FEATURE: How to Start a Slow Hobby
Written by Kathryn Savage
Fight stress through painting, knitting, yoga and sculpting. Numerous studies suggest that learning gentle and balancing activities may have positive affects on mental and physical health, overall stress levels and blood pressure.
The first step is to de-clutter mentally. Make more time for slow activities by turning off the TV, leaving work at the office this weekend and generally reclaiming your time and creating space in your routine for a few new (slow) pass times.
Painting is a great activity because it requires mindfulness, beckons creativity, and is nicely accompanied by a great glass of wine and your favorite music. You don’t have to be the next Picasso, or bother with a class, just buy some paints and set aside an hour to unwind and let your creativity shine!
Knitting is a handy pass time! It’s especially convenient for you New Yorkers. The subway is a great way to pack your closet with luxurious scarves and hats next winter! Studies suggest over fifty percent of people who regularly knit and crochet do these activities to unwind at the end of a stressful day.
Meditation requires a little something knitting has going for it, concentration. The benefits of spending even ten minutes a day sitting quietly and meditating (or knitting) may profoundly impact your chill factor.
Garden. Studies suggest that gardening is psychologically relaxing. It’s also fruitful! The delightful smells and tastes of fresh grown fruits and vegetables in your kitchen is great all summer long!
Do one thing at a time. All this multi-tasking is driving us nuts! Protect your short term memory by doing one thing at a time.
How to make more time for peaceful activities?
Do laundry on Tuesday, not Saturday. Make more time on the weekend for fun things by moving the chores to a night when you’re just watching Dancing With The Stars anyway.
Sleep in on Saturday, Set the alarm on Sunday. Pick a day to get up early and budget in time for painting, meditating, a yoga class or gardening.
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