Taking up a hobby is one of the best ways to practice self-care. Hobbies provide a creative and engaging outlet, reduce stress, and offer an opportunity for personal growth and relaxation. For Black, Brown, and Communities of Color, cultivating hobbies that nurture mental and emotional well-being is particularly valuable, as these activities provide spaces for self-expression, cultural connection, and empowerment. In this blog, we will discover engaging and helpful hobbies that can lead to better self-care and an escape from a sometimes harsh reality for people of color.
1. Mindful Movement: Yoga, Tai Chi, and Dance
Why it’s great: Physical activities like yoga, tai chi, and dance are excellent for grounding yourself, giving your mind a break, and enhancing body awareness. They promote mindfulness, flexibility, and relaxation, helping reduce anxiety and stress. Some people might even find that through one of these movement activites, they’re able to significantly decrease their worries because of having to focus on something else besides what is potentially affecting them.
Getting started: Many local community centers and dance schools offer classes tailored to beginners. It’s important to look for instructors or classes that resonate with you culturally or spiritually, if possible, to feel an even deeper connection to the particular movement. However, finding a particular physical activity that resonates with you in some way can bring a sense of comfort to your mind and body.
Tip: Try starting with just 10 minutes a day. A quick stretch or a dance session that you might find on a Youtube channel or other online platform can have an immediate uplifting effect on your mood. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the duration and try new forms of movement.
2. Art and Creative Expression
Why it’s great: Creating art is a powerful outlet for expressing emotions. So what can you do? Engaging in activities like drawing, painting, or even photography can be therapeutic. Art allows you to communicate and process feelings that may be hard to express verbally and it’s a low lift activity you can take on at a moment’s notice.
Getting started: Go ahead and take that first step. Pick up some basic supplies at a local art store, or go old school with just a pencil and paper. If you want to explore further, look for community art classes to visit either individually or with a friend that focuses on cultural themes and self-expression.
Tip: Just a reminder, this does not have to be a heavy lift. Set aside a few minutes each day or week to doodle, paint, take photos, etc. It doesn’t have to be perfect—this is all about expression, and what you’re feeling in that moment.
3. Gardening and Connecting with Nature
Why it’s great: Let’s go ahead and tap into Mother Nature. Spending time with nature has scientifically proven mental health benefits. They range from reducing anxiety to improving mood. Gardening can give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch plants grow under your care. Connecting with nature is especially rewarding for those who find peace in cultivating life and reconnecting with the earth.
Getting started: Baby steps are more than acceptable. Start small with a few potted plants if you don’t have much space or experience. Herbs, succulents, and small vegetables are great options for beginners. Consider using traditional gardening methods or growing plants that have cultural significance to your heritage.
Tip: Do not let space be a barrier or issue. Many cities have community gardens where you can rent a small plot. This can also connect you with others who share your passion for working in and connecting with nature.
4. Writing, Journaling, and Storytelling
Why it’s great: Writing is a wonderful way to process thoughts, work through emotions, and even heal past traumas. Journaling is a great place to start, as it’s flexible, private, and doesn’t require a lot of time. When you’re journaling, you are able to process and release your thoughts and feelings, which helps come up with various solutions and resolutions to your daily life and experiences.
Getting started: Try writing down your thoughts for five minutes each day. You can reflect on gratitude, goals, or whatever’s on your mind. Some find that storytelling, either through memoirs or creative writing, is especially healing.
Tip: For those interested in exploring their culture through writing, consider documenting family stories or folklore. This can also be a beautiful way to pass on traditions and experiences.
5. Cooking and Culinary Exploration
Why it’s great: Cooking isn’t just about making meals—it can also be a comforting and creative self-care practice. Experimenting with new recipes and traditional dishes can help you reconnect with your heritage or broaden your palate.
Getting started: Try choosing a recipe that you’ve always wanted to make. It could be a dish that’s meaningful to your culture, or something entirely new. Start with simple ingredients and work your way up as you get more comfortable in the kitchen.
Tip: Make it social! Host a small cooking gathering where you can cook with friends or family. Sharing the experience can make it more enjoyable and less of a chore.
6. Exploring Cultural Crafts
Why it’s great: Cultural craft traditions, such as weaving, jewelry-making, and pottery, can help bring about a sense of comfort for those who find ease in connecting with their ethnic background. Engaging in these crafts allows for cultural expression and learning, connecting you to your roots and providing a mindful and meditative experience.
Getting started: Look for workshops, online tutorials, or community centers that focus on your cultural crafts. Some organizations offer beginner-friendly kits, so you can start from home with guided instructions.
Tip: Consider making it a social activity by joining a class or group that practices the craft together. Sharing the experience can make it more meaningful and encourage you to stick with it.
7. Reading for Growth and Comfort
Why it’s great: Reading can be both an escape and a way to learn. Whether it’s fiction, poetry, self-help, or cultural history, reading can help you explore new ideas, gain insights, and even unwind after a long day.
Getting started: Pick books that resonate with you personally or culturally. Many authors from BIPOC backgrounds write about experiences, history, and stories that reflect and honor diverse perspectives.
Tip: Consider joining a book club focused on BIPOC literature or starting your own. Discussing books with others can add depth to your reading experience.
8. Volunteering and Community Engagement
Why it’s great: Giving back to the community can be incredibly rewarding and grounding. For many Black, Brown, and Individuals of Color, connecting with others who share common causes can be a powerful form of self-care and social justice. Giving of your time to serve causes that you’re passionate also can have the power to motivate, empower, and uplift the giver because of the effects that serving can have on the physical body and emotions. Plainly, giving of your time can make people feel really good about life, thus motivating them to do more to help themselves, serve others, and contribute to a better world. You don’t loose out when you’re giving of your time and efforts.
Getting started: Research local organizations that support causes you’re passionate about. Whether it’s environmental justice, youth mentorship, or cultural preservation, there are countless ways to make a positive impact.
Tip: Volunteering doesn’t have to take up too much time. Even small, consistent contributions make a difference, and can provide a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
9. Music and Instrument Playing
Why it’s great: Music has a profound effect on mental health, and learning an instrument or engaging in vocal practice can be both challenging and deeply satisfying. For many, it’s a way to reconnect with cultural music traditions and foster creativity. For others, it’s a way to teach others about their own culture. And for most, music is used as a method to create joy both for the person performing and for those who are hearing the music being created.
Getting started: Begin with an instrument that intrigues you. There are plenty of online resources and beginner-friendly courses for almost any instrument. There are also a lot of really great Apps that can help people increase their musical capabilities, including singing and learning an instrument.
Tip: Experiment with playing along to music from your heritage. For example, if your background is Caribbean, try learning rhythms or songs from that region as a way of connecting with your roots.
10. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Why it’s great: Meditation reduces stress, helps you gain clarity, and improves focus. It can also foster self-compassion and resilience, which are essential for coping with the stresses of daily life. When you are in a meditative state, you give your body a chance to ground and restore itself to equilibrium, which is a neutral place of calmness. You might find that when you’re grounded and at a state of equilibrium, you are more likely to able to think more logically and clearly about many decisions that you’ll need to make.
Getting started: Begin with a short, guided meditation to help you get used to the practice. YouTube offer free videos of guided meditation, including practices led by Black, Brown, and Instructors of Color. When time is limited, start with just 30-60 seconds in a place of comfort, and with your eyes closed, breathe deeply for that amount of time as you repeat an affirmation.
Tip: Consistency is key, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. You can gradually increase your meditation time as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Embracing Self-Care Hobbies
Choosing hobbies that resonate with you culturally and personally can be deeply nourishing. By weaving these activities into your routine, you’re not only investing in your mental and emotional well-being but also creating a lifestyle that supports resilience, joy, and self-discovery. Remember, the key to making these hobbies stick is to keep the process enjoyable and not force yourself into a strict regimen. Self-care through hobbies is about reconnecting with what brings you peace, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment.
Integrating self-care hobbies into your life is a journey that can bring numerous rewards. Whether it’s gardening, dancing, cooking, or connecting with others, each hobby is a step towards building a life filled with purpose, creativity, and cultural pride. Let these practices bring a sense of calm, joy, and resilience into your life.