How Creative Hobbies Can Better Your Mental Health Regardless of Your Age
Written by: Julie Morris
Life comes at us fast. Between work, family
Invest in Yourself
Sometimes you need to take a step back from life and do something that you enjoy. A good hobby can become a powerful tool in helping you cope with stress and unwind. As you continue your pursuit, it can lead to learning a unique skill. It can also be a gateway into opening new social connections and increase your confidence.
This is why it is common for those suffering from depression or recovering from addiction to be recommended they take up a hobby. Often hobbies provide a sense of structure in their lives and give a sense of purpose. It is a great way for them to feel like they have control over their lives.
Sketch it Out
Drawing can be an incredibly soothing outlet. For many, it becomes a form of self-expression and a way to unload thoughts that might otherwise be too difficult to form into words. Not to mention, drawing is known to improve motor skills and creative problem solving.
If you are new to drawing, be patient, especially if what is in your head is not translating to the page. Art takes time to master properly. Try taking a class to boost your skills or turn online. There are numerous resources from step by step tutorials to videos that teach you the basic techniques. However, one of the best things about art is that there is no wrong way to do it.
Feel the Beat
Contrary to popular belief, it is never too late to pick up an instrument. In fact, adults may have the advantage over children. They are able to quickly grasp more abstract concepts and are self-motivated to learn.
Setting time aside each day to practice can feel like a large commitment, but it is one that is well worth it. The sense of accomplishment you will feel from finally mastering a song is unrivaled. Not to mention, playing music is great way to sharpen your memory and enhance cognitive thinking. Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or renewing a childhood hobby, you can still reap the same benefits music provides to the brain from just a few months of practice according to National Geographic.
Turn Inward
Poetry is a great way to loosen and unload your thoughts. It is an amazing form of expression that forces you to become more introspective, which can help heal emotional pain through reflection.
Do not be intimidated by poetry. There is no wrong way to write it. If you want to stick to highly structured poems, you can. If you prefer more freeform and less rules, you can do that too. Creative Writing Now is great resource to help you get started.
Turn Up the Heat
Some of the best hobbies are the ones we share with others. Cooking is a great way to incorporate your friends. You can cook up a delicious meal for them or invite them into the kitchen with you to cook together. This is an excellent opportunity for you to bond and grow closer.
Sharing a meal you’ve made can be immensely satisfying. Cooking your own meals is also a great way for you to eat healthier and save some money, according to the Chicago Tribune. Teaching yourself to shop and prepare your own food will reduce the amount of processed and unhealthy foods you eat.
Protect Your Time
While hobbies are amazing to share with your friends and family, keep in mind that a great hobby is one that you do solely for yourself. You do not want to feel any pressure to satisfy someone else when you sit down to do your hobby. This is why it is so important that you pick something that you’ll love.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Swoon for Shambhala Music Festival in Our Magical Moments Photo Gallery
Shambhala Music Festival returned for its 21st installment held on August 8th-10th 2018 at Salmo River Ranch, British Columbia. Take a photo tour along with Freio Music.
Photos by Lindsay Rebecca Moyer
Photo by Lindsay Moyer - One of the first sets to kick off the weekend: Frase and his dancers at the Grove Stage
Festival fashion was in high style in B.C. last weekend
The ever smooth and cool Frase rocking the Grove Stage
Art installations scattered around the Grove grounds
Food shaped intertubes ascended on the creek since the high temperature at Salmo River Ranch was 95 degrees fahrenheit
Taking dips and floating around without a care in the world was a common activity for most on Friday
Cairn building in the creek on Shambhala's hottest day.
A hoop goddess spins her skills on stage with Westerly at the Grove stage
Troupes of creative minds like this enlightened the campground crowds with impromptu parades
Meanwhile, some festival goers found balance on the slackline among the giant mushrooms
Wanderers meander through the feilds of sunflowers
Liquid Stranger throws down a banger set on the AMP stage
Dreamers dancing and wishing the sun a good night
JPOD lays down the love at the Living Room Stage
The costumes were well thought out and planned in advance with so much creativity
If you came unprepared for all the costuming, you could visit one of the friendly vendors
The crowd is enamored with Dirt Monkey's heavy hitting Village stage set
Interactive art installations like these light up musical mushrooms were dispersed throughout "Downtown"
J. Kenzo at the Grove stage
The Pagoda stage packed a weekend filled with 3D Projection Mapping on its expansive white canvas of house-like structure that festival veterans say has gotten larger and larger each year
Surreally organic forms dress the Pagoda stage during Claude VonStroke's set
Photo by Lindsay Moyer - Claude VonStroke lights up the sky during his house set at the Pagoda Stage
The nights were alive with laser light dancing and cutting through the dark nights
Saturday, August 11th, 2018
Lazy Syrup Orchestra serenades the afternoon crowd at the Grove Stage
Kolt. gives his all at the Pagoda Stage
Dancing to your own beat is common at these grounds
Bubbles ignite excitement amongst some entranced passersby
Off-stage aerials occur during Meow Mix's set at the Living Room stage
MeowMix member waves to a friend in the crowd at the Living Room stage
Multi-hoop performances accompany the tunes of Meowmix at the Living Room stage
Melanie Dekker serves up an intimate acoustic set on the AMP stage
The smartest Shambhalans brought bicycles for trekking all around the grounds at Salmo River Ranch
Matt the Alien shows off his signature silly smile during his set at the Pagoda Stage
Everyone was feeling the groove
The Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Man got grooving on the dance floor
A beautiful Elf asks for more bass
Meanwhile, the finger puppets come out to play by the wall of PK speakers
Spidey-duder even brought his big spoons to the dance floor
Speaker riders at the Pagoda Stage for Matt the Alien's set
A Shambhalady decked out in her festy best
Village stage get down
Party people show up for some dubstep
Stylust hypnotizes the crowd with his rap infused dubset beats at the Village stage
Festival goers tune in for Stylust's bass in your face set
Partygoers once again show up decked out in wild costumes
Tyler Stadius lit up the night sky at the Living Room stage
Defunk delights during his visual heavy set at the Pagoda stage
Mark Farina's set was one of this photographer's favorite sets of the weekend
The Glitch Mob slays at the Village at midnight ringing in the start of a new day
D Double E raps to the fans at the Grove Stage
The crowds for Adventure Club's Pagoda Stage set were humongous
Adventure Club threw down a banger of a set for the shoulder to shoulder headbanging crowd
Sunday, August 12th, 2018
Brilliant bubbles as big as your body bombarded the early afternoon crowds "Downtown"
The Sonic Portal sent some Shambhaliens into outerspace with it's surround sound gong experience
A Sonic Portal guru creates meditating and undulating vibrations
James, of the Glitter Projects, paints a man's head
The other James of the Glitter Projects buffs out a waiting friend
Not all festival goers went the whole four days without a bath
This totem makes for great shade as well as being easy to spot by the crew
People were Shambhalovin' the bubbles
This pirate skull definitely came back to life for the weekend's big drops
A lovely muse poses in front of the Pagoda stage
Chuurch throws down a heavy sunset set on the Pagoda stage
Some totems were also utilitarian, like this 5 foot bong
Saqi illuminates his fans during his Living Room stage appearance
Dirtwire's unique sound was soaked in by the crowds at the Living Room stage
Dirtwire members play multiple peculiar sounding instruments to create their aural vibes
An interactive sand display enamors a small crowd by the beach at night time
Each movement of the sand causes a topographical change on the map projected below, forming rivers, lakes and lava
Camo & Krooked drop their alluring bass and drum beats to the roaring crowd at the Village Stage
Some speakers riders geek out for the early morning thumps of 29 Palms
A watermelon carting wolfbear jams out to Scottie at the Village stage
Sonic Bloom Photo Recap 2018
Sonic Bloom 2018 Photo Recap
This year at Sonic Bloom the music was on fire as usual. Three main stages running until 2am and one stage running until sun-rise with music until 6am. The workshops begin at 8 am so there is really only two hours of 'off-time' per day all four days of the festival. The music and grooves transitioned seamlessly as different artists plugged in while others finished out their set. The main stage has a 'tween' stage, which if you are not familiar with the term is a small stage right next to the main stage and features short usually under 30min performances while the main stage undergoes a set change. This is the optimal way to transition on a large stage while maintaining the audience's attention and attendance.
With thee stages going simultaneously for 8 hours (with three stages that is actually 24 hours of live performances compressed in time and space within walking distance), which provides an opportunity for more musicians to be heard and benefit from the cross-pollination of musical audiences. The river ran dry but the music and shaded hammocks at the hummingbird stage provided a welcome mid day napping location. There is no shortage of amazing talent and the careful curation of musical acts that preform ensure a high threshold and a healthy diversity while still being true to the festivals electronic roots.
Photos will never capture sound so seek out good listen to new music. Click here to listen to live tracks from Sonic Bloom 2018.
Some more music the official Sonic Bloom Playlist on Spotify:
Suwannee Hulaween Festival Lineup
Suwanee Hulaween Festival in Live Oak, Florida
Florida Throws Down!
Hulaween has one of the best lineups of the summer featuring an array of talent.
The festival in Live Oak, Florida will be featuring a ridiculous lineup featuring 3 nights of The String Cheese Incident, Odesza, Jamiroquai, Janelle Monae, Tipper, STS9, Stephen Marley, Vulfpeck, and Gramatik just to name a few. The festival has such depth of talent that you will almost certainly discover a new act that blows you away.
Jamiroquai, a 90's jazz-funk band returns to the US this year for the first time in 13 years. Enjoy the music video below of "Virtual Insanity".
Hulaween will surely bring out the finest costumes and characters over the Halloween weekend. Slightly smaller acts that you may not have heard of and should absolutely not miss include: Turkuaz, a eccentrically colorful, funk powerhouse band full of horns and singers; Jade Cicada, an infectious, bass heavy-hitter that always leaves you wanting more; Sunsquabi a Boulder-local funky jamtronica band who is growing exponentially in front of our eyes; and Fisher from Claude VonStroke's Dirtybird label who will be bringing the dance party with the house vibes!
See you there!
FMP 006 – Nick Pauly
The Freio Music Podcast
Episode 06 - Nick Pauly
Other Podcast Episodes
Groove Cruise 2018
~Press Release
GROOVE CRUISE CABO ANNOUNCES PHASE II LINEUP FOR 30TH SAIL FEAT. DUKE DUMONT, MK, GREEN VELVET, THE DESERT HEARTS CREW, TWO FRIENDS + MORE!
July 10, 2018 — Hop aboard the original floating dance music festival as Groove Cruise Cabo announces Phase II of their 2018 lineup today. Boarding Norwegian Pearl this October 10-14, 2018 is an array of electronic music legends and up-and-coming acts, primed to deliver the best in house, trance and techno for four incredible days on the high seas. Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, discover, and follow your inner compass to the experience of a lifetime — cruise packages available here.
As Groove Cruise prepares to take its monumental 30th sail, the soundtrack for this year’s cruise will be provided by an amazing roster of 2018 headliners that now include Detroit house music phenom Marc Kinchen (MK), UK house producer and Blasé Boys Club owner Duke Dumont, Chicago house and techno legend Green Velvet, Mikey Lion, Marbs, Porky, and Rybo of the beloved Desert Hearts, Chus & Ceballos plus L.A.-based progressive house duo Two Friends.
These newly added artists will be performing along with previously announced Phase I headliners legendary Italian DJ/producer Benny Benassi, famed Dutch-Filipino DJ and martial artist Laidback Luke, German trance duo Cosmic Gate, Dirtybird Records signee Shiba San and Marques Wyatt, the Los Angeles-based house DJ named “Best DJ” by LA Weekly.
Supporting artists on the lineup include Adam Scott, Anthony Attalla, Baggi, Cocodrills, Felix Cartal, Huxley, Liquid Todd, Omnom, Sage Armstrong, Secondcity, Tim Baresko, Adam Auburn, Adin, Ahlex Diego, Alex Madden, Astley, Bryan Lubliner, Damaged Goods, Dancetronauts, David Delano, Dean Mason, Drums of the Sun, Dsk Chk, Electric Polar Bears, Eva Kane, Goshfather, Grube & Hovsepian, Jeremiah Red, Joe Ghost, John Beaver, Keith Christopher, Kristina Sky, Luccio, Mark Villa, Paul Ahi, Pyrodox, Rizzo Vassalo, Scooter & Lavelle, Scotty Boy, Shmitty, and Tastebreakers.
Departing from San Diego with a final destination of Mexico’s famous port of Cabo San Lucas serves as the premier stop for GCFAM, with a private party at Blue Marlin Ibiza Los Cabos at ME Cabo, one of Mexico’s leading resorts, as a marquee event during the voyage. This beautiful venue offers dramatic views just steps away from the pristine sands of Playa El Médano. Stay for the party or walk to the marina, shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. Transportation and entry to the ME resort is included in the cruise fare but food, beverage and cabanas will be available for purchase.
As on past Groove Cruises, the festival will also feature a stellar series of hosted stages, ensuring that there is more than enough music to keep cruisers dancing ‘til sunrise. On-board, Green Velvet will be hosting a Relief Records stage alongside Chus & Ceballos who will host a Stereo Productions stage, while in Cabo, Duke Dumontalong with some special guests will be hosting one of his beloved Blasé Beach Club events. In addition, captains can look forward to stage takeovers by Basement Leak, Blue Marlin Ibiza Los Cabos, Coldharbour, Deep House Brunch DTLA, Deep LA, Descend, Drai’s Beachclub, Incorrect, Mixmash Records, Officially Addicted, Random Nights, Stereo Productions and We’re Never Going Home.
Last but not least, Groove Cruise Trance Fam will be the first to experience EMBARK: Trance, an oceanic voyage into the heart of Groove Cruise. Featuring John 00 Fleming, Alex Di Stefano, Paul Thomas, Factor B and Monoverse, EMBARK will take captains on an emotive, beautiful journey through sound. More info TBA soon!
Groove Cruise is a logistical marvel, combining the non-stop music and loving community of an electronic music festival with the convenience and amenities of a cruise ship. Taking place on the 2,700-passenger Norwegian Pearl, captains can indulge in its imaginative decor and steampunk-themed nightclub. As if the 96 hours of non-stop music across 9 stages wasn’t enough to entertain attendees, the 12 bars and lounges, 13 restaurants, picturesque pool deck, bowling alley and arcade also provide an endless array of activities to keep cruisers occupied all hours of the day and night. More info surrounding on-board activities and artists activations - Coming soon!
For tickets & more info: Groove Cruise Cabo
STAY CONNECTED
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About Groove Cruise
What started in 2004 as a group of 125 thrill-seeking house-heads (led by founder Jason Beukema) sailing on a cruise together has erupted into the world’s first and largest floating dance music festival. Groove Cruise is the only music cruise to sail from both East and West coasts, and is a non-stop experience comprised of four straight days of beach, pool and theme parties, great food, EDM and luxurious destination parties. In addition to the standard cruise amenities, there are also artist activities, yoga classes (often paired with deep house), costume parties, and various onboard events that rival the best dance music festivals in the world. Groove Cruise is produced by Whet Travel.
About Whet Travel
Over 12,000 people each year choose Whet Travel for their music cruise adventure. Whet Travel has executed 24 full ship charters including Groove Cruise Miami January 10-14, 2019 (15 year anniversary), Cabo and LA as well as Salsa Cruise (20 year anniversary Oct 29-Nov 2 overnight in Havana Cuba). Whet Travel received the prestigious Charter Partner of the year award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines and Inc Magazine ranked Whet Travel as the #4 fastest growing travel company in the USA..
Press
“Combining the luxury and travel of a cruise ship with the pulsating, all-night party of an electronic music festival, it is no wonder that this event sold out so quickly.” -- Huffington Post
“The Groove Cruise is The #1 Place in The World to Get Your Groove.” -- Travel Channel
”Only after attending can one understand the logistical marvel that is Groove Cruise.” -- LA Weekly
“No VIP area or backstage or green room, and it was obvious how it made people feel: free.” -- YourEDM
“Just like most movie sequels and TV reboots, Groove Cruise Miami is floating proof in a monsoon market of spinoff rave boats that nothing ever quite lives up to the original.” -- Billboard
FMP 005 – Sunsquabi’s Kevin Donohue
The Freio Music Podcast
Episode 05 - Kevin Donohue of Sunsquabi
Other Podcast Episodes
Enchanted Forest Gathering Photo Recap
Wow! What a trip... It started out fortuitously but not without some typical last minute "oh, shits", a rushed amazon delivery and the realization of a 20 hour drive to attend. With a co-pilot, a Prius, plenty of snacks and a 4am departure, we made good time all the way Nevada on day one. The second day completed the travel to the fest where we showed up just as the first act was coming on stage. We rushed to get our tent set up and then strolled onto the dance floor.
The festival had three main stages, each decorated with care and finesse. The Knoll stage seemed to be dedicated to a lively variety of genres, and featured some of my favorite sets of the whole fest including 'Diggin Dirt' 'Dirtwire' (no there was not a dirt theme), and Ozomatli. The main stage, aka the Groove Stage, was settled into the forest in a nice natural clearing. The stage was framed with beautifully cut wood circles and shapes that rounded the LED walls into an aesthetic art piece. The Saucy Spa, the late night stage, pumped the music through a quadraphonic sound-system into the sunrise hours. Check out our photos to see the stages in action.
Every stage had great sound quality but two of the three stages had 'Funktion-One' speakers. If you have never heard of Function One's or have heard of it but never experienced music played through a Function One sound system, it rocks, rumbles, and rips through the air with surprising clarity and vibrance. This is the current state of the art speaker system. Enchanted Forest even took the sound quality even further. At the Saucy Spa, the late night stage, four stacks of Funktion-One speakers positioned at every corner of the dance area, all angled to the center of the dance floor. Why is this special or notable? Damn, I am glad you asked! A quadraphonic speaker setup enables artists to shape sounds in a 3D environment and can 'pan' audio to all four speakers (front left, front right, back right, back left).
Below was a brotherly collaboration in an attempt to translate the musical event through photos.
Enchanted Forest Gathering
OK so the weekend is fast approaching and you still don’t know what you’re going to do. Here is an 💡:
What about having a blast in California? An enchanted forest with some of the best electronic music acts in the nation. Of course, no festival can lay claim to owing music but it can be said that this festival has some great taste in artists. From Ozomatli to Beats Antique, this festival embraces a diversity of genres and styles while still cultivating each in their own form. The early morning yoga and health classes are a bonus and a welcome refresh after a long night of dancing. This festival has it all. Just a few hours north of San Francisco this event is set in, you guessed it, an Enchanted Forest with natural beauty all around.
Look no further than Northern California. You can still grab your tickets before its too late here: http://bit.ly/2JvK2N6
Info & Links
Enchanted Forest will take place at the beautiful Black Oak Ranch in Laytonville, California from June 8-10. Featuring performances from Beats Antique, Keys n Krates, Graves, Ozomatli, Dumpstaphunk and Del the Funky Homosapien w/ Amp Live, Lyrics Born, Truth, Mark Farina, Antennae, Sticky Buds, Phutureprimitive and over 100 nationally renowned acts in only three days! Get excited. Get your tickets. Get your groove on. See you there!
Links:
Important Enchanted Forest Gathering Links
Buy Tickets link: http://enchantedforestmendo.com/get-tickets/
Website: http://www.enchantedforestmendo.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedForestGathering/
2018 Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/398780250544889/
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