Get Your Zen On In '22 With These 5 Hobbies

What the heck just happened? 

I blinked and it’s somehow 2022. Rude. What a year 2021 was *wipes sweat from forehead*. A pandemic - again - as well as lots of life changes, fun times and not-so-fun times.

For some, it might have been a walk in the park, spent making memories or having a hoot with friends; for others it could've been a real struggle just getting outta bed. For me it was a mix of the two; and it's ok to those have up and down days. We're only human, after all. We've all been there, with the panny-d having a bit of a ripple effect on the ol' mental health - which is absolutely normal btw. But It's also important to recognise how far we've actually come and indulge in a bit of self-care.

As much as we love telling ourselves this is gonna be our year (again), sometimes we need a helping hand to zone out, relax and be our best selves. With that in mind, if you're keen on improving your quality of life, lowering your stress levels and generally feeling more chill, ground yourself with these hobbies for your daily dose of mindfulness and self-love. It's helped me no-end!

Create time to meditate

It's no secret that incorporating meditation into your routine has heaps of benefits. From learning to become more present and 'in the moment' to calming your central nervous system, getting your daily dose of clarity is really important! 

With apps like Headspace and Calm it's never been easier than to get your 'ommms' in!

Grow your own veg

I am literally obsessed with growing my own lil herbs. I check on them every day, water them, make sure they're getting enough sunlight and even chat to 'em sometimes. 

ATM I've got basil, tomatoes and chives sprouting. It gives me a sense of purpose, it's wholesome and it’s good to not have to shop for veg wrapped in plastic if I can help it! Places like Bunnings have awesome seed packets ready to go with the soil and everything - just add water. Super rewarding, uplifting and cute.

Get lost in a book

With a massive range of fast-paced and varied content at our fingie tips, it's easy to forget where escapism started. 

Picking up a book - whether fantasy, romance, sci-fi or biographical - means your brain gets to slow down, create a rich world and get lost in something a little easier to digest before bed. 

Take a book or Kindle to the park, beach or your backyard. Be kind to your mind and indulge in a healthy dose of old school escapism.

Yoga to try this

It's been about for decades, but people are increasingly getting into their yoga now, and for good reason. It helps with flexibility, anxiety as well as strengthens your muscles. It’s all about being present and aware of your body.

As a respected, ancient practice with a bunch of variations, there's defo something for everyone. Check out what your local gym or yoga studio has to offer, you won't regret it.

Nothing left to do but write

I absolutely love writing as a form of catharsis. If you're feeling like your brain is a bit too full of thoughts or feelings, then give journaling a go. It gives you insight into how you’re feeling day to day as well as empties your head a bit.

If that doesn't float your boat, write a story, a poem or anything that gets your creative juices flowing. Writing has been proven to have a super therapeutic effect, and can be a form of therapy to put your thoughts onto paper.

Hopefully these rituals could help you channel your inner zen and start 2022 off on the best foot ever. You’re welcome! 💜