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7 Relaxing Hobbies to Help You Practice Mindfulness

By Ryan Bradman | November 14, 2023

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It can be difficult to find a quiet moment in today’s hectic community. Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged with the now, can be an oasis of calm in the hustle of daily life. But how can one incorporate mindfulness into everyday routine? Engaging in activities that promote meditation is one way. Let’s explore some relaxing hobbies that not only bring joy but also help you practice mindfulness and meditation.

7 Relaxing Hobbies to Help You Practice Mindfulness

Gardening: Cultivating Patience and Presence

Gardening is a nurturing hobby that requires patience and attention to detail. As you plant seeds, water flowers, and tend to your garden, you become attuned to the rhythms of nature, which can help ground you in the present moment. The focus on the physical sensations of gardening—the feel of the soil, the scent of the blooms—can enhance your mindfulness practice.

Yoga: Balancing the Mind and Body

Yoga is a well-known practice that harmonizes the body and mind. Through controlled movements and focused breathing, yoga practitioners can achieve a state of mindfulness, becoming aware of their body’s movements and the flow of their breath. This hobby is a moving meditation, where each pose is an opportunity to be present.

Painting: A Brush with Mindfulness

Painting demands complete concentration, regardless of medium—oil, watercolor, or Figured Art paint by numbers. It’s not just about creating an image on canvas; it’s about experiencing each brushstroke, noticing the blend of colors, and losing yourself in the creation process. Adults who are looking for a more regulated approach may find that paint by numbers offers a supervised yet contemplative experience.

Knitting and Crocheting: The Rhythm of Repetition

The repetitive motion of knitting and crocheting can be incredibly soothing and meditative. As you count stitches and patterns, your mind can settle into a mindful state, letting go of intrusive thoughts. This hobby allows you to focus on the tactile experience and immerse yourself in the process, creating a perfect environment for mindfulness.

Journaling: Reflective Writing

Journaling is a hobby that can be both reflective and meditative. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a way to focus on the present and reflect on your experiences. It can be a form of mindfulness practice as you become an observer of your internal landscape, engaging with your emotions and thoughts directly.

Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes

Photography as a hobby can make you more mindful of the world around you. Searching for the perfect shot makes you more aware of subtle details — the light, the shadows, the nuances of your environment. This hobby trains you to be present and to look at your surroundings with intention and curiosity.

Cooking and Baking: Mindful Creation in the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a sanctuary for mindfulness practice. Cooking and baking require you to fully engage with your senses — the taste, the smell, the touch, and the visual appeal of your creations. As you measure ingredients and time your dishes to perfection, you focus on the now, making it a perfect mindfulness exercise.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be confined to traditional meditation. It can be woven into your daily activities through hobbies that encourage a focused and present mind. These pastimes, whether they include the methodical painting by numbers for grownups or the painstaking tending of a garden, can serve as doorways to a more contemplative and serene life. Participating in these pursuits enhances your free time while simultaneously cultivating mindfulness and promoting mental health.