Hobbies
Healthy Hobbies: Healthy hobbies improve mental health & well-being. When engaged in hobbies, individuals tend to live & think in the present moment. Depending on the activity, healthy hobbies can declutter our minds, release stress, increase physical movement & deeper learning, boost careers, widen social networks and improve moods, confidence & self-esteem. What does your hobby do for you?
Evidence Based Hobbies: Hobby engagement releases brain chemicals (e.g., dopamine) which help us to feel pleasure and motivates us to do the hobby, again. Per research studies, positive effects of hobbies are associated with: 1) Short & Long-Term Cognitive Thinking; 2) Emotional Well-being; 3) Improved Learning, Focus & Concentration; 4) Social Connections; 5) Physical Benefits; 6) Personal Growth & Self-Discovery; 7) Self-Awareness & Sense of Purpose. We are all individuals and reaping these effects will vary, but no matter what, you will gain something positive from a hobby that you enjoy.
Hobbyless: You don’t need an official hobby to reap its rewards. Any activity that contributes to your values, happiness & goals is time well spent. Like hobbies, routines that include enjoyment & relaxation also contribute to mental health & well-being. Pleasure reading, listening to music during a commute, walking in nature, taking a photo-a-day, unstructured gardening, meditation, regular socialization and museum visits are just a few ways you reap some of the benefits that hobbies provide. Incorporate joy into your everyday and don’t worry, if you don’t have an official hobby.
What ‘The’ Hobby: Looking for a hobby? Here are some categories & examples: 1) Outdoor/Adventure (hiking, cycling); 2) Creative/Artistic (drawing, writing); 3) Collecting (coins, memorabilia); 4) Gaming (videos, board); 5) DIY/Crafts (woodworking, knitting); 6) Sports/Fitness (running, yoga); 7) Technology/Coding (programming, electronics); 8) Music/Performing (instruments, singing, dance); 9) Reading/Literature (book clubs, study); 10) Science/Nature (stargazing, birdwatching); 11) Social (clubs, community); 12) Educational (classes, continuing ed); 13 Home Improvements. The list goes on & on. Embrace one and enjoy the excitement of being a newbie.
Hobby Block: Can’t find the right hobby? Start by defining your current interests (what brings you joy). Then, ask yourself, why you want a hobby (creative outlet, relaxation, social). Schedule time to explore something new (workshops, classes, events, clubs). Consider your personality type (introvert-solo/extrovert-group). Assess financial & time constraints. Search online resources (videos, read, forums). Participate in local hobbyist events (crafts, model trains). Evaluate physical health (goals & medical advised limitations). Ask others for suggestions. Don’t be afraid to try, dabble or combine multiple hobbies. With patience & permission to explore, you will find a hobby that adds enjoyment and fulfillment to your life.
Hobby Worries: Don’t feel like you need to have a hobby. If you don’t want to have a hobby, that’s fine. Just make sure that you find something that adds enjoyment or fulfillment to your life. Sometimes being overworked, relationship problems and temporary ruts can throw us off our game and interrupt our ability to find enjoyment or fulfillment. If you find that you have long-term loss of interest in activities and people, this may be a symptom that needs to be addressed by a healthcare professional. Your happiness is a good barometer of your overall health. Seek out help so you can get back to doing fun activities, because doing them is good for your health.