For many people living with a chronic illness, finding a new hobby while dealing with physical limitations can be very challenging.
Why are hobbies important?
Research shows that people who regularly take part in hobbies feel less stressed and show fewer signs of depression. This is important for everyone, especially those living with a long-term illness.
No matter your passions, interests, or physical ability, there is a hobby for everyone. The most important thing is that it's fun and meaningful to you. In this blog post, we will explore some hobbies that are accessible for individuals with POTS/dysautonomia.
Hobbies for people with POTS/dysautonomia
Firstly, we will look at some hobbies you can enjoy at home:
Reading: Books can transport you anywhere while also offering an opportunity to learn and grow, all from the comfort of your bed. They are at the top of our list as they are accessible to people of all physical abilities and can be read at each reader's own pace.
I personally found Toni Bernhards "How to Be Sick" very useful during the first few years after my diagnosis.
Films: Another hobby accessible thats from bed is watching movies; this could also include documentaries. With the rise of streaming, there'll never be a shortage of entertainment for viewers of all tastes.
Using apps, such as Letterbox, users can find new and exciting films and share their recommendations with people from all over the globe. With the use of online forums, movies can be a way to connect with others without needing to leave the house.
Music: Listening to music isn't just enjoyable; there are health benefits too! Research has found that music can help your brain process information more efficiently, increase your ability to cope with stress, and help with managing pain.
Learning an instrument: Thanks to free online tutorials, picking up a new instrument has never been easier. Learning to play an instrument can be a fun and rewarding experience that can help you build new confidence, improve your memory, and relieve stress.
Don't be afraid to buy pre-owned instruments when starting a musical hobby, as there can be a high cost of entry when buying new. Reputable music stores usually offer setup services and warranties for pre-owned items, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.
Online Games: Online gaming can be a great way to connect with friends without the worry of straining yourself. Talking online can help you maintain friendships during both the good and bad health days. Singleplayer games can also offer an engaging form of entertainment as an alternative to films and TV shows.
Here's a list of games to play with friends, that will run on most laptops:
Stardew Valley: a charming farming simulation game where players cultivate their land, forge relationships, and explore a pixelated world filled with adventure and community.
Minecraft: a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore limitless worlds made of blocks, engage in crafting and mining, and survive in various gameplay modes.
Plate Up: a cooperative cooking game where players work together to prepare, cook, and serve meals to customers.
Among Us: a multiplayer social deduction game where players work as Crewmates to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to identify and vote out hidden Impostors among them.
Jackbox: a series of party games that allows players to use their smartphones as controllers to engage in a variety of fun, interactive, and often hilarious games while competing against friends and family.
Portal 2: a first-person puzzle-platform game that combines humor and innovative gameplay.
Left 4 Dead 2: a cooperative first-person shooter that pits players against hordes of zombies in various campaigns, emphasizing teamwork and strategy to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Arts and crafts: There's a wide variety of arts and crafts to try, many with a low cost of entry. Some possible options include:
Painting: Use acrylics, watercolors, or oils to create artworks on canvas or paper.
Drawing: Try sketching with pencils, charcoal, or pastels.
Collage Making: Cut and assemble images from magazines, newspapers, or personal photographs.
Origami: Fold paper into decorative shapes and figures.
Knitting or Crocheting: Create garments, accessories, or home decor with yarn.
Scrapbooking: Compile memories, photos, and memorabilia into creatively designed albums.
DIY Jewelry: Use beads, wire, and other materials to craft unique jewelry pieces.
Card Making: Design and create personalized greeting cards for various occasions.
Sewing: Make clothing, bags, or home textiles using fabric and a sewing machine or hand-sewing techniques.
Embroidery or Cross-Stitch: Stitch designs onto fabric to create art or embellishments.
Pottery or Clay Sculpting: Use air-dry clay or polymer clay to create sculptures or functional items.
Woodworking: Build small items like birdhouses, shelves, or decorative pieces.
Candle Making: Create custom candles using wax, wicks, and scents.
Soap Making: Use melt-and-pour bases or cold process methods to make handmade soap.
Mosaic Art: Use tiles, glass, or paper to create decorative patterns or images.
Nature Crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, or stones and make art or decor pieces.
Baking Art: Decorate cookies or cakes creatively using icing or fondant.
Printmaking: Experiment with stamps or homemade printing techniques for unique designs.
Next, we will share some hobbies that you can enjoy outside:
Photography: Photography can encourage people living with chronic illness to explore new places while also taking things at their own pace. Photography can also be therapeutic, promoting mindfulness by teaching you to notice the small things in your surroundings.
With smartphone cameras getting better and more affordable each year, photography is an easily accessible hobby. And for people wanting to take the next step, there's a large used market for both digital and film cameras online, offering an affordable entry into the hobby.
Bird Watching: Spending time in green spaces or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. You can do this by visiting local nature reserves, or encouraging nature to come to you by putting bird feeders in your garden.
I would highly recommend the Merlin Bird ID App by Cornell Lab. The app listens to bird calls and then identifies what's around you. You can also find lots of books online to help you identify and record your sightings.
Meditation/Mindfulness: Holistic health practices can help calm the nervous system, which is especially important for people living with dysautonomia. These practices also promote overall wellness. For example, meditation can reduce stress, help regulate heart rate, and manage pain.
Meditation can be used anywhere and is available to everyone, regardless of their health. With plenty of online resources, as well as books such as "Practical Meditation" by Giovanni Dienstmann and "Practical Mindfulness" by Ken A. Verni, there are lots of ways to get in touch with the world of mindfulness.
Gardening: Gardening can provide a form of gentle exercise taken at your own pace. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can give you a real sense of accomplishment as you watch your garden flourish.
For people who don't have the space or may struggle with the long-term commitment of working on a garden, terrariums are a great alternative. Once set up, they require little to no maintenance, allowing you to enjoy plants without the effort of regular care.
E-bike: By riding an e-bike, people living with POTS and other forms of dysautonomia can reclaim a sense of independence and access places that would typically be too far to access on foot. Traditional pedal bikes are often too strenuous for people living with chronic illnesses. However, with the use of an electric motor, riders can keep any exercise to a tolerable level. This can be particularly useful for younger people who may feel uncomfortable using physical aids such as mobility scooters.
Swimming: Finding an active hobby that won't cause unwanted symptoms can be challenging for people living with dysautonomia. One of the most accessible forms of exercise is swimming.
The conditions in the pool play a key role in its accessibility to people living with POTS. The cool water and its pressure on your body create ideal environment for people who struggle with symptoms such as low blood pressure, feeling faint, heat intolerance, or fatigue.
Final note
I hope after checking out this blog, readers will feel inspired to pick up a new hobby, or rekindle an old one from the past. It's important to remember that even though you are living with limitations, they create a unique space to find joy in the small things. You may even uncover a new passion that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
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