Who says having fun can’t be healthy? While playing sports and cooking have obvious health benefits, some of your favorite less-active leisure activities can be good for your mind and body, too. From stress relief to improved brain function, these eight hobbies offer numerous and noteworthy benefits that you’ll reap in the years to come.

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Acting

Many see the external benefits of performance and theater arts but the advantages to the actor are significant and important too. Drama therapy, which dates back to the Ancient Greeks, can help improve attention and memory, interpersonal relationships, and problem solving, in addition to providing a cathartic and emotional release.