Playing music is really important to me. Even something as simple as completing a scale brightens my day a little bit. Reading, though it my favorite activity. There's so much peace to be had by becoming immersed in the written word. So much freedom to take what is there an empower it with your imagination.
I got into nature photography a few years ago, and it's been a really fun hobby. It gets me out of the house, and I've discovered a lot of local wild life that I didn't know about. I post some pictures here.
Mostly distraction. I listen to a lot of music, watch cartoons (I'd recommend The Owl House, if you haven't seen it), and (for an unknown reason) I can hyperfocus. I'm also growing PadrΓ³n chillies and chestnut mushrooms.
I can't control the actual hyperfocusing, but I can control the cause; so yeah, when I'm listening to music, watching cartoons, programming, or doing exams.
Good choice! Usually just laps at the pool for me, since I'm in a pretty dense / built up area. Ideally can get over there 4-5 times a week.. pairs really nicely with strength training too (if there's time for that in the same day)