Collecting physical items is a popular pastime all across the world. Collectors spend their time hunting down all kinds of objects, ranging from coins and stamps to Funko Pop figures and bottles of wine. In the United States alone, there is a massive number of people who love collecting, and among them, millennials and zoomers are showing a particular interest in this hobby.

Collecting is a basic human instinct, and ancestors who could collect scarce objects lived longer – in fact, even in today’s world, accumulating assets is linked to longer life expectancy. So, if you enjoy collecting things, you may actually reap incredible benefits – and there are many. This activity can be therapeutic in lots of ways, and it serves as a powerful tool in combating stress – which is the biggest enemy of wellbeing in modern society.

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Types of objects people collect

Collecting has no limits – it’s an activity that comes in all sizes, colors, and shapes. However, some collections are more common than others:

• Video game collections;

• Paper money or coins;

• Rock, crystal, or gemstone collections;

• Shoe or handbag collections;

• Stamp collections;

• Basket and organizing item collections;

• Doll or toy collections, such as Funko Pops;

• Movie or movie poster collections.

There are plenty of items that could be added to the list, but it would take forever to name all of them! You get the idea – people treasure different kinds of items, and there are actually some strange collections out there. Collections, in general, are subjective, and everyone has their own reasons why they want to invest in particular objects. Whether a collection has monetary value or only emotional value, one thing is certain: people take their collections seriously.

How collecting helps relieve stress

The interesting thing about collecting is that it can be more than just a hobby. Engaging in such an activity can become therapeutic, as it offers a purposeful outlet for your attention and energy. The act of looking for items, acquiring them, and organizing them within a collection can provide a sense of accomplishment and create a flow state where you become fully immersed in what you’re doing. This leads to a sense of relief from stress and promotes relaxation. In fact, there are scientific studies that back up the benefits of collecting for stress. For instance, a survey conducted by a professor of psychology found that those who collect items experienced lower stress and anxiety levels than non-collectors. Another study published in the Journal of Consumer Research showed that collecting can decrease stress linked to decision-making, as individuals who collected items reported reduced cognitive load.

Collecting things also promotes mindfulness. This is because when you engage in a collection, you become absorbed in the intricacies and nuances of the objects acquired, and this focus can shift your attention away from worries and stressors, giving your mind a much-needed break and allowing it to enter a state of calm. As an avid collector, cultivating a collection can be deeply satisfying, and this simple act brings you a lot of pleasure and peace. In fact, collecting may even provide support for individuals struggling with symptoms of depression, giving them a sense of purpose, which they generally have a hard time finding.

The power of collecting in fostering a sense of belonging

Experiencing a sense of belonging is essential for your mental wellness. Being part of a community allows you to feel more connected to other people, as well as feel that you’re part of something bigger than yourself. This can be beneficial if you experience loneliness or struggle with your mental health in any way.

Collecting creates an opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who share your interest and passion, offering a safe space where you can meet with fellow collectors, celebrate milestones within your collections, and talk about your experiences. As research shows, those who feel connected to a community tend to experience fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, translating into improved mental health and an increased overall sense of happiness.

When collecting becomes problematic

Being a collector is a wonderful outlet with many benefits for your mental health, promoting connection with yourself and with others. However, it can also become problematic and turn into hoarding in some cases. But where do you cross the line between healthy collecting and problematic collecting? Well, it’s quite straightforward – if your collection doesn’t impact your life or the lives of those living with you, then it is safe to continue pursuing it. But if it prevents you or others from using certain rooms in your home, it may mean that something is not right. A collector is passionate about gathering a set of items, but this is only a side interest and not something that takes over your entire life. When it’s a healthy hobby, you will carefully organize and display your collection, but if you’re collecting items just for the sake of it, that’s far from having a focus on specific items. Instead, you will gather all sorts of random things, and there will not be any structure or order. In other words, the collection will lead to clutter rather than being well displayed.

To make sure that your collection doesn’t become clutter in disguise, you need to ask yourself whether you are gathering things to display them, if you have a number at which you plan to stop collecting, and most importantly, whether the items you are collecting are something that you truly love and feel passionate about. By answering these questions, you will know your motivations for collecting the objects.

The bottom line

Collecting things is not just a hobby; it can provide myriad benefits for your mental well-being, and one of them is stress reduction. In a world where you are constantly caught up in all your responsibilities and are rushing from one thing to the next, it can feel really challenging to find calm and relaxation in your life. However, collecting can be an excellent means to practice mindfulness and establish a sense of order that can counterbalance the uncertainties and chaos that are often a part of everyday life.