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Focusing on New Hobbies to Relieve Stress in the New Year

As we step into a new year, the excitement of new beginnings often comes with the weight of New Year's resolutions. While it can be energizing to start fresh with a blank slate, the pressure to meet self-imposed goals can also create unnecessary stress.

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to set professional and personal goals, but it's important to pace ourselves. We already face enough stress in our lives—especially for those navigating fertility journeys—so no need to add more by trying to achieve every goal at once.

Many New Year’s resolutions are centered on big-picture ambitions, and in the process, smaller victories can be overlooked. Instead of focusing solely on monumental goals, let’s remember to set achievable, smaller goals along the way and celebrate our progress. One way to do this is to focus on hobbies that help us relax and unwind. Below are some hobby ideas to relieve stress and allow for smaller wins as we work toward the bigger picture:

1. Journaling
Studies have shown that journaling can be a form of meditation, helping to organize thoughts and promote mindfulness. Taking just ten minutes each day to jot down your feelings can help you process emotions, reflect on your day, and create space for mental clarity. By writing, you not only check in with yourself but also build accountability—helping you manage stress and keep external pressures at bay.

2. Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts often get relegated to activities for children, but they can be powerful tools for stress relief at any age. Many people’s last creative experience was in an art class years ago, but engaging in creative activities for the sake of creating—without the expectation of perfection—can be incredibly freeing. Try attending a local ceramics class, a figure-drawing session, or an art event with friends. Let your creativity flow and find joy in the process, not just the outcome.

See below to find some places to connect with your creativity in New York City:

• Jewelry making or ceramics workshops at Studio Calmplex in Midtown.
• Watercolor, collage, or drawing classes are only some of the many options available at Happy Medium in the LES or Greenpoint.
• Create some beaded jewelry at Susan Alexandra’s Bead Night event in the LES.
• Try glass making, make a charcuterie tray or glass ornaments amongst other things at Shiny Sparkle Labs in Red Hook in Brooklyn.

3. Reading
For many, setting a reading goal—whether it's finishing 10, 20, or 50 books—becomes more about achieving a number than actually enjoying the act of reading. This can turn reading into a chore rather than a pleasurable escape. Instead, read for the pure joy of it. Pick up that poetry collection you’ve been putting off or re-read a beloved novel. Immerse yourself in a world of fiction and enjoy the process of getting lost in a good book. Reading should be about relaxation and enjoyment, not obligation.

4. Exercise
It’s common for New Year’s resolutions to include fitness goals, often aiming for drastic changes like intense daily workouts or strict diets. However, these unrealistic expectations can quickly lead to burnout or even physical injury. Remember, building a sustainable fitness habit takes time and patience. Start small—take walks if you’re not ready for runs, or skip the intense workout to enjoy a well-deserved rest day. If you are starting your fertility journey, discuss exercise with your physician as most fertility treatments require limiting exercise.

Movement should feel empowering, not punishing. Whether it’s yoga, weightlifting, or a fun game of pickleball, find what works for you and embrace it at your own pace.

5. Cooking
Cooking can often feel like a chore—something we must do to nourish ourselves quickly and efficiently. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Cooking can be an enjoyable, even therapeutic, activity. Invite friends over for a casual dinner party, play some music, and turn meal prep into an opportunity to unwind. Whether you’re baking cookies or crafting a full meal, the process of cooking can be a creative outlet. Plus, preparing a dish from scratch can provide a small win, offering a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

6. Volunteering
Volunteering is a powerful way to not only relieve stress but also build a sense of community and support, especially during difficult times. Engaging in acts of kindness and service helps create connections with others who share similar values and passions. In times of personal challenge, such as navigating fertility journeys or facing other hardships, volunteering can remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation while fostering compassion and understanding. It offers an opportunity to connect with people who may have experienced similar struggles, creating a network of support that can be invaluable. The act of giving back also shifts focus away from our own stressors, allowing us to find comfort in the collective spirit of community and solidarity. Volunteering not only benefits those we serve but can also nurture our own well-being, providing emotional uplift and a renewed sense of purpose.

In the new year, let’s prioritize activities that help us recharge, relieve stress, and find joy in the little things. These hobbies can provide a healthy balance as we work toward bigger goals, and they offer a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination

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