Feeling stressed and exhausted from your day? Try a new hobby called brain stacking.
Brain stacking is a way to reduce stress by combining easy, but mentally stimulating, activities. By curating your “stack” you can replace mindless scrolling with intentional analog activities. Analog activities are hands-on screen-free hobbies that encourage both creativity and education.
Not sure where to start and need new analog hobby ideas? Here are some activities to add to your brain stack.
A planner. The biggest help to my sanity is a planner. A physical, handwritten planner. Crossing off completed tasks in a planner is more satisfying than any wax cracking video I’ve seen. Starting off your brain stack with decluttering your mind can help alleviate stress and allow you to complete your leisurely activities while worrying less.
A journal. For every satisfying brain stack, a journal is necessary. Not only are there so many aesthetic options for paper journals and colorful pens, but journaling is also a useful bridge between planning and more relaxed analog activities. Starting with a list of gratitude, a writing prompt, or reflecting on your day can help to center your mind off of your busy life. Journals aren’t limited to writing but also can be used in other creative ways. You can bedazzle the cover of your journal, turn it into a scrapbook, or use it as a sketchbook.
Brain puzzles. Sudoku, word searches, and crosswords are puzzles that can help sharpen your brain. Completing puzzles gives yourself a sense of personal achievement, proving that hobbies can be productive. Word searches can even expand your vocabulary through searches for different concepts.
Books. Ending your stack with a piece of literature is a good way to ensure enjoyment. Nonfiction books can help solidify a brain-heavy stack and continue learning. Textbooks, self-help books, and religious books are all instances of educational reading that might be interesting to you. Fictional stories can offer a relaxing break from reality. The latest fantasy book, romantic comedy, or British literature novel might be options for fiction-focused girls.
Whatever you choose in your stack, the important thing is that it is customized to you. Whether you are a gratitude, word search, and rom-com girl like me, or a reflection, sudoku, or self-help book brain-stacker, just remember to do it for yourself!