Topic for Apr 21 (Mon)

[Kristin55]

Want to Feel Better? Try 'Grandma Hobbies'

Cozy and creative hobbies like knitting, gardening, bird-watching and drawing are sometimes called "grandma hobbies." In the past, these activities were mostly done by older women.

But today, people of all ages enjoy them — and not just for fun! These hobbies can actually help your mind and body feel better.

Emma Palmer-Cooper, a psychologist from the UK, told Good Housekeeping that having small goals, like learning a new hobby or finishing a project, gives us a sense of purpose. When we reach those goals, we feel happy and proud. This helps improve our mood and mental health.

Science backs this up. A 2020 study from Princeton University found that gardening makes people feel as happy as eating at a restaurant or going for a walk. Another study from Kansas State University in 2009 showed that gardening helps older adults feel better about themselves.

Bird-watching is another great activity. A 2022 study found that seeing or hearing birds can improve your mood — even for people with depression.

Drawing is also a fun and creative way to help your mental health. Research has shown that just 10 minutes of drawing a day can lift your mood. And if you keep doing it for a month, the effects are even stronger.

These hobbies don't just improve your mental health, either — experts say they also keep your brain healthy.

When you learn something new, like knitting, your brain becomes more active. This helps improve your memory and focus.

So why not try a "grandma hobby"? Whether it's gardening, drawing or watching birds, it could be your new favorite way to relax — and feel great!