In today’s fast-paced world with endless information at your fingertips, stress and anxiety can easily take over. If you’re ready to pull out your hair and scream into the void, you’re not alone. (This is especially true in the year 2025 – Remember how January felt like it was six years long?) And while a bad mental health chapter can start out with stressful feelings like agitation and annoyance, poor mental health in the long term can devolve into more serious issues like anxiety and depression. Finding things that lead to mental health benefits is important.
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and a good time to look at ways to improve your stress levels. If you’re struggling, we should mention that the best thing to do is seek professional help. Talking to a doctor or mental health professional is the best way to address serious concerns. While learning a new skill can be beneficial, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for proper medical care. That being said, research has proven that engaging in creative, mindful, and hands-on activities can lead to tangible mental health benefits.
If you’re looking for some mental health benefits to help you ride the waves of everyday life, consider learning something new! Adding new hobbies or skills into your routines can be beneficial. This guide gives you a few ideas backed up by research that shows they can improve your overall well-being.
1.) Blacksmithing: Transforming Metal and Your Mind
Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to work with your hands. Blacksmithing is a unique skill that requires focus, patience, and a touch of creativity. The rhythmic hammering, the glow of the forge, and the transformation of raw metal into something beautiful can be incredibly meditative. At Craftsman Ave in Brooklyn, you can step into the world of blacksmithing in a welcoming and beginner-friendly environment. Their workshops let you create badass items like a survival knife or even your very own hunting knife! Not only will you walk away with a handcrafted piece, but you’ll also experience the deep satisfaction that comes from mastering a new craft.
2.) Breathwork: The Power of Conscious Breathing
Controlled breathing exercises activate the body’s relaxation response and can be practiced anywhere. These different breathing techniques can help regulate emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall mental clarity. The next time you’re feeling a bit wound up, look up a meditation or exercise in:
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Box breathing
- 4-7-8 breathing
- Pranayama
If you’re not sure where to begin or how to do this, there are a number of meditation and breathwork apps out there, like Insight Timer or Calm. Most have a free version, too, so there’s no need to break the bank to get that mental clarity you’ve been looking for.
3.) Mindful Walking: Turning Every Step Into Meditation
This is an especially great idea for people who have tried traditional meditation and struggled sticking with it. If you have an active mind and think sitting still for five minutes might be torture, consider a walking meditation instead.
Walking with awareness—paying attention to your breath, surroundings, and the sensation of movement—can transform a simple stroll into a grounding and meditative practice. Put away your headphones and your thoughts about work and other stresses and take in the sights, smells, and sounds around you. Mindful walking is a great way to clear your mind while staying active.
In New York, there’s no shortage of beautiful parks to explore mindful walking, from Central Park to Prospect Park to Sunset Park.
4.) Woodworking: Finding Focus in the Grain
Woodworking is another hands-on skill that encourages mindfulness and patience. The act of shaping, sanding, and assembling wood requires concentration, which can help quiet the mind and provide a break from daily stressors. Whether you’re building a small decorative piece or a functional item, woodworking allows for creativity and problem-solving, both of which are excellent for mental well-being.
At Craftsman Ave, we offer woodworking workshops where you can create your own:
- Side table
- Longboard
- Pinewood derby car
- Whiskey barrel
5.) Journaling: Express and Reflect
While many hands-on crafts improve mental health through creation, journaling is a skill that helps through self-expression. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences allows you to process emotions and gain clarity. It’s a fantastic way to manage stress, track personal growth, and set intentions for a more balanced life.
If you’re not the type to keep a journal and you feel a little wary about starting a habit like this, consider putting some structure around your journaling by:
- Keeping a nature journal
- Writing daily gratitude
- Finding writing prompts online
- Sketching, painting, or utilizing another visual art in your journaling practice
6.) Yoga: Connecting Mind and Body
This is an idea that comes up often because the mental health benefits are immeasurable! Yoga combines movement, breath, and mindfulness to create a holistic practice for mental and physical well-being. Regular practice helps improve flexibility, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection between mind and body. If you’ve never done yoga before, consider signing up for a beginner-friendly class to help you get started.
7.) Connection: Finding Strength with Others
Sometimes, putting our phones away and connecting with the people around us is a skill easier said than done. In a constantly distracted world, coming together with others is a great way to reset your brain and find new connections. Not sure how to meet other people? Consider the hobbies you currently have and see if there are any meetup groups around those hobbies. This is a great way to meet likeminded folks! Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Join a birdwatching club
- Join a casual, co-ed sports league like soccer, kickball, or softball
- Volunteer at an organization with a cause close to your heart
- Find a book club happening in your neighborhood or borough
- Take a group class in something new to you, like stained glass or upcycling
How Does Having a Hobby Help with Stress?
Learning new hobbies and skills is a great way to practice being fully present. When you’re working with power tools or reading a book, it’s a lot harder for your brain to spiral with thoughts of the past or the future. No matter what hobby or skill you decide on, we hope you’ll enjoy the benefits of lowering your heart rate and feeling at ease in your own skin. That’s what it’s all about!
Beginner-Friendly Workshops at Craftsman Ave
Click on the text below to learn more about the various workshops we offer at Craftsman Ave in Brooklyn!