Indoor Hobbies To Help Boost Your Mental Health

Mental health is vital to your overall personal wellness, and one of the keys to maintaining mental health is to have a fun hobby. The right one can give you something to look forward to and keeps your mind active.

While there are plenty of outdoor hobbies that are beneficial, indoor hobbies can also provide a boost to your mental well-being. They are great for self-improvement, nurturing your creativity and broadening your horizons.

Some of the more popular indoor hobbies include cooking, baking, watching your favourite movies and TV shows, gardening, knitting and painting.

Here are 5 other suggestions to try out:

Do puzzles and play games

Puzzles and games are the perfect family bonding activity. 

Whether it's a traditional jigsaw or a book of Sudoku, puzzles are extremely stimulating for the brain. 

Board and card games are not only fun but can be educational as well for children and even adults.A 2003 study found playing board games significantly lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Discover new music and podcasts

There’s more to music other than the mainstream tunes that’s been played on the radio thousands of times. Podcasts are also great for entertainment and can be very educational too.

Explore the massive libraries of streaming sites like Spotify - you’re bound to find a few undiscovered gems!

Reading and reviewing books

Reading expands your horizons and gives you something new and different to enjoy. There is always something to learn, even from works of fiction.  

Take it a step further and share your thoughts on your favourite books on book review and rating sites like Goodreads. 

Yoga

Yoga combines mindful movement with breathwork and meditation. It’s not just good exercise, it's the ultimate de-stressing hobby.

All you need to get started are a yoga mat and good workout clothes. And there are tons of free yoga instructional videos on YouTube to help you get bending and flexing.

Adult colouring books

We often associate colouring as an activity for children. But adults can benefit from colouring as well, as it has therapeutic benefits for the brain that can help relieve stress and achieve mindfulness. 

Adult colouring books are different from the average colouring books for children, as it features intricate designs and a wider selection of themes. 

Indoor hobbies have great value in your lives as they contribute to your emotional well-being and nurtures your mental health. In some cases, these can also help combat or prevent the onset or relapse of a mental illness. 

Protecting your mental health should be a priority. Start a hobby or two today!