Burnout is a very real thing. The primary cause of burnout is stress. Marketing can be an extremely stressful job and it is necessary for marketers to find outlets to relieve that stress.  Here are just a few hobbies that can help you to reduce stress, unwind and avoid burnout.

Painting

“Painting and other artistic pursuits offer an emotional release or outlet for people that struggle with stress or are having a stressful moment in their lives. Focusing on painting allows a person’s mind to relax and let go of all the problems and demands that may have led to stress.  When people create something beautiful through painting, they stimulate the creative mind while also relieving mental strain.”

Speaking from personal experience, painting is a great way to relieve stress and provides a creative outlet that doesn’t include any requirements or deadlines. You have complete control over what you put on the canvas and as Bob Ross used to say, “there are no mistakes, only happy accidents.”  Painting with acrylics is relatively inexpensive to get started and doesn’t require any of the chemicals needed for oil painting. 

Yoga

“Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well-being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.”

Yoga is a great way to clear your mind and unwind from a hectic day. Not only does it have a positive effect on stress, it also provides many physical benefits such as increased strength and flexibility. If your day is anything like mine, you spend a great deal of time at a desk in front of a computer. Flexibility is extremely important, especially as we get older, and Yoga is a great way to improve and maintain.

Gardening

“Gardening is positively correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms, according to a 2017 meta-analysis in Preventive Medicine Reports that looked at 22 different case studies.  In fact, some hospitals even use planting and flower arranging as a type of rehabilitation for people recovering from injuries, strokes, surgeries, and other conditions.”

There are an endless number of benefits to maintaining a garden. You will burn calories, learn patience and even help to improve your diet. Starting and maintaining a vegetable garden takes a great deal of physical effort and patience is needed as you wait for your plants to grow. Once you harvest, you’ll have a plethora of healthy food to include in your diet.

Photography

“Photography cultivates thought, inspiration, awareness, and focus. Your photography reflects your own experience – creating new perspectives and connections with people. Art can flip perspective upside -down.  By honing in on your own experiences, you can cultivate a mindfulness in your practice that flows into the heights of creativity and eases some of the burdens of mental lows.”

Taking your camera to the outdoors to the beach and through hiking trails is a great way to get more exercise. The quest for the perfect shot can take you to new and beautiful places. Even after the work has been done, you’ll be able to look through old photo books and relive those good memories. Photography used to be a very expensive hobby, and still can be, but it can also be as easy as taking out your cell phone.

Musical Instrument

“Playing music can help with stress, insomnia, and depression because it acts as an outlet for difficult emotions. It can be a form of self-soothing in tough situations, and a healthy distraction from a stressful day.”

Playing a musical instrument is a great creative outlet that can also teach you to be more disciplined. Learning an instrument takes time and focus. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll be able to create melodies and rhythms of your choice. Focusing your energy into a new or favorite song is a very healthy way to relieve yourself of any anger or tension built up throughout your day.