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Hobbies Help!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 June 14th
...See more Hobbies Help Our Mental Health! Mental health and self-care are intricately linked, and engaging in hobbies can be a powerful tool to support both.  Hobbies are very personal. Each of us likes and chooses something different for our hobbies, and the choice we make can however affect our mental health. Some hobbies can actually raise our stress and frustration levels, especially worrying about getting something right. The painter that can’t capture the painting they want, or the musician that needs to practice for hours every day. So choosing the right hobby for the right time can help to improve our mental health. Having a mix of relaxing and energetic, mindful and chaotic can all help to ease the stresses and pressures of our lives.  Here are a few hobbies known to benefit mental health:-: * Art Therapy: Engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpting can promote relaxation and self-expression, which are beneficial for managing stress and improving mood. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that art therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. At 7 Cups we have a dedicated Arts & Crafts Community Here * Gardening: Spending time outdoors and caring for plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that gardening can promote mood enhancement and stress reduction. Gardening is a topic in Hobby Zone so please post Here * Music Therapy: Listening to or creating music can have a profound impact on mental health by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing emotional expression. A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that music therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression. Music and Dance Community Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/music/]  * Physical Exercise: Engaging in physical activities such as walking, running, or yoga can improve both physical and mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We have a Sports & Fitness topic Here * Reading & Writing: Immersing oneself in a good book can provide an escape from everyday stressors and promote relaxation. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that reading can be an effective form of stress relief, leading to decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Reading and Writing Community is Here * Cooking and Baking: Cooking or baking can be a creative outlet that allows individuals to express themselves while also providing a sense of accomplishment. Research has shown that engaging in cooking-related activities can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness. Share your recipes Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/FoodRecipestoShare_2652/] or share cooking tips Here  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/Foodallaboutfood_1139/] * Outdoor Activities: Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as hiking, camping, or birdwatching can promote feelings of connection to nature and provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Research suggests that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and improve cognitive function  One special way to make our hobbies work for our mental wealth more is to ‘mindful hobby’. Using simple mindfulness techniques to improve the benefit of our hobby time. Being present in the moment, concentrating on what we are doing rather than letting our minds race. ------------------------- I hope that this has given you all food for thought,  perhaps you will look for a new hobby, or perhaps you may look at your hobbies in a more respectful way;  they are doing you and your mental health more good than you may realise!
🐈‍⬛ The Hobby Zone Taglist!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 May 10th
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating taglist. The current list is pasted below. To add yourself to this taglist, press the Reply button in this post and write the exact words “Please add me.” To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Reply button in this post and write the exact words, “Please remove me.” Taglist 20 May 2024 (62) @adaptableOcean4193 @Aileen1114117 @AJ1232005 @Aliceiin3rdwonderland @AquaNyo303 @beachyone @Bella20 @BelovedMe @butdoesanyonenotice @butterlycow @calmmoon2104 @calmSky3414 @charmingSky5972 @confidentrabbit7311 @CosmicMiracle @daydreammemories @DipityEnigma @EchoicEternity @EmotionsListener @FallandWinterPlease00 @Fristo @hiraxx @iloveyouxx @Interestingkiwi @interlligentshawzk @intoxfantasy @jujubears @Katieinbloom @LadyOrgasma @Liv125 @Lou73 @LoveMyMoonflowers @lyricalAngel70 @Merliah001 @MilaAvery @MistyMagic @Mrunal11 @MunchieTaters @mytwistedsoul @NicholasW @Paisleykaat @Paprika001 @practicalTree3613 @PurpleLady568 @SerenitysFire @shiningBeauty72 @SleepyShyCat @SmileSravani @SomebodySpicy13 @SparklingSeashells @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sweetrosa1987 @ThadSterling @theboymoana @thetoastgod @tidyHickory3283 @victoriousblue17 @warmheartedCamp3360 @WarmLightXO @wisly03 @WorkingitThrough2 @WorriedMagpie
Hobbies and Motivation!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 April 22nd
...See more This is Motivational March and so I wanted to discuss with you about your hobbies and what motivates you to get started! Often I find it hard to motivate myself and so I might look at doing other things for a while. If I am in a 'hobby slump' and just want to find another project then that is exactly what I do. So often I might have many 'WIP' work in progress. I also know sometimes I look at all my yarn and knitting needles and groan! I love knitting but sometimes I just want to watch tv! I found my mojo when I wanted a new beanie hat, it was something I could easily knit AND watch tv lol! And, of course I got a warm hat :) So please take a moment to answer the following questions, of perhaps just read and think about them. ? Could you please tell me how you motivate yourself to spend time on your hobbies? ? Which hobby do you feel motivates you the most? ? Which hobby do you find the most rewarding? Join the Hobby Zone Team! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/EventsAnnouncements_1349/WantedHobbyZoneTeam_280109/]  Add or remove from taglist Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/EventsAnnouncements_1349/TheHobbyZoneTaglist_280107/] @Brahmm @adaptableOcean4193 @Aileen1114117 @AJ1232005 @Aliceiin3rdwonderland @beachyone @BelovedMe @butdoesanyonenotice @butterlycow @calmmoon2104 @calmSky3414 @charmingSky5972 @confidentrabbit7311 @CosmicMiracle @DipityEnigma @EchoicEternity @EmotionsListener @FallandWinterPlease00 @hiraxx @Interestingkiwi @interlligentshawzk @intoxfantasy @jujubears @Katieinbloom @LadyOrgasma @Liv125 @Lou73 @LoveMyMoonflowers @lyricalAngel70 @Merliah001 @MilaAvery @MistyMagic @Mrunal11 @MunchieTaters @mytwistedsoul @NicholasW @Paisleykaat @Paprika001 @practicalTree3613 @PurpleLady568 @SerenitysFire @shiningBeauty72 @SleepyShyCat @SmileSravani @SomebodySpicy13 @SparklingSeashells @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sweetrosa1987 @ThadSterling @theboymoana @thetoastgod @tidyHickory3283 @victoriousblue17 @warmheartedCamp3360 @WarmLightXO @wisly03 @WorkingitThrough2 @WorriedMagpie
Language Partner
by wishfulPiano5648
Last post
 August 27th
...See more Ola everyone! Would someone be interested in language exchange?  Learning something new has numerous benefits for mental health, including: 1. Improved self-esteem and confidence 2. Enhanced cognitive function and memory 3. Reduced stress and anxiety 4. Increased creativity and problem-solving skills 5. Better adaptability and resilience 6. New social connections and opportunities 7. Improved focus and concentration 8. Boosted mood and overall sense of well-being 9. Increased sense of purpose and fulfillment 10. Delayed cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia Learning something new can also: - Provide a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and emotions - Offer a sense of accomplishment and pride - Foster a growth mindset and love for learning - Improve emotional regulation and intelligence - Enhance overall mental stimulation and engagement
What do you like to do when you're feeling down?
by RajviD05
Last post
 July 30th
...See more Hey guys! I just wanted to make this thread to give everyone an opportunity to share what they like to do when they're feeling down. Maybe some of you can use this as inspiration next time you feel upset :)
Playdoh! ( Instructions on how to make can be found here)
by HopieRemi
Last post
 July 29th
...See more Playdoh can be a great coping mechanism for several things ( Like depression, idle thoughts, SH, etc). I know that playing with playdoh gives me something that can get my hands working! But I also know that not everyone has easy access to some good playdoh, so I decided to create a thread that can maybe give you some ideas on how to make playdoh so you can get in on this fun activity! Here is a video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt97zl_gwnk]that explains and shows you how to make playdoh You can click here [https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/playdough/play-doh-recipes] to see 6 homemade ways to make playdoh. I found some of these pretty interesting because after you're done playing and helping yourself relax, you can eat it since some of them are made with food ( peanut butter) You can see an easy no-bake playdoh idea here [http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/no-bake-play-dough/] It shows you not only video but photos for each step! Remember after you have made your playdoh, if you plan on using it again, store it where it won't get hardened! ^^ Feel free to share photos and experiences with playdoh here!
Hobbies Help!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 June 14th
...See more Hobbies Help Our Mental Health! Mental health and self-care are intricately linked, and engaging in hobbies can be a powerful tool to support both.  Hobbies are very personal. Each of us likes and chooses something different for our hobbies, and the choice we make can however affect our mental health. Some hobbies can actually raise our stress and frustration levels, especially worrying about getting something right. The painter that can’t capture the painting they want, or the musician that needs to practice for hours every day. So choosing the right hobby for the right time can help to improve our mental health. Having a mix of relaxing and energetic, mindful and chaotic can all help to ease the stresses and pressures of our lives.  Here are a few hobbies known to benefit mental health:-: * Art Therapy: Engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpting can promote relaxation and self-expression, which are beneficial for managing stress and improving mood. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that art therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. At 7 Cups we have a dedicated Arts & Crafts Community Here * Gardening: Spending time outdoors and caring for plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Research published in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that gardening can promote mood enhancement and stress reduction. Gardening is a topic in Hobby Zone so please post Here * Music Therapy: Listening to or creating music can have a profound impact on mental health by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing emotional expression. A systematic review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that music therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression. Music and Dance Community Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/music/]  * Physical Exercise: Engaging in physical activities such as walking, running, or yoga can improve both physical and mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We have a Sports & Fitness topic Here * Reading & Writing: Immersing oneself in a good book can provide an escape from everyday stressors and promote relaxation. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that reading can be an effective form of stress relief, leading to decreased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Reading and Writing Community is Here * Cooking and Baking: Cooking or baking can be a creative outlet that allows individuals to express themselves while also providing a sense of accomplishment. Research has shown that engaging in cooking-related activities can improve mood and increase feelings of happiness. Share your recipes Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/FoodRecipestoShare_2652/] or share cooking tips Here  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/Foodallaboutfood_1139/] * Outdoor Activities: Spending time outdoors and engaging in activities such as hiking, camping, or birdwatching can promote feelings of connection to nature and provide opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Research suggests that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and improve cognitive function  One special way to make our hobbies work for our mental wealth more is to ‘mindful hobby’. Using simple mindfulness techniques to improve the benefit of our hobby time. Being present in the moment, concentrating on what we are doing rather than letting our minds race. ------------------------- I hope that this has given you all food for thought,  perhaps you will look for a new hobby, or perhaps you may look at your hobbies in a more respectful way;  they are doing you and your mental health more good than you may realise!
Hobbies and Motivation!
by MistyMagic
Last post
 April 22nd
...See more This is Motivational March and so I wanted to discuss with you about your hobbies and what motivates you to get started! Often I find it hard to motivate myself and so I might look at doing other things for a while. If I am in a 'hobby slump' and just want to find another project then that is exactly what I do. So often I might have many 'WIP' work in progress. I also know sometimes I look at all my yarn and knitting needles and groan! I love knitting but sometimes I just want to watch tv! I found my mojo when I wanted a new beanie hat, it was something I could easily knit AND watch tv lol! And, of course I got a warm hat :) So please take a moment to answer the following questions, of perhaps just read and think about them. ? Could you please tell me how you motivate yourself to spend time on your hobbies? ? Which hobby do you feel motivates you the most? ? Which hobby do you find the most rewarding? Join the Hobby Zone Team! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/EventsAnnouncements_1349/WantedHobbyZoneTeam_280109/]  Add or remove from taglist Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/hobbyzone/EventsAnnouncements_1349/TheHobbyZoneTaglist_280107/] @Brahmm @adaptableOcean4193 @Aileen1114117 @AJ1232005 @Aliceiin3rdwonderland @beachyone @BelovedMe @butdoesanyonenotice @butterlycow @calmmoon2104 @calmSky3414 @charmingSky5972 @confidentrabbit7311 @CosmicMiracle @DipityEnigma @EchoicEternity @EmotionsListener @FallandWinterPlease00 @hiraxx @Interestingkiwi @interlligentshawzk @intoxfantasy @jujubears @Katieinbloom @LadyOrgasma @Liv125 @Lou73 @LoveMyMoonflowers @lyricalAngel70 @Merliah001 @MilaAvery @MistyMagic @Mrunal11 @MunchieTaters @mytwistedsoul @NicholasW @Paisleykaat @Paprika001 @practicalTree3613 @PurpleLady568 @SerenitysFire @shiningBeauty72 @SleepyShyCat @SmileSravani @SomebodySpicy13 @SparklingSeashells @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sweetrosa1987 @ThadSterling @theboymoana @thetoastgod @tidyHickory3283 @victoriousblue17 @warmheartedCamp3360 @WarmLightXO @wisly03 @WorkingitThrough2 @WorriedMagpie
Photos and wood burning
by Burninglove62
Last post
 April 12th
...See more Photographers of beauty to your eyes. Mine is landscapes. My second favorite is taking that photo and making a beautiful piece in wood. The best therapy to me.
Drawing to Ease Anxiety
by Botoga
Last post
 March 3rd
...See more Hi Everybody - I hope this is an appropriate post. I am relatively new here, and am still learning my way around this site. Anyway, I am on disability for schizophrenia and severe anxiety. I spend my time drawing pictures, like this chipmunk, to relieve anxiety. I thought I would share it with all of you. Do any of you like doing artwork? I have social anxiety but want to try reaching out to you all. Thanks.
Anyone love calligraphy lettering ?
by Kindlettering
Last post
 January 29th
...See more For me to therapeutic
DIY Stress/Fidget Toys!!
by munchiegoosie
Last post
 January 4th
...See more Hi everyone! I thought I would start a thread for DIY Stress/Fidget Toys! Do you have any that you have made that you would like to share the instructions for? I found my 'recipes' using Pinterest! I thought I would share a couple to start! PLAY-DOH STRESS TOY! Materials (Yields one stress toy) * Balloon, Play-Doh, Some time 😀 Instructions: 1) If you'd like, stretch the balloon out some just to make it more flexible. 2) Take small pieces of the Play-Doh out of container and make it into small round shapes (I just think it helps). 3) Using your fingers on one hand, widen the opening of the balloon enough to be able to fit the pieces of Play-Doh in the hole. 4) Drop the pieces of Play-Doh into the balloon and keep doing this until the balloon is full of Play-Doh. The amount of Play-Doh you put in
From the Heart
by memyselfandmoth
Last post
 December 28th, 2023
...See more [trigger warning: anatomical heart image linked] Hi all. I am still new here but thought I would share regarding art as therapy and encourage others with a post. I have been in a very hard place recently but was able to do some drawing and was glad that I could find a way to express how my heart’s been feeling. I thought I might post it here and also encourage others if they feel so inclined to respond with a drawing or other artistic way of showing where their heart’s at… whether it be a literal heart or more figurative. If not, then thanks for reading anyway and wishing you the best
Nail Polish Is My Love
by Shyness98
Last post
 November 16th, 2023
...See more Lately to cope with my mental health I've been experimenting with nail polish. I love nail polish lately. It's my favorite thing right now. I love sparkly nail polish especially light pinks and white. I bought this unicorn top coat from sally hansen and it's my favorite thing in the world right now. I get anxiety when I buy too much products but I kind of cheated the system a bit by buying a mini nail polish set from Marshall's it's a 15 piece set and it has tons of pretty colors. It's perfect because they're tiny nail polishes and I think I'll use them all because of how small they are. I'm loving nail polish lately because it's what's giving me purpose during a difficult time. 
From EmotionsListener
by EmotionsListener
Last post
 October 31st, 2023
...See more For now I will only share one poem that was written just moments ago. I may share more in the future. Note I never said I could write well. This one is for all who struggle. Digging Deeper When you're clawing at the surface, desperate to make a dent, When your only shovel's broken, and you hope is all but spent. When the earth is hard as rock, and your scratching with your nails When every new idea is too hard or always fails. I won't deny you fingers to dig within the dirt, But I'll offer you some gloves so that your fingers won't get hurt. I'll try to find you a shovel, or even just a spoon, I'll dig right here beside you, I won't be leaving soon. We can try to soak the soil, I'll even use my tears. When the world can't seem to listen, I'll be the one that hears. We can do this together, and we can find a better way, No more broken nails, our healing starts today.

Hobby Zone

Welcome to Hobby Zone! This is where you can discover and explore how our hobbies can help us maintain good mental health. Hobbies can be therapeutic and promote healing. The purpose of this community is to provide a supportive and inclusive space and to share your hobbies.


What are the different forum topics for Hobby Zone?

Community Space: A place for discussions, check-ins and introductions.

DIY & Upsycling projects: A place for all those DIY discussions and home projects.

Events & Announcements: A place for discussions and events.

Food - recipes to share: A place to share your favourite recipes.

Food - all about food: A place to share your favourite foods.

Gaming: A place to discuss all things relating to games and gaming.

Gardening & other outdoor hobbies: A place for discussions relating to the outdoors and gardening.

Hobby Journals: A place for discussions relating to your hobby journals.

Other hobbies or interests: A place for discussions relating to any other hobbies or interests that you might have.

Pets and Animals: A place for discussions relating to your beloved pets or other animals.

Photography: A place for discussions relating to photography and videography.

Sports & Fitness: A place for discussions relating to your physical fitness and hobbies.

Using hobbies as therapy: A place for discussions relating to your hobbies being used as therapy.


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, you can join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Hobby Zone FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question! 

If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!

Community Guidelines

Please note that adding a 'Trigger Warning' or [TW] does not make any content acceptable. So please think carefully before posting.

Hobby Zone is a friendly, relaxing, and safe space where we do not expect to have triggery, or triggering artwork, writing, poetry, or other contributions.

  • You can start a Hobby Journal or join in with seeing what others are up to.

  • You can post your artwork but please make sure it is teen suitable and adheres to 7 Cups guidelines so appropriate attire and content. Please start your own thread and keep ALL artwork in that thread. This will mean that your thread gains upvotes/hearts and will notify everyone when a new post is made.

  • You can share your poetry or writing but again please make sure that it is suitable for an emotional support site and is not triggering. If in doubt then please ask a community leader, the names can be found under this 'About' tab below. Please start your own thread and keep ALL writing & poetry work in that thread. This will mean that your thread gains upvotes/hearts and will notify everyone when a new post is made.

  • Be wary of clicking on any unknown links as they are not vetted or checked by Hobby Zone or 7 Cups.

  • Please avoid giving links to other sites such as YouTube or Spotify for music or video content instead please give the name and song title so that people can safely do their own search and find the content.

Please ensure that ALL content is appropriate for teens as the site is open to members as young as 13.

Inappropriate content will be removed. 

Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
Community Leaders
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Community Resources

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Join the Hobby Zone taglist to hear all about the newest posts

How to use the new format of forums 

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Cooking, Baking, or Barbequing!
  • Fun, and Relaxation
  • Gaming
  • Gardening and other Outdoor Hobbies
  • Graphic Design & Online Media
  • Hobby Journals!
  • Hobby Zone Archives
  • Hobby Zone Events, and Announcements!
  • Movies & Television
  • Music
  • Pets and Animals
  • Photography
  • Poetry
  • Reading
  • Sports
  • Traveling
  • Using Hobbies As Therapy
  • Welcomes, Introductions & Check-ins!
  • Would you rather threads
  • Writing
  • Your Hobbies & Interests