All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Bonus benefit:Creative pursuits (even painting a self-portrait only a mother would recognize!)
increase confidence, research from Norway finds, likely because arty hobbies are enriching.
Try it:Go toMichaels.comfor classes in knitting, cake decorating and more, orCraftBits.comandHGTV.comfor DIY projects.
Left: Haines (left) and Grau giggled nonstop during their brush with greatness.
Bonus benefit:Nearly allvolunteerssay donating their time makes them feel better, a UnitedHealthcare survey reports.
Eighty-one percent who gave back with a buddy say their bond grew, too.
Try it:To unleash your inner Dog Whisperer, go toASPCA.org.
Not a pet person?
Find more ways to help out atVolunteerMatch.org.
Left: The girls (that’s Fitz, left) spent most of their time detangling their leashes.
“Impersonating amazing players while nailing moving targetsBrittany!let us be kids again.”
Bonus benefit:Play shouldn’t be reserved for the playground.
Goofing around makes you happier, less stressed and sharper seriously grown-up business.
Using your brain this way is a head-healthy workout.
Try it:Join a league in your ‘hood atZogSports.com.
Not up for a uniform and fancy handshake?
Find a pickup game atMeetUp.com.
Left: Ping-Pong brought out the zany sides of Haines and Schreiber (left).
More Fun
SELF readers shared their top nonrestaurant activities on Facebook.
Plan your next girls’ night!