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CNET
04-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
8 Hobbies That Can Boost Your Mental Wellness This Summer
Trying new hobbies or revisiting activities you once loved is an excellent way to boost your mental wellness, and the summer is the perfect time to expand your horizons and give a new hobby a chance. Whether you're looking for an activity to do as a family while the kids are on summer break, or something to give yourself a bit of "me time," we've found plenty of hobbies worth exploring this season. Hobbies aren't a replacement for professional help, but they do offer mental health benefits such as improved mood, a sense of accomplishment and a redirection for negative thoughts. For inspiration, we outlined some great hobbies you can start now to improve your happiness. Why are hobbies good for mental health? Hobbies make you feel good. They help you relax and unwind from your day, with the added benefit of lowering your stress levels and blood pressure. Hobbies can help ease existing depression symptoms and decrease your risk of developing depression by up to 30%. Ways that hobbies improve your mental health: Improve neuroplasticity: According to StatPearls, neuroplasticity describes our brain's ability to adapt its activity and structure by forming and using new synaptic connections. You can think of your brain as a big map -- there are many ways to get to your destination, and sometimes you have to change which way you're going. Hobbies and habits require you to form new neural pathways, which provide new reference points for the brain to recognize. According to StatPearls, neuroplasticity describes our brain's ability to adapt its activity and structure by forming and using new synaptic connections. You can think of your brain as a big map -- there are many ways to get to your destination, and sometimes you have to change which way you're going. Hobbies and habits require you to form new neural pathways, which provide new reference points for the brain to recognize. Reduce stress: Many people use hobbies to decompress from stressful days. When you do something you like, you're allowing your body to relax and cortisol levels to drop, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure while your mood increases. Many people use hobbies to decompress from stressful days. When you do something you like, you're allowing your body to relax and cortisol levels to drop, which lowers your heart rate and blood pressure while your mood increases. Help self-esteem: Everyone likes to complete things. It brings a self of accomplishment that feels great. As you master your hobby more and more, your confidence and self-esteem build. Everyone is busy. It's nearly impossible not to feel like you're bouncing from one thing to the next. But when you feel like you don't have time to dedicate to your hobbies, remember, they're good for hobbies are the best for boosting mental health? There is no one reigning champ of hobbies for mental health. We're all different, so we will choose different things to help us relax. What works for you may not yield the same results for someone else. It's about finding the right hobby that you find value in. Here are some common options people use to elevate their mental health and why it works. 1. Journaling Regularly journaling is a powerful tool that allows you to work through feelings and reflect on events you experience. It's often recommended for those with anxiety, depression and PTSD. You don't have to write a novel; research has shown that journaling for as little as fifteen minutes daily can help reduce anxiety. Read more: iOS 17.2: What You Should Know About Apple's Journal App You don't have to search to solve a problem while journaling. It's also something you can do just for fun. The benefits come either way. Common types of journaling include reflective journaling -- which involves writing about your day and what you thought about it -- and gratitude journaling. No matter what type of journaling you choose, it's a great hobby that allows you to highlight your wins and challenge negative thoughts and feelings. 2. Cooking Everyone knows that eating can be therapeutic. But so can cooking. Besides the benefits that can affect your physical health, like being in control of the ingredients, there are several reasons why cooking is one of the best hobbies for mental health. It offers a level of emotional relief that other hobbies may not. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, cooking can help you relax and boost your happiness. It's not hard to see why. With each dish, you feel more self-reliant and confident, not to mention the social connections you can make when serving it to others. And for the record, yes, baking counts too. 3. Spending time in nature Hobbies that involve going outside -- like hiking or gardening -- can be great for mental health. Studies show that being in sunlight can help boost the body's serotonin production. Serotonin is the naturally occurring neurotransmitter that plays a part in regulating our moods, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It's called the "feel-good" chemical for a reason. When our body produces the right amount of serotonin, we feel happy and calm. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with mood disorders like depression. So if you're someone who goes outside, you're helping your body combat depression without even knowing it. Being outside in nature can also reduce stress and lower your heart rate. 4. Art When I say art, I'm talking about everything creative you can think of -- painting, drawing, sculpting, embroidery and woodworking. The list goes on. No matter where your hobbies fall in the lineup, you get tangible mental health benefits from them. Art lets you express your feelings and channel your creativity. You may also use it as a way to work through things that are tough to talk about. It's a tactic used often in art therapy sessions. Art may also relieve stress and improve self-confidence. You do not need to be "good" at painting to do it. There is no bar to meet for quality. The only thing that matters is that you enjoy what you're doing. 5. Music You get a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from playing an instrument. Making something feels good, and your body responds to those positive feelings. But if you're not musically inclined, don't worry; listening to music also derives similar benefits by lowering stress and anxiety levels. It also can boost your mood. Getty Images/Westend61 6. Reading Reading is the ultimate form of escapism. You can jump into a whole new world and live a thousand different lives -- or as many books as you can read. It also happens to be a great hobby if you have anxiety. Reading can help distract you from negative or intrusive thinking you may be experiencing. It also can help lower your heart rate and help you relax. You'll get the same benefits from listening to books too. So if you can't carve out the time to read, try listening while walking your dog or cleaning your house. 7. Strategy games Strategy games and puzzles -- like chess, crosswords and sudoku -- are other hobbies that are good for your mental health. Studies have found that strategy games improve brain functioning, problem-solving skills and memory. Puzzle games also can help those with ADHD hone their concentration. Given their ability to strengthen cognition, strategy games and puzzles may also reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's in older adults. However, experts are divided on whether they are truly a preventative measure or if they help cope with the disease. More research is needed to determine strategy games' role in age-related cognitive decline. 8. Exercise Whether you work out alone or participate in team sports, exercise is one of the best hobbies to have -- both physically and mentally. When we exercise, our brains flood with endorphins that boost mood, per Johns Hopkins Medicine. Exercise is an outlet to let out frustrations and navigate emotions. By exercising, you're lowering your risk for anxiety and depression. Team sports give you the extra edge by filling up your social meter while moving your body.
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
Olivia Munn opens up about living with trichotillomania
Olivia Munn is opening up about her experience with trichotillomania, a condition often referred to as "hair-pulling disorder." During Monday's episode of the " Armchair Expert" podcast, the actress described the compulsive urge that defines the disorder. "It could be hair at the top of your head, because there's a sensation. It's probably not even real, but I'll feel like, oh, this eyelash feels like it's gonna come out," she explained. "And then when you pull it, there is a quick second of pain. And then there's a satisfaction and an immediate regret." Munn revealed that her struggle with trichotillomania began during her relationship with actor Chris Pine, whom she dated from 2009 to 2010. She said the her symptoms were first triggered by a run-in with paparazzi during their time together. She recalled leaving Pine's apartment one day when photographers, who were waiting outside due to his rising fame from "Star Trek," captured photos of her. Those images quickly made their relationship public. "When it got out, one of my friends was like, 'Hey, you're dating Chris Pine,'" she said. The sudden attention, she explained, became a turning point. "I did the horrible thing, which was to read the comments," Munn said. "This is back in the day, so you don't even know at the time that it's bad." Munn has been candid about her health journey since revealing in 2024 that she was diagnosed with Luminal B breast cancer, which was found in both breasts and led her to undergo to a double mastectomy. Later in May last year, Munn shared that she also underwent a hysterectomy to avoid a cancer treatment medication that may cause severe exhaustion, telling Vogue at the time that it was "the best decision for me because I needed to be present for my family." What to know about trichotillomania Trichotillomania, commonly known as "hair-pulling disorder," was first described in ancient Greece. The term itself, however, was coined in the late 18th century, according to StatPearls, an online medical resource published by the National Library of Medicine. The condition is characterized by the recurrent, compulsive pulling of hair from various parts of the body, which can lead to visible hair loss. Though it may resemble other medical conditions such as alopecia, the hair loss is self-inflicted. Because it can dramatically alter one's appearance, trichotillomania is often accompanied by social stigma. Managing trichotillomania often requires a team that may include a primary care provider, dermatologist, psychiatrist, and licensed clinical psychologist, StatPearls notes. Treatment typically involves therapy especially cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal training and may also include medication. The condition can lead to long-term complications. According to StatPearls, individuals who continue to pull hair into adulthood may experience permanent hair loss. In rare cases, those who ingest the hair are at risk of developing a trichobezoar, a hairball that forms in the digestive tract, potentially leading to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and unintended weight loss.
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
Miley Cyrus reveals rare medical condition behind her 'unique' voice
Miley Cyrus is opening up about a rare medical condition she says contributes to her signature voice and makes performing a serious challenge. In a recent appearance on Apple Music's " The Zane Lowe Show," the Grammy-winning singer revealed she has Reinke's edema, a condition that causes swelling in the vocal cords and affects vocal performance. "It's a part of my unique anatomy," she explained. "This is what I look like. So, I have this very large polyp on my vocal cord, which is giving me a lot of the tone and the texture that has made me who I am, but it's extremely difficult to perform with, because it's like running a marathon with ankle weights on." She added that the condition affects her even in conversation. "When I'm talking, sometimes at the end of the day, I'll call my mom, and she'll go, 'Oh, you sound like you're talking through a radio.' And that's how you know I'm really tired, because it creates that ultimate vocal fry," she said. While lifestyle habits like drinking and smoking can aggravate the condition, Cyrus clarified that she has had the condition for years. "Being 21 and staying up and drinking and smoking and partying after every show does not help, but also, in my case, it does not cause it," she said. "So my voice always sounded like this." Cyrus added that her voice is "super unique because of it" and that she's opted against surgery due to the risk of losing her distinct sound. "I'm not willing to sever it, because the chance of waking up from a surgery and not sounding like myself is a probability," she said. Reinke's edema, or polypoid corditis, is a benign vocal cord disorder that is characterized by swelling along the vocal chords, causing hoarseness and a deepening of the voice, according to StatPearls, an online library published in the National Library of Medicine. Risk factors include smoking, vocal cord overuse or chronic laryngopharyngeal reflux, a type of acid reflux. "Generally, Reinke edema is a benign, non-life-threatening condition; however, it can significantly impact the quality of life," StatPearls states. "It is a rare process, and treatment options vary widely." Treatment for Reinke's edema can include surgery, laser therapy or therapeutic injection. For Cyrus, vocal health means prioritizing sustainability even if that means staying off the road. "My whole team sitting in the other room can tell you, I put a tour together, like every other week, because I want to do it, but it would have to be in a way that is sustainable for me," she said during the interview, adding that "with what I got going on, like, I don't lip sync. I sing live. And these songs are big." Cyrus has been vocal before about balancing performance with recovery. In her 2023 TikTok series "Used to Be Young," she reflected on how intense touring takes a toll. "If you're performing at a certain level of intensity and excellence, there should be an equal amount of recovery and rest," she said at the time. She also spoke about how that constant public attention can affect her relationship with fans and with herself. "Having every day the relationship between you and other humans being subject and observer isn't healthy for me, because it erases my humanity and my connection, and without my humanity, my connection, I can't be a songwriter, which is my priority," she added.
22-05-2025
- Health
17-year-old graduates high school after beating cancer
A Georgia teen who was diagnosed with cancer during her senior year of high school is celebrating a momentous milestone this week. Aubrey Barnett, 17, graduated from Walnut Grove High School in Loganville on May 20, just five months after finishing chemotherapy and ringing the celebration bell at The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Walnut Grove Principal Lindsey Allen praised Aubrey's resilience and achievement in a statement to "Good Morning America." "Aubrey Barnett's strength, courage, and uplifting spirit have inspired our entire school community," Allen said. "Her victory over cancer while continuing to excel as a student is a powerful reminder of what determination and hope can accomplish. We are very proud of her!" Aubrey told "GMA" she first noticed a lump on her neck last summer but never thought it would turn out to be cancer. At the time, she was leading a busy life, running cross country and track, cheering for her school and working, as well as embarking on her final year in high school. On Sept. 16, 2024, Aubrey received a life-changing diagnosis and learned she had Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma that can cause rapid tumor growth in the head, neck, central nervous system and other areas of the body, according to StatPearls, an online library published in the National Library of Medicine, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders. "I didn't really believe it," Aubrey said. "I was just living a normal life. I was like, there's no way I have cancer. I'm fine. And then when they told me, I was like, 'Are y'all serious?' Like, I didn't really know what to feel." Chancey Barnett, Aubrey's mom, said it was "heart-wrenching" to hear her daughter had cancer. "It went from an unnoticeable little lump to the size of her jaw. And so, it was obviously something," Barnett said. "It was just heart-wrenching to hear when they told us what it was. But just looking at her, I knew that it was going to be fine, because she's such a fighter, and she's so strong. I knew she'd be OK." For three months, Aubrey underwent intensive chemotherapy, an aggressive treatment that included injections into the spinal cord, which caused her to have mouth sores and lose all of her hair. "She had mouth sores so bad that she couldn't open her mouth because they were around her mouth, throughout her mouth, and down her esophagus," Barnett explained. "It was hard for her to eat, it was hard for her to talk, it was hard for her to do anything." Despite the difficult treatment, Aubrey never gave up, and her fellow classmates even voted her to be their homecoming queen while she was in the hospital. Aubrey is now in remission and plans on attending Emmanuel University in the fall, where she will continue running cross country and track. She said she plans to major in exercise science to become a pediatric physical therapist. Chancey Barnett said her daughter's cancer fight has changed everything for her and her family, but it's also proof of Aubrey's unshakeable will and strength. "It was just a never-ending up-and-down battle. But she made it through all of it," the mom of three said. "When she says she's going to do something, she does it." For Aubrey, her message to anyone facing a challenge is to look for the positive whenever possible. "Whatever you're going through, you can get through it if your mindset is right," she said. "I feel like that's the biggest thing is to have a good mindset, because if you just think about all the negatives, you're never going to be able to get through it. So you just need to think about the positives and that everything happens for a reason."
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
Hailey Bieber details 'difficult' postpartum experience amid separation rumors
Hailey Bieber is getting candid about a challenging chapter in her life as a mom. In a new interview with Vogue published Tuesday, the Rhode Skin founder revealed she experienced postpartum hemorrhage after giving birth to her first child, son Jack Blues, with husband Justin Bieber in August 2024. "A little bit scary," she told the outlet. "Trust my doctor with my life. And so I had peace that I knew she would never let anything happen to me. But I was bleeding really badly, and people die, and the thought crosses your mind." Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of obstetric mortality worldwide, according to StatPearls, an online library published in the National Library of Medicine. PPH involves excessive blood loss after childbirth and, if not treated quickly, can lead to serious health risks. Timely medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes. While navigating physical and emotional recovery postpartum, Hailey Bieber said she also found herself under the weight of public speculation about her marriage. "Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I've ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult," she explained. "And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, 'They're getting divorced' and 'They're this' and 'They're not happy': It is such a mindf---. I cannot even begin to explain it. It's a crazy life to live." She also reflected on the pressure to "bounce back" following the birth of her son, noting the importance of self-compassion. "Every day I have to talk to myself, like, 'Hailey, you had a baby…You grew a human. You birthed a human. It's okay. Give yourself grace. Give yourself time,'" she said. "When people talk about 'bouncing back' -- back where, because my hips are wider, my boobs are actually bigger than they were before. They did not go back. And great, I'll take it, but it's not the same body that it was before." Elsewhere in the interview, Hailey Bieber also opened up about her birthing experience, calling it "the hardest thing I've ever done." "That sh-- was so crazy. That was not fun," she recalled. "They broke my water. I went into labor and I labored for a few hours. No epidural, nothing." Despite the difficult birth, Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber have since embraced their new roles as parents publicly, celebrating many firsts as a family of three, including Halloween, Easter and Mother's Day.
