Hobbies That Rest Your Mind
- Joy Bartholomew
- Oct 22
- 5 min read
In our fast-paced world, where notifications ping constantly and to-do lists seem endless, finding ways to rest your mind is essential for mental well-being. While sleep and meditation are powerful tools, engaging in hobbies that soothe the mind can be just as rejuvenating. These activities allow you to unplug, focus gently, and reconnect with yourself in a calming, joyful way. Below, I’ll explore a variety of hobbies that rest your mind, why they work, and how to incorporate them into your life. Whether you’re seeking peace, creativity, or a break from overthinking, these hobbies offer a pathway to mental calm.
Why Hobbies Rest Your Mind
Hobbies that rest the mind engage you in a state of “flow”—a mental space where you’re fully present, free from stress, and absorbed in the moment. They often involve repetitive, tactile, or creative tasks that quiet the chatter of the mind and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Unlike scrolling social media or binge-watching shows, these hobbies provide active rest, meaning they engage you just enough to prevent rumination but not so much that they feel demanding. Let’s dive into some hobbies that can help you achieve this mental reset.
1. Gardening: Rooting Yourself in Nature
Why It Works: Gardening connects you to the earth, grounding you in the present moment. The tactile experience of digging in soil, planting seeds, or tending to plants engages your senses and fosters a sense of nurturing. Studies show that exposure to nature reduces cortisol levels, and gardening’s slow, cyclical pace mirrors natural rhythms, calming an overactive mind.
How to Start:
• Begin with low-maintenance plants like succulents, herbs, or native flowers.
• Spend 10-15 minutes daily watering, pruning, or simply observing your plants.
• If you lack outdoor space, try indoor plants or a small windowsill herb garden.
Restful Benefit: The repetitive tasks (watering, weeding) and connection to nature create a meditative state, easing anxiety and promoting patience.
2. Knitting or Crocheting: Rhythmic Repetition
Why It Works: The repetitive motions of knitting or crocheting are inherently soothing, engaging your hands while allowing your mind to wander gently or focus lightly. These crafts activate both sides of the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, similar to mindfulness practices. Plus, creating something tangible boosts a sense of accomplishment without mental strain. (Psssst - one of my personal favorites.)
How to Start:
• Watch beginner tutorials on YouTube or take a local class.
• Start with simple projects like a scarf or coaster using basic stitches.
• Set aside 20 minutes in the evening to knit while listening to calming music or an audiobook.
Restful Benefit: The rhythmic clicking of needles and soft focus required help quiet racing thoughts, fostering a sense of calm productivity.
3. Coloring or Doodling: Creative Simplicity
Why It Works: Coloring and doodling are low-pressure creative outlets that engage your brain’s visual and motor centers without requiring advanced skills. They encourage mindfulness by focusing your attention on shapes, colors, and patterns, which can reduce anxiety and overthinking. Research suggests that coloring can lower stress levels, similar to meditation.
How to Start:
• Pick up an adult coloring book (mandalas or nature scenes are especially calming) or a sketchpad for freeform doodling.
• Use colored pencils, markers, or crayons—whatever feels playful.
• Spend 15-30 minutes coloring in a quiet space, perhaps with soft ambient music.
Restful Benefit: The simplicity of choosing colors or drawing repetitive patterns creates a meditative flow, offering a break from complex decision-making.
4. Journaling: Releasing Thoughts onto Paper
Why It Works: Journaling allows you to externalize thoughts, decluttering your mind and creating space for peace. Whether you write stream-of-consciousness thoughts, gratitude lists, or reflections, the act of writing slows your mental pace and fosters self-awareness. Studies show expressive writing can reduce stress and improve mood.
How to Start:
• Choose a notebook or digital app that feels inviting.
• Try prompts like “What am I grateful for today?” or “What’s on my mind?” to get started.
• Write for 5-10 minutes daily, without worrying about grammar or perfection.
Restful Benefit: Journaling acts like a mental exhale, releasing worries and creating clarity, leaving your mind lighter.
5. Puzzles or Jigsaw Puzzles: Gentle Focus
Why It Works: Puzzles, whether jigsaw, crosswords, or sudoku, engage your brain in a focused yet low-stakes way. They require just enough concentration to distract from stress but not so much that they feel overwhelming. Completing a puzzle also releases dopamine, promoting a sense of calm satisfaction.
How to Start:
• Start with a 100-300 piece jigsaw puzzle with a calming image (e.g., landscapes or art).
• For word or number puzzles, try beginner-level crosswords or sudoku apps.
• Dedicate 20-30 minutes in a quiet space, perhaps with tea or soft lighting.
Restful Benefit: Puzzles create a sense of order and accomplishment, soothing an overactive mind by channeling focus into a single, manageable task.
6. Cooking or Baking: Nourishing Creativity
Why It Works: Preparing food engages your senses—smell, touch, taste—and follows a clear process, which can be grounding. Cooking or baking mindfully (without rushing) fosters creativity and presence, turning a routine task into a nurturing ritual. The act of creating something nourishing also mirrors self-care.
How to Start:
• Choose simple, comforting recipes like soup, bread, or cookies.
• Focus on the sensory experience—chopping vegetables, kneading dough, smelling spices.
• Cook without distractions (no phone!) for 30-60 minutes, savoring the process.
Restful Benefit: The rhythmic, sensory nature of cooking grounds you in the moment, while the result nurtures both body and mind.
7. Walking in Nature: Moving Meditation
Why It Works: A slow walk in nature combines gentle movement with sensory immersion, reducing stress and calming the mind. Nature’s sights, sounds, and smells—like rustling leaves or fresh air—engage your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Walking without a goal or destination becomes a form of moving meditation.
How to Start:
• Find a nearby park, trail, or even a quiet street with trees.
• Walk for 15-30 minutes at a leisurely pace, leaving your phone behind or on silent.
• Notice your surroundings—tree bark, bird songs, the feel of the ground underfoot.
Restful Benefit: Nature and gentle movement reset your nervous system, creating mental space and reducing overthinking.
Tips for Incorporating These Hobbies
• Start Small: Dedicate 10-20 minutes a day to your chosen hobby to build a habit without feeling overwhelmed.
• Create a Ritual: Pair your hobby with a calming setting—light a candle, play soft music, or find a cozy corner.
• Let Go of Perfection: These hobbies are about rest, not achievement. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the process.
• Mix and Match: Rotate between hobbies to keep things fresh. For example, color one day, garden the next.
Why These Hobbies Matter
In a world that glorifies hustle, choosing hobbies that rest your mind is an act of self-care and rebellion against burnout. These activities remind us that rest is productive—it restores our energy, sharpens our focus, and reconnects us with our inner calm. By engaging in hobbies like gardening, knitting, or journaling, you’re not just passing time; you’re cultivating peace and resilience.
This week: Pick one hobby from this list and try it for 10 minutes today. Notice how your mind feels afterward. Share your experience in the comments below, or let us know your favorite mind-resting hobby! If you’re looking for more ways to unwind, explore mindfulness practices or check out my guided meditations on Insight Timer for more relaxation!
Joy Bartholomew is the founder of Reinvent Retired Travel and Wellness. She is a travel advisor specializing in helping empty-nesters, retirees, and the "50+ travelers" find their perfect vacation, whether it's a new city, country, or continent. She enjoys helping couples, individuals and groups check off itineraries from their bucket-list, and enjoy all of the luxuries and comforts in midlife on a mid-level budget. As a yoga teacher, she works with the same 50+ travelers to improve their health and wellness so they can travel better for longer and enjoy all of life's blessings.
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