I, Ryan, suffer from chronic residual pain from my head to my toes, which over time resulted in getting major depression and anxiety. Also, having suffered many blows to the head resulting in several probable concussions, it has done a number on my memory and focus. To compound the issues, for 20 years I drank heavily to help me in trying to ignore the pain and override depression and anxiety. This resulted in becoming addicted to alcohol; however, on a positive note I just hit 4 years sobriety in June of 2020.
One thing I started to do several years ago to help clear my head was to paint. While I am not very good, it as a few hours to just release any stress, anxiety or issues that were consuming my thoughts and my life. To increase the effectiveness, I began painting things for other people. While many probably tossed them in the trash (which would be for good cause) it helped me to focus joy and gratitude in my work.
My latest adventure is getting into woodworking, a gene I was never born with and something I had never learned before. My overall goal is to get good at carving and begin to make flags. In order to get good, I took some free wood we obtained, cut it, painted it and then began making designs to work on. Going back to the painting concept, I began designing small wooden plaques for friends and family that served our great nation as a sign of gratitude for their service and friendship or being a proud family member.
Studies have shown that having a hobby can help relieve stress and increase your mental and physical health. Some hobbies include gardening, painting, writing, yoga, fishing or being in the great outdoors. Studies have shown that being in nature, or being active can help to reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, feel happier and help you to relax. Also, studies are beginning to show that being outdoors can be just as powerful as taking an antidepressant medication.
Some will say “well I am not good at …” and that is ok. You don’t have to be good at a hobby for it to provide key benefits to your life. Don’t worry about trying to make a painting you can sell for $1,000. Hell, most of my paintings are either in the garage or I threw away a few months after. My woodworking ability wasn’t good at all, however, each time I do it I get just a little bit better. But what does get better is my ability to block out life’s stressors and make room for internal peace.
What hobbies do you currently do?
What is something you have always wanted to try but never really made the time to do it?
Now is the perfect time to get started and learn, try, and reap the rewards of increased health benefits!
And when you do it, give it a shot doing it in the nude!
What hobbies do you enjoy doing? Comment below as I would love to hear what you enjoy doing (and doesn’t have to be nude)!
To your health.
Always in your corner,
Ryan