The cut and thrust of business can take its toll on anyone, particularly at the moment where the cost of everything is rising and many are struggling to stay afloat. It’s enough to send stress and anxiety through the roof.
Many business owners and employees are struggling with mental health due to the stresses of work, and there are many that have turned to the likes of alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism.
Of course, that’s not healthy or conducive to high-quality work and will often end in addiction and with a lot of help required.
There are many ways to channel stress and anxiety around work more efficiently, and a number of hobbies are well worth taking up to decompress and help take that stress away.
Here are five of the most effective in combatting the stress of business.
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Gardening
Studies have shown that gardening can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress), and increase levels of serotonin (the hormone associated with happiness).
What’s more, gardening offers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you watch your plants grow and flourish.
You don’t need a lot of space to start a garden; even a few pots on a balcony or windowsill can provide a great opportunity to connect with nature.
These days there are also plenty of volunteer schemes that you can join too, helping tidy up the community and create pleasant public gardens, whether it be in parks, at train stations or even on roundabouts.
That means if you don’t have any space at all, you can still get involved with this great and peaceful hobby.
Reading
Reading is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life and get lost in another world.
Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, reading has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Moreover, reading can improve cognitive function and help develop empathy and understanding for others.
Perhaps one of the best things about reading is that you can do it anytime, anywhere too.
All you need is a book in your bag and you can lose yourself for half an hour whether to be on the commute to work, in bed at night, or just finding a quiet spot in nature.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years and the science behind it is being recognised as a great way to ease stress.
Many detox clinics recommend this practice for people suffering with addiction and depression as away of increasing focus as well as a number of other things.
It involves a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Practicing yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.
You don’t need to be a yogi to get started with yoga. There are plenty of beginner-friendly yoga classes and tutorials available online, so give it a try.
It doesn’t mater what your age, what your size, anything like that. You will feel the benefits of yoga in a short space of time.
Painting
Painting is a great way to express yourself creatively and get all your thoughts and feelings out onto canvas.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, painting can provide a sense of calm and relaxation as you focus on creating something beautiful.
Moreover, painting can help improve focus and concentration, boost self-esteem, and promote a sense of achievement. So, pick up a paintbrush and let your creativity flow.
Such is the power of creativity when it comes to easing stress, art therapy has become hugely popular and in many parts of the country, workshops are opening offering it.
It’s proven to reduce stress, and is used by many professionals in places such as rehab centres and as part of counselling.
Cooking
Cooking is not just about nourishing your body; it can also be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Cooking can be a creative and meditative process that allows you to focus on the present moment and forget about your worries.
Alongside this, cooking can help you develop new skills, improve your diet, and save money by eating at home.
There are no ends to the recipes you can produce, and who knows where it can take you.
Many people have started businesses off the back of their cooking or baking hobbies, setting up stalls at markets, becoming a social media hit or selling goods online. Next stop Great British Bake Off?
