Hobbies to Stop Your Thoughts Whirring

Hobbies to Stop Your Thoughts Whirring –  Everyone understands the importance of switching off, and society seems to be getting better at trying. However, sometimes it can be hard to stop thoughts running around in endless circles; perhaps worrying about a deadline that is coming up, fixated on an old conversation, or simply running through the to-do list. Finding ways to stop your thoughts can help reduce stress and mean you benefit from your free time.

Music

Listening, playing, and creating music are all good ways to stop your thoughts from churning around in your head. If you find your mind starts to wander back to a stress factor at certain times (while you’re cooking, for example), put on some music you can sing along with so your brain has no spare capacity to worry as well.

Playing an instrument and creating music are fantastic ways to make your brain focus on the task at hand. The level of focus needed (particularly for a new piece) is high and will automatically shut off unrelated thoughts, particularly if you indulge in playing beautiful instruments like Collings acoustic guitars – all your senses will be focused on the sight and sound of the instrument, eliminating other thoughts.

Crafting

The type of crafting will be relevant here. The best kind to shut off intrusive thoughts is those where you follow a pattern or have to count. Crochet, knitting, tapestry, cross stitching, and so on all involve counting and following patterns (at least when you are beginning), and your brain is engaged constantly.

It’s possible to have a film on in the background, but if you let your mind wander, you’re most likely to stop, or you will get something wrong and have to undo a lot of work.

It’s the same with woodwork, model building, and so on – if lots of counting, measurements, and fine movements are needed, then your brain will focus on the task at hand, and there will be no room for whirring thoughts.

Team Sport

Exercise and sports are well known to be good for stress relief, releasing feel-good hormones, and improving mood. They can improve appetite and sleep patterns, and many involve getting outside into nature or natural light.

However, solo sports are not always the best for stopping your thoughts from running in circles. If you’re jogging along a route you’ve always done, listening to your favorite playlist, you’re mind is bound to wander and will focus on whatever you’re worrying about.

Perhaps that will help you work through your problem in whatever way is needed; however, if your aim in exercising is to have a hobby where you don’t think about stressors, you should consider team sports instead.

When you’re playing in a team, you should focus on the game around you and what your teammates are doing – your concentration is in the moment and the quickly changing action. If you stop and get distracted by your thoughts, you will likely get a ball in your face.

Journalling and Meditation

The options above are to provide hobbies that encourage your brain to shut off and focus on other things for at least a short while. Hobbies like journalling and meditation can help encourage mindfulness and train your brain to shut off or focus in the moment and not worry about other factors.

In particular, they can help to train you to cope with negative thoughts and encourager a healthier mindset for your life in general. Journalling might even help you work through your problems and discover the underlying cause of your stress – making it easier to deal with and remove from your life.

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