Hobbies that make you healthy!

More of us are carving out time for leisure activities. Now, research shows popular hobbies have extra health-boosting perks!

Dial down pain by visiting nature

Women 65 and older account for the fastest-growing group of people enjoying more nature outings. And while nature’s unrivaled beauty may be what lures you outside, Australian scientists say you get another bonus: Being around trees, grass and greenery curbs chronic pain, such as arthritis and backaches. They suspect it’s due to pain-quashing compounds (phytoncides) plants release into the air that we then breathe in. Plus, the sights and sounds of nature calm us, resulting in less pain.

OR JOIN A MOVIE CLUB! Whether you enjoy chatting about the latest flicks or sharing baking recipes, spending time with like-minded folks tames pain. U.K. scientists found that folks who had larger social networks had lower pain sensitivity. Bonding with others spurs the production of pain-masking endorphins.

Fend off fatigue with houseplants 

The popularity of indoor and outdoor gardening has recently exploded. And our gardens are getting bigger and bigger! In a recent survey, up to 46% of women over 50 say they intend to plant the same amount or even more this year than they did last year. If you’re among them, consider placing more live plants (such as golden pothos and fiddle leaf figs) in the areas of your home where you spend the most time. Doing so keeps your energy up throughout the day, reveals a new study in Indoor Air. Plants reduce the buildup of drowsinesstriggering carbon dioxide that we exhale by absorbing it through their leaves.