The expert called hobbies that help in the fight against stress

Scientific research confirms that creative and needlework activities significantly reduce stress levels. Among the most effective hobbies are modeling, knitting, drawing, embroidery and ceramics. Denis Voytik, a professional athlete in ship modeling, told Izvestia about this on April 10.

According to the athlete, these activities have one thing in common — they allow you to switch, focus on the process, feel creative and restore inner balance. The expert also noted the positive effect on the nervous system of modeling, weaving, wood carving, gardening and indoor crop production. He added that sewing, cooking, board games, calligraphy, photography and keeping a personal diary can be useful.

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The specialist paid attention to creative activities such as writing stories or poems, working with clay, making jewelry, assembling puzzles and playing musical instruments. Voytik also noted the benefits of scrapbooking, creating decorative objects, making candles and soap, origami, meditative painting and collecting postage stamps.

"During the creation of something, the areas of the brain responsible for concentration and attention are activated. It helps to shift the focus from negative thoughts to specific actions," the athlete explained.

Voytik cited data from a 2016 study, according to which creative activities can reduce the level of cortisol— the stress hormone— by 75%. This effect is explained by the fact that during infatuation a person is in a state of flow, when thoughts about the past and the future fade into the background.

At the same time, the expert stressed that there is no universal recipe for stress relief.

"Someone may be interested in drawing, and someone finds comfort in assembling models. The main thing is to find an activity that will resonate with your interests and preferences," suggested Voytik.

According to him, regularly engaging in a suitable hobby can be a reliable path to harmony and inner peace. "It is important not to force yourself, but to get genuinely involved in the process, then the anti—stress effect will not take long," the expert concluded.

Earlier, on April 7, Maxim Alekseev, a neurologist, chiropractor, and expert doctor at the Semeynaya clinic network, told Izvestia about the causes of daytime sleep cravings. He explained that the desire to fall asleep during the day can be influenced by nutrition. According to the doctor, a hearty dinner with lots of carbohydrates will not add morning vigor. In addition, even mild dehydration reduces blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, which causes lethargy.