great for Winter, you may find it’s more relaxing when you actually take your climbing out into the fresh air. Partake in rock climbing in a local park with big rocks or a mountain, or head to one of these locations. Each one is known for its epic rock climbing opportunities:
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Silver Mountain, Michigan
- Rifle Mountain Park, Colorado
- Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Note: It’s not smart to rock climb outside for the first time without guidance. Seek out a climbing course or bring a friend who has experience.
Nothing like a little polar swimming.
2. Swimming
This low-impact activity can do more than help you maintain a svelte figure while staying cool. Swimming is a great way to zen out, even if you’re not great at it. Here’s why:
- Swimming boosts endorphins like lifting weights and running.
- Rhythmic strokes and the sound of the water increase the relaxed feeling.
- The focus on your breath helps your brain relax, similar to yoga.
Luckily, you don’t need to have a pool or live near a body of water to do it. Most towns and cities have a local YMCA or gym where you can swim. Consider adding monthly or weekly swimming sessions to your schedule to make the most of this relaxing hobby.
Lakey’s always down for a hike. Photo: @lakeypeterson
3. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to connect with the world around you and disconnect from every day life, which is stress relieving in and of itself. Make your hikes more zen by bringing a pen and paper along.
Find a great lookout spot, and take a break from trekking to write or draw. Pull inspiration from the views, sounds, smells and feeling of where you are. This activity is very meditative and introspective, giving you a chance to connect with yourself in a place that’s relaxing and refreshing.
Before the hike, choose something you want to focus on during your writing or drawing. Choose something you’ve been mulling over for a long time now, like where you want to go next in your career, or something more existential, like what it means to be in that very location, at that exact moment.
No one is mad at a pretty picture. Photo: Brian Clifford
4. Photography
It seems like everyone is a photographer these days. Luckily, you can be too, and you don’t need to be good to reap the zen benefits; just grab your phone and go.
Choose a different subject or theme each time you’re out taking photos, even if it’s just around your house. Think: sun soaked corners of your home, shadows along the trail, waves crashing on the beach. Focus on capturing that theme as best you can to help get into a flow.
If you love what you capture, start a blog to share with friends and family. Or, do it as a means of cataloging the photos, along with their themes, for yourself.
Don’t let the stress of every day life get you down. Instead of turning to yoga for relief, pick up a new hobby, like rock climbing or photography. You’ll learn new skills while relaxing and refreshing your mind.
