Step to it

BAKING

In a 2016 study, New Zealand researchers followed 658 students for 13 days and found that those who participated in creative everyday activities

like baking felt more enthusiastic, a feeling that lingered the next day. Also, they got to eat baked goods.

KNITTING

In the same New Zealand

study, researchers found that knitting also increased people’s sense of “flourishing,” a state academics describe as optimal functioning, where you feel a great sense of meaning, engagement

and purpose in life. The National Ballet

of Canada offers intro barre and ballet classes in Toronto — no experience

necessary.

By keeping you engaged, hobbies can lower your stress. Here are four to try

IMPROV THEATRE

Many people with social anxiety claim that improv theatre and comedy help relieve them of their selfconsciousness. Torontobased psychologist Nasreen Khatri says it can “improve social connectedness and help us regain a

sense of control.”

DANCING

Boppin’ to the beat is good for the brain. A study published this year in

looked at 174 older adults and found six months of dancing improved

the brain’s white matter, which is vital for processing

functions and memory.