5 Hobbies That Can Make You Happier

What do you do to unwind? Do you watch your favourite show, or maybe go for a run? Maybe you read a book or play with your pet.

There’s nothing wrong with any of these activities! In fact, they’re all great ways to relieve stress and keep yourself feeling balanced and happy. But there’s something more you can do—something that will bring you even greater peace and happiness.

We’re talking about getting in touch with your inner passions, the things that truly make you happy. You may not know what yours are yet, or maybe you just haven’t had time to explore them. Either way, we have some ideas for you here today that might help inspire you as you think about what it is that makes your life and heart sing.

You might get piano lessons in Montreal, learn to swim or play the guitar—or any other instrument. The possibilities are endless! And the best part is that when you find something that really speaks to who you are as a person, it will make every day feel like an adventure. So let’s dive in—here are five hobbies that can make you happier:

1. Get piano lessons:

Music is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy life, but did you know that learning an instrument can actually help you live longer? One study found that blowing off steam by playing the piano reduces stress and anxiety, which can lead to a healthier life overall.

If you’ve never mastered the keys before, don’t worry. It’s never too late to learn, and it’s easier than ever. With online piano lessons, you only need a computer, an internet connection and a keyboard. From there, you can learn at your own pace while getting expert advice from world-class instructors.

2. Walking/hiking:

When it comes to hobbies that make you happier, nothing beats getting out in nature and going for a walk or hike. In addition to the time spent outside being good for your health and mood, physical activity like walking releases endorphins — those feel-good chemicals that contribute to the “runner’s high” many people experience after exercise.

The best part about walking as a hobby is how accessible it is; all you need are comfortable shoes and some sunny weather. Even if you’re new to hiking or walking as a hobby, there are plenty of resources available to get you started on the right foot.

3. Playing music:

There are few hobbies more powerful than playing music. The combination of physical activity (playing an instrument) and creative expression makes music an especially engaging and rewarding hobby. Research also suggests that learning an instrument can reduce stress and fatigue while improving sleep patterns — all things that can have a positive impact on your mental health and sense of well-being.

4. Gardening:

Gardening is fun, not just because it gets you out of the house and into the fresh air but also because it provides you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. For some people, this is much needed.

Being able to grow your own food is another benefit. Not only do you get to eat high-quality produce straight from your backyard, but you also get to control what goes into it. This means no more pesticides or chemicals lurking on your plate at dinner time.

5. Reading:

Reading is one of those activities that provide multiple benefits at once; it not only increases our empathy and understanding of others through exposure to new ideas, but it can also help us relax while we’re doing it. In fact, reading has been shown by studies to be more effective than listening to music or taking a walk when it comes to reducing stress levels.

Whether you prefer novels, nonfiction or just a daily newspaper, reading is an ideal hobby because there’s no right way to do it. Reading can be done anywhere and at any time.