Cosy Hobbies for Mental Health
15 hobbies for busy minds.
Table of contents:
In our fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity and inner peace can seem like a luxury. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, there lies a timeless remedy for the weary soul: crafting. Specifically, the gentle art of crochet and cosy hobbies has emerged as a powerful tool for nurturing mental health and well-being.
As society increasingly recognises the importance of self-care and holistic wellness, the therapeutic benefits of creative expression have come into focus. Cosy gaming, crafting and hobbies are on the rise but how do they support the maintenance of our mental health and why?
Benefits of Cosy Hobbies:
Stress Reduction: Engaging in crafting activities can act as a form of mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Focusing on the task at hand can shift your attention away from worries and anxieties.
Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a crafting project, whether it’s a small DIY project or a larger artistic endeavour, can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. Scientific studies show that task completion can provide a dopamine release in the brain! Giving you a sense of satisfaction and reinforcing the behaviour that led to the completion of the task contributing to feelings of motivation, productivity, and overall well-being.
Creativity and Self-Expression: Crafting allows individuals to express themselves creatively, which can be therapeutic. It provides an outlet for self-expression and can help individuals explore their emotions in a non-verbal way.
Distraction and Coping Mechanism: During difficult times or when dealing with challenging emotions, crafting can serve as a healthy distraction. It helps to redirect negative thoughts and provides a constructive way to cope with stressors.
Social Connection: Crafting can be a social activity, whether it’s participating in group workshops or sharing your creations with others online. This social connection can help combat feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Online communities are great at providing encouragement and supporting ideas!
Cognitive Stimulation: Crafting activities stimulate the brain, promoting cognitive function and keeping the mind sharp. This can be especially beneficial for older adults in preventing cognitive decline. Often we sit in-front of the TV brainlessly watching the same shows on repeat but crafting challenges us and gives our brains something to focus on in a less passive way.
How Crafting and Cosy Hobbies help me…
Since engaging in art activities as a child crafting has had a warm place in my heart. It allows me to completely switch off my brain and focus on something other than my thoughts. Struggling with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) often means that I have to practice slow living and reduce my physical activity. Having a toolbox of crafts that I can do at my own pace from the comfort of my sofa, bed or garden lounger is a successful distraction of my pain often lifting my mood completely. My love for crafting and creativity encouraged studies at school, sixth form, university and is now with me daily in my 9-5 job as a Graphic Designer and creative practice in my free time!
There are a few crafts I turn to frequently that you might like to delve into on days that you are seeking an outlet for self expression, accomplishment or simply need a distraction from your busy mind. Not feeling keen on crafting? Cosy hobbies are a great way to get started carving time out for yourself and your mind!
15 Cosy Hobbies to Try
My favourite cosy hobbies and crafts are outlined below, some best suited for beginners, others for those who have more time to dedicate to their practice.
My beginner friendly cosy hobbies/crafts:
- Painting
- Colouring – A recent cosy hobby that I have decided to take part in is colouring. These colouring books by Creative Haven provide pages of perfect whimsical design for you to colour in with many different seasonal themed books to choose from! (see images below of my first page in progress)
- Gardening – You don’t need to know what you are doing to get started, simply sow some seeds in some mud or cut the lawn!
- Reading – A new found love of mine is reading, something I loved as a child and didn’t carve enough time to do as I got older! If you are interested have a look at my 2023 reading round up where I have thrown myself feet first into reading a book each month.
- Journaling
- Yoga/ mindful movement – My favourite online yoga instructor is Yoga with Adriene, she posts videos perfect for all levels of fitness and completion times making it easier to dedicate yourself to your practice.
- Gaming
- Gem painting
- Baking or cooking
- Scrapbooking photos or memories
Cosy hobbies/crafts that take more time to master:
- Crochet
- Graphic design – A creative hobby that I turned into my career, take a look at my portfolio to see how I have developed with consistent practice!
- Clay work
- Embroidery
- Punch needle – I am yet to master this, any advice is welcome!
You don’t have to be good at your hobbies and crafts, you just need to enjoy them! Remember whatever you choose to begin working on start small and work up to those bigger more skilful crafts and hobbies that you aspire to be a master at!
Cosy hobbies: Setting the Mood
Once you have your cosy hobby/craft decided it is crucial you set the mood for several reasons:
- Enhanced Relaxation: The right ambiance can instantly put you at ease, making it easier to relax and enjoy your cosy hobby/craft. Whether it’s reading, crochet, or listening to music, creating a comfortable environment can help you unwind after a long day.
- Increased Focus: Setting the mood can help you get into the right mindset for your hobbies and crafts, allowing you to focus better on the task at hand. Eliminating distractions and creating a peaceful atmosphere can enhance your concentration and productivity.
- Sensory Experience: Creating the right ambiance can engage all of your senses, enhancing the overall experience of crafting and hobbies. Whether it’s the soft glow of candlelight, the scent of a favourite candle or incense, or the warmth of a cosy blanket, each element adds to the sensory pleasure of the activity.
- Encourages Regular Practice: When you associate your cosy hobby with a specific mood or environment, you’re more likely to make it a regular part of your routine. By setting aside time and creating a welcoming space for your hobby, you can cultivate a habit that brings joy and fulfilment to your life.
In essence, setting the mood when engaging in cosy hobbies is about creating a nurturing environment that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the activity and reap its benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I have created a cosy corner nook in my living room that I often retreat to for reading, colouring or crochet!
You don’t need to buy more things to set the mood though, try looking for items you already have around your home, such as: blankets, candles or even just using your favourite mug for a hot drink (or iced depending on the weather) to start your ritual. You will soon associate the environment you make with creating a self care space for your cosy hobbies and crafts in turn making you more likely to come back and dedicate time to you!
Conclusion
In conclusion incorporating cosy hobbies or crafts into your weekly, nightly or daily routine can provide a welcome escape from the pressures of daily life, fostering a sense of calm and contentment. Whether it’s reading a book by the fireplace/in the sun, crocheting a gift for a friend, or listening to soothing music, these simple pleasures can have a profound impact on mental health, encouraging mindfulness and self-care. By prioritising cosy activities and nurturing a cosy atmosphere, you can cultivate a positive relationship with yourself and aim to improve your quality of life, even if it is just by 1% each day!*
*If you are struggling with your mental health and need someone to talk to please seek the appropriate advice from UK credited mental health services when needed.