With a lot of people working from home or in some kind of work hybrid situation, it seems that stress is following us everywhere. It also seems that since we are technically “living” in our offices now, we must be on, be ready, and be productive around the clock. In reality, that is a very unhealthy frame of mind. In order to live a balanced life, there must be equal downtime with productive time. Finding a hobby you enjoy, or a task you enjoy during your downtime will compel you to take those moments to switch off and relax. Here are a few hobbies you can pick up to make downtime enjoyable. 

Play Games On Your Computer

Your computer can represent more than work. If the device is going to sit on your table or in your room and you are going to work on it all day, give it a purpose that is more than just work. If all you do is see your computer as a working tool, you may be more compelled to do work while you are near it. 

Use your computer for playing games so that you can also see it as a tool for enjoyment. Playing games like the Pokémon Unite PC version, will turn your computer into a device that also provides you with entertainment as much as it provides you with a paycheck. Playing a game will make you realize that when you are on your off hours, you are off. 

Puzzles

Puzzles keep the mind sharp. If you are working from home, your brain is on overload the whole day, and you feel as if you can’t slow it down. Puzzles are great for keeping your mind busy without having to do work. An enticing puzzle will slow you down, get you away from working, but still keep your brain stimulated.

Playing games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, online chess, or word scramble games are all entertaining and fun. You will find yourself using your brain and unwinding at the same time. When you are done playing, you may actually be ready for bed and getting a good night’s rest. 

Knitting

Knitting has always been seen as a hobby for the female members of society, but in recent years, studies have found that ex-military members and people with high levels of stress knit in order to calm themselves and deal with anxiety disorders. Whether you are male or female, taking up the hobby of knitting will calm you down, focus your brain, and allow you to be creative. 

All of these things are great for your mental health, and it will get you away from a screen and will help you rest your eyes. 

Meditating

When you meditate, all you need is twelve minutes. Meditation will allow you to sit, have thoughts run through your mind, and eventually, your mind will feel settled. This is best to do after a long day so you can switch from work mode to relaxation mode