These hobbies offer social and emotional benefits.
If you’re looking to get into a new hobby, why not pick one that’s scientifically proven to improve your quality of life? We’ve tapped the experts to help identify the best hobbies for happiness and health, according to scientific research. Whether you’re looking for a hobby for your “granny era” or want to move your body more, there’s sure to be a happiness- and health-boosting hobby here for you.
Experts Nicholette Leanza, M.Ed, LPCC-S, a psychotherapist at LifeStance Health in Beachwood, Ohio, Latechia Hester, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor at BetterHelp, and Lesley Broff, LCSW, a licensed therapist in Pittsburgh gave us plenty of ideas for the best hobbies for happiness and health and how to incorporate them into your schedule.
1. Cooking
Similar to other creative outlets, cooking can help you relax, gain a sense of purpose, put you in a good mood and help you eat better, Hester says. Studies show that cooking has social and emotional benefits and can enhance food literacy skills, which may be linked to better nutrition — and better mood.
2. Creating art
Creative activities, such as painting, drawing or crafting, have been shown to enhance feelings of well-being. Plus, a 2016 study suggested that people who engaged with the arts two or more hours a week had “significantly better mental well-being” than those who didn’t. “Creative hobbies can also serve as a distraction from what we’re stressing about,” Leanza says.
3. Meditating
Meditation and mindfulness are grounding exercises that “stimulate senses and can contribute meaningfully to overall mental health and quality of life,” says Hester. Several studies have highlighted the benefits of meditation, including one that found that meditating can decrease stress and improve mood, as well as increase self-compassion, mindfulness and attention.
4. Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you reduce stress, manage mental health problems and cope with stressful experiences. “Putting pen to paper provides cognitive offloading,” says Broff. An intriguing 2024 study showed that writing down your thoughts and throwing away the piece of paper can minimize feelings of anger.
5. Getting (and staying) active
Exercise has a number of mood-boosting benefits. Hester says physical activity releases endorphins, known as the body’s natural pain relievers, and can help you deal with stress and anxiety. Any type of exercise — from jogging to yoga to hiking — is good for your mood, brain and overall health.
6. Gardening
Tending plants offers a wealth of benefits that may make you happier. Spending time outdoors in the sunlight can raise levels of serotonin, a brain chemical responsible for boosting mood, Broff says. “The gentle movement and breathing lots of fresh air also enhance vagal tone,” she adds, referring to the activity of the vagus nerve, which plays a role in mood regulation.
How to make time for a hobby
If it seems like you just can’t fit a hobby into your busy schedule, Leanza suggests starting small — enjoy the activity for 15 or 20 minutes at a time and put it on your calendar like any other appointment so you don’t neglect focusing on yourself. “There’s no right or wrong way to do a hobby,” Broff says. “It’s for enjoyment, so explore it in a way that works best for you.”
