The cases of anxiety and depression are surging around the world. Perhaps there is no better way to combat mental disorders than to take up hobbies. A hobby shows that life is about more than just paying bills; it’s about experiencing your inner stillness and expressing yourself through activities. Even scientific studies show that certain activities help calm the mind and promote positive mental health. So, let’s look at the best hobbies to beat depression.

1. Gardening
Gardening is an excellent way to get in touch with nature. And it can be a perfect hobby for those who admire flowers, plants, or greenery. The smell of soil and flowers, the sound of rustling leaves, and the gentle wind can make even the most restless minds quiet, alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, scientists say that the bacteria found in the soil helps activate the brain cells that produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve mood.

2. Yoga
Yoga has been practiced in certain parts of the world since ages to keep both the body and mind stable. Studies have recently concluded that yoga helps with depression by lowering stress, reducing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system. A great way to start is to learn a few simple asanas or poses. In yoga, achieving the right posture is crucial to reap maximum physical and psychological benefits, so it’s best to learn it from trained professionals.

3. Music
It’s no secret that for many people, music is one of the most beautiful things in existence. Whether it is learning to sing or playing an instrument, music has long been an outlet for stress and disconcerting emotions. Even the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) says that music can lower anxiety, reduce muscle tension, improve self-esteem, and enhance interpersonal relationships, among many other benefits. So, it’s worth investing free time learning an instrument like the ukulele, guitar, piano, or violin.

4. Writing
Writing is cathartic! Writing does not mean only composing poetry, short stories, or novels. Each person is a writer, and journaling offers a way to express what makes an individual sad, angry, or happy. Putting thoughts and feeling down on a piece of paper can help reduce stress and cope with depression. It also supports an individual identify their fears, problems, and concerns, and allow them to fix those issues.

5. Photography
More and more people are taking up photography as a hobby these days. After all, it enables them to look at the world from a different perspective. Experts say that photography helps shift the focus from mental noise towards finding beauty and purpose in the outside world, which relieves anxiety and depression. It also gives an individual a reason to step out of home and travel to new, exciting places to capture the world in a camera.

It’s crucial to understand that there is no single “best” hobby to beat depression for everyone. Each individual is inclined to different activities, and it may take a little time to find out what is the most appropriate for a particular person.