People Who Don’t Like Posting On Social Media Usually Have 9 Cozy Hobbies That Make Them Truly Happy
STEKLO | Shutterstock I'll admit it: I've definitely been guilty of putting too much effort into my social media posts in hopes that people would engage with me. It's common, I know, but some have broken free from the trap of social media.
Many young people are realizing their free time is better spent beyond the screen. We may not realize how much social media stresses us out, but it often causes our cortisol levels to rise. By choosing an analog hobby, people are breaking free from this cycle.
People who don't like social media often have a few cozy hobbies that make them truly happy:
1. Reading a good book
Reading can be difficult for some people to get into. They may be used to fast-paced social media and/or have negative associations from years of being forced to read in school. While it may not be for everyone, people who choose to stay off social media and get lost in a book might be happier than everyone else.
There are a ton of mental health benefits that come along with reading. It was found that people who have this hobby sleep better, feel less stressed, and have lower rates of depression. Science supports that consistent readers are happier than the average person. Taking on this hobby can improve your daily life.
Yes, it may take practice to get into reading books again, but if you take it slow and find things to read about that actually interest you, the process can be made much easier.
2. Baking a delicious treat
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Baking can be a true escape for our minds because it requires us to focus on simple, repetitive tasks. During stressful times, there is something to be said for following a recipe. Everything is mapped out so you don’t have to overthink anything.
Baking can also strengthen our bonds with other people. If someone has this hobby, they may love sharing their creations with others. It makes them feel fulfilled because they are doing something for themselves and their loved ones.
3. Writing in a journal
It may not surprise you to find out I like writing. Thanks to TikTok, ironically enough, I have been sucked into the world of journaling. From the best stationery from Japan to fountain pens and fancy planners, I’ve become quite obsessed. Although I found all of these journaling accessories because of social media, they actually help keep me off my phone. I’d rather be writing with my fancy pens than scrolling online.
I'm not alone in this cozy hobby. Many peole have found that journaling can improve our mental health. Writing out our feelings can help us prioritize our problems and work through them by getting out of our heads and onto the page. When you write down your feelings, you’re managing anxiety and reducing stress. If it’s hard to talk to people about your problems, try writing them down.
4. Taking on knitting projects
I have a friend who adores knitting. It’s how she calms herself down after a long, stressful day. I love seeing the projects she takes on and the completed items. From blankets to hats, she puts effort into knitting to disconnect from the world around her and relax. This hobby makes her truly happy.
Knitting is a wonderful way to relieve stress. It’s believed it can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Plus, the repetitive motions of needlework can bring a level of zen comparable to yoga and meditation. If you’re looking to escape the stress of social media, this hobby will probably do the trick.
5. Listening to records
We all know that music is good for the soul. It’s believed that it works at a therapeutic level by alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It doesn’t matter if you’re listening to your car or seeing your favorite artist in concert, just being around the sound is soothing.
Some people are more dedicated to listening to music and prefer to do it in a certain way. Many music purists believe the best way to experience it is by listening to a recording on vinyl.
If someone dedicates their free time to their record collection, it’s because it makes them happy. Having a turntable set up and all of their favorite records on hand gives them something to enjoy without using their phones. It turns out they might be enjoying music on a different level. A study found that vinyl may produce better sound than digital because digital files are compressed, which can affect how the song sounds.
6. Spending time outdoors
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Sitting inside all day can have negative effects on your mood, especially if you spend that time mindlessly scrolling social media or otherwise detached from your physical and emotional self.
When we care more about the attention we get on social media than taking care of our mental health, it may feel overwhelming. Research shows that we need to spend time outdoors to keep ourselves mentally healthy. While not everyone is built to be a tried-and-true outdoorsman, even a walk around the block can make you feel happier.
A study found that exposure to the outdoors is associated with more positive mental health outcomes. People with this hobby may be physically healthier as well. It can improve brain function, lower blood pressure, and help them sleep better.
7. Going to the gym
Working out creates endorphins. That's probably why, for some people, the gym is their happy place, and science is on their side. Exercise can improve memory and put us in a better mood. It increases serotonin levels that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Believe it or not, it can also pull us out of fight-or-flight mode.
When we feel threatened, which is often a symptom of anxiety, our nervous systems go into overdrive. Some psychologists note that the raised heart rate and perspiration that come with working out can create a similar feeling to anxiety. In studies, groups of anxious people (among others) found that frequent exercise lowered their symptoms, almost like exposure therapy.
8. Spending time in the garden
Sometimes, we just need to get our hands dirty. This can be even more valuable when we do it in our gardens. People may feel fulfilled from growing their own fruits and vegetables. It’s a therapeutic way to get some exercise in and can even improve how people eat.
Happy gardeners may have better diets than the average person. If they prioritize eating the food they grow, they incorporate more produce into their diets. Plus, working in the sun exposes us to much-needed vitamin D, which supports the immune system and keeps our muscles and brains working in top shape. No wonder gardeners always seem so happy!
9. Playing games or doing puzzles
People may be drawn to playing on their phones because it gives them something to do with their hands. Using our hands while focusing on something that doesn’t take a ton of effort can ease our minds. Staying busy can take our minds off what is bothering us, and physical hobbies may be the perfect way to distract ourselves.
Scrolling might give you this feeling, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Instead, they may turn to puzzles or board games. It gives them something to do without being glued to a screen, which can alleviate stress and anxiety.
Haley Van Horn is a freelance writer with a master’s degree in Humanities, living in Los Angeles. Her focus includes entertainment and lifestyle stories.
