In recent years, traditional hobbies often associated with grandmothers, such as sewing, knitting, and gardening, have gained popularity for their mental health benefits. These "granny hobbies," as they are affectionately known, are not only enjoyable but also serve as low-cost self-care activities that improve mood and well-being. The surge in interest began in 2020 when the global pandemic led people to spend more time at home. Platforms like TikTok have further popularized these hobbies, showcasing their appeal to a broader audience.
Granny hobbies encompass a range of activities including quilting, crocheting, embroidery, needlework, baking, canning, reading, birdwatching, board games, and jigsaw puzzles. Each hobby offers unique benefits that help individuals unwind after a busy or stressful day. The repetitive movements involved in these activities mimic mindfulness meditation, leading to present moment awareness that can significantly enhance one's mood and mental health.
"The repetitive movements and present moment awareness mimic mindfulness meditation in a lot of ways, which may explain why they could help improve mood and mental health," said Tiffany C. Ho, Ph.D.
Dr. Ho emphasizes that hobbies inherently evoke pleasure and that engaging in activities like knitting or embroidery can lead to mood improvement. These activities provide a sense of calm and help channel energy away from anxiety or depression.
"Hobbies, by definition, are activities that evoke pleasure, so it makes sense that individuals who are inherently drawn to knitting, crocheting, embroidery, etc., would experience improvements in their mood when engaging in these activities," Ho explained.
"Working and creating with their hands brings a sense of calm. It helps divert ruminative and internally focused energy that we often see in anxiety, depression, or burnout," she added.
Beyond mental health benefits, granny hobbies encourage physical well-being. Dr. Ho recommends staying physically active through regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet to complement the mental health gains from these activities.
"I would recommend staying physically healthy and active," Ho advised.
Granny hobbies also offer opportunities for social interaction and connection with others. Sharing these activities with loved ones can transform them into social events. Creating homemade items such as quilts or baked goods becomes a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others who share similar interests.
"Hobbies that help you connect with nature, promote social interactions with others, provide an outlet for creativity, offer skill learning, result in a tangible product, and where accomplishment scales with effort, are all good places to start," said Ho.
Leave a Reply