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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
Outdoor alternatives in bad weather
by lavenderJackfruit1594
Last post
 July 9th
...See more I enjoy the hiking/camping/nature and get quite bummed when the weather limits my ability to go outside.  What do you do when you are stuck inside? 
Bees! Any other beekeepers?
by LonleyCheese
Last post
 June 1st
...See more Hi! I might be getting beehives in the spring and I'm really excited, because bees are my special intrest! I know a lot about bees (and ants) but I've never had my own hive, any tips for getting started? I should be inherriting some from a group I worked with this past summer, because they decided to disband due to members leaving and the ones that stayed are busy and older. But yeah, any other bee enthusiasts? Or just if you like bugs in general :) what's your favorite bug?
New Calming Hobby: Collecting Indoor Plants
by ThoughtLight
Last post
 May 2nd
...See more It was in January that I started to collect smaller sized plants for my room. We have plants throughout the house including one my mom has kept alive since 2002. After a traumatic event 8 weeks ago causing PTS issues then a second trauma a few weeks ago I've gone from 4 to 12 plants in my room. I suppose it's a better stress response than a lot of other things. But I find so much comfort and calm in caring for the plants. I actually look forward to feeding and watering them and the collection has extended around the house. Orchids, bonsai trees, small ferns, succulents etc. I'm now excited to extend it to planting some things outdoors now that the weather is right. I grew some tulips and hyacinths from bulbs. I know really want to create a terrarium. The ones with all the moss and ferns look the most peaceful. I also want mom to be greeted by a lot of blooms when she finally gets out of the hospital. If anyone has any tips or advice for a terrarium my ears are open. I have had to limit myself to buying only 1-2 plants a week. 
Photos of plant life
by PatienceImpatiens
Last post
 March 21st
...See more This thread is for photos of plant life, for the plant lovers.
cut top of a Pineapple and grew
by WorkingitThrough2
Last post
 October 15th, 2023
...See more I bought this pineapple from Walmart for $1.00. I enjoyed that pineapple so much. The top I cut off and put some root growth on the cut end and put it in some dirt, and just look, it has grown so big. I am amazed at how well it took off. Tell me what you think??? I can't wait to eat it😂
How To Make Plant Fertilizer At Home
by KindWolf2023
Last post
 August 26th, 2023
...See more Plants Need Food Too!! When we buy or acquire a potted plant, most know that plants need watered. Well that soil they're isn't just any soil. It has been enriched with nutrients for the plant to eat. When the plant has eaten the whole supply of nutrients, it cannot get more. It is in a pot and cannot leave that pot. So we must also supply food, aka fertilizer! Another word for this is mulch. Fertilizers are expensive; fortunately you can make this easily at home and it will become better than anything you can buy!! ------------------------- Ingredients: Used coffee can with its lid. Bio-trash: eg. used coffee grounds with filters, used tea bags, eggshells, leftovers from cutting up fruits and vegetables. 🚫DO NOT USE:⛔️ Oils, meats, seeds, stems, anything hard, non-food products or processed pre-packaged food. What you now want to do is fill your container with all this as if it is a wastebasket. Seal lid tightly. Wait. If you need fertilizer immediately go buy it cause it takes a good month for your first patch of mulch to be ready. ------------------------- ONE MONTH LATER.... Open your container. Mold is good! It may be quite stinky. Take something you don't care about (I use a stick) and mash your mulch. Then take about 1 tsp. mulch, drop in 1 8 oz. glass of water per plant and feed your plants. I personally do this only once a month. Overfeeding the plants can kill them! Keep adding to the mulch never buy fertilizer again!
Seeking Help from Fellow Plant Lovers: How Can I Safely Relocate My Beloved Plant?
by BerriesInBloom
Last post
 August 21st, 2023
...See more Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I am reaching out to this forum in the hopes of finding some advice on how to safely move my beloved Monstera plant from upstairs to downstairs. Over time, the plant has grown significantly as I mistakenly repotted it into a very large plastic pot. However, I now realize that the pot is too heavy to lift, and unfortunately, the staircase leading downstairs is not feasible for moving the plant. The steps are not standard and have large gaps between them. I have considered removing as much soil as possible, taking the plant out of the pot, and moving each element one by one, hoping not to damage the plant too much. However, I am concerned that this might kill the plant. As an alternative, I have considered propagating the plant by taking leaf cuttings to grow a new one downstairs. However, I am not familiar with the process, and I am afraid of failing, ultimately resulting in losing my original plant. I am really attached to this plant and want to do everything possible to ensure its survival. If anyone has experience moving a plant in a similar situation or any advice on propagating a Monstera plant, I would be grateful for your insights. Thank you in advance for your help!
New Nature Vocabulary Word
by purplelady568
Last post
 July 5th, 2023
...See more Hi Hobby Zone friends, I have just learned a new nature-inspired word. Psithurism! I thought maybe some of you would be interested in it, too. You say it "sith-yur-ism." (It has a silent p at the beginning.) If you know any other fun or interesting nature-related words, please share them here!
Plant a little seed 🌱
by Lou73
Last post
 June 3rd, 2023
...See more I'm not much of a gardener but I felt suddenly inspired at the weekend to buy some seeds and try to grow some pretty flowers for my garden. Spending time outside in nature can be really therapeutic and calming and gets us away from all our devices and job lists for a while. And planting seeds can be a great low cost way of adding flowers to your garden as a packet of seeds costs a fraction of the price for a ready grown plant. April/May is the perfect time to sew a lot of seeds so why not try and plant a few in the garden or in a pot on the windowsill and share your photos here of your seedlings growing! 🌱 I have planted a mixture of different seeds - some sweet peas, larkspurs, poppies, delphiniums and morning glory, phlox, pansy, marigolds 🌸🌼🌺 Feel free to share with us what seeds you would like to plant over the next few weeks! 🌻 @adaptableOcean4193 @Aileen1114117 @Aliceiin3rdwonderland @beachyone @BelovedMe @butdoesanyonenotice @charmingSky5972 @confidentrabbit7311 @CosmicMiracle @DipityEnigma @EmotionsListener @FallandWinterPlease00 @hiraxx @Interestingkiwi @interlligentshawzk @intoxfantasy @jujubears @Katieinbloom @LadyOrgasma @Liv125 @Lou73 @Meifeng @Merliah001 @MilaAvery @MistyMagic @MunchieTaters @NicholasW @Paprika001 @practicalTree3613 @PurpleLady568 @SerenitysFire @SleepyShyCat @SmileSravani @SparklingSeashells @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sweetrosa1987 @ThadSterling @theboymoana @tidyHickory3283 @Walker7957 @WarmLightXO @WorriedMagpie Image credit: BBC Gardner's World Magazine. (I took photos for this post but they were too big to upload :( )
Outdoor Hobbies
by CheeryMango
Last post
 May 30th, 2023
...See more What type of outdoor hobbies do you have or would like to try?
Magpie's Plant Discovery Challenge Extraordinaire
by WorriedMagpie
Last post
 April 25th, 2023
...See more Hello Hello! Hello! :D Welcome one and all too “MAGPIE’S PLANT DISCOVERY CHALLENGE EXTRAORDINAIRE”wooyay🌿🌱🌻🌲🎉 Are you a nature lover? Love yourself some planty goodness? Appreciate a good leafy fern? 🌿🌿🌿Well you are in the right place! Anybody can get involved! -- no need for a fancy camera, or druid level plant knowledge ! *~ HOW TO PLAY! ~* The aim of the game is to explore your local area and find cool plants 🌻🐦 This could be your houseplants, in your garden or street, out walking the dog, on your way to work, or even on a hike if you want to get super adventurous! ** Please please please! always be careful when approaching a plant you don’t know! If ever in doubt you can always admire from afar! ** 🌻🌱 🌱Once you’ve found a new plant, come and let us know about it ! 🌻You could take a photo or leave a description. Bonus cookie if you can figure out what the plant is! - Feel free to help others identify their plants too! 🌿Try to leave nature as you find it & refer to your local wildlife rules before picking anything 😊💚 ** There’s no hard rules on how to do this - you could upload a photo, draw or paint it, describe it with words or in a poem or even knit one! I’d be mega impressed to see some knitted plants :O -- have fun and do it your way! <3 *~ TADA! ONE EXAMPLE COURTESY OF MY GARDEN :D ~* This is a Welsh poppy that has popped up in my back garden :) Its a small plant but bigger than ones i’ve seen before --a few weeks ago it had loooaadsss of pretty flowers but right now it’s going to seed, the flowers become the little green pods that eventually dry out and if you pull one of them open you get a handful of tiny blacks seeds, I can’t smell anything from them but the bees seem to love them! 🐝🐝🐝🌻 *~SMARTPHONE USER? TRY GOOGLE LENS :D ~* If you’re taking photos with your phone and have access to the internet then you can use an awesome tool called “Google Lens” to try and identify your plants 👀🌿 Here’s a quick tutorial for you to check out :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTcxLZnv9fg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTcxLZnv9fg] I can’t wait to see what you all find! :D Have a bunch of fun out there, stay safe & happy plant hunting! https://forms.gle/tSRzfxpQJvvYpZXh6 [https://forms.gle/tSRzfxpQJvvYpZXh6] Feedback & Ideas Form, Share your ideas! Tagging the Hobby Zone subcommunity tag list (If you want to be added/removed click here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/HobbyZone_125/HobbyZoneEventsandAnnouncements_1349/TheHobbyZoneTaglist_280107/]!) @Aliceiin3rdwonderland @BlueRiver5968 @ChildGoddessFlute @Fristo @HealingTalk @Lou73 @MistyMagic @Paprika001 @sweetrosa1987 @WorriedMagpie
Mineral collecting
by Avishai
Last post
 December 24th, 2022
...See more Any other rockhounds out there?

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

 Join the Hobby Zone Team

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