Stretched for time, most people already feel lucky to make it to the end of the day without complete exhaustion and will most likely say that there is no time left for hobbies. With an already long list of things to do, the last thing a person might think of, is to add another task to the day, but pursuing a hobby may be just the the thing we need to further enhance our lives. This post focuses on the often overlooked but nonetheless amazing power of hobbies.
The Benefits of Hobbies
A hobby is defined as a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation by Merriam-Webster dictionary. It’s not something you “have to do,” but rather something you “want to do”. Hobbies are done because you love to do it – no other reason needed.
Dabbling on a hobby, whether that be playing an instrument, cooking, gardening or cycling, can help us learn new skills and is a step towards being a happier and healthier person.
Depending on what hobby you choose to do, it will give you a lot of benefits such as the following:
1. A hobby may help avoid dementia in later life.
A hobby means learning new things and this keeps our brains sharp and may help in keeping dementia at bay in later life, one study finds.
2. A hobby can improve physical health.
Taking up a sport, such as running, gardening, or basketball, is a good way to add to our weekly exercise time. And as we know, physical activity is also key in being healthy and happy.
3. A hobby will also hone your skills you need in your regular job.
Hobbies that involve being part of a group like a sports team, choir or book club can help with improving communication, interpersonal and team work skills – skills that can make us better bosses and colleagues.
On the other hand, hobbies that involves solving problems such as completing puzzles and playing strategy games also improve our critical thinking – another plus in our careers.
4. A hobby is a good way to strengthen relationships.
Sharing a hobby with someone is a good way to strengthen our bond with them. Doing art with our kids or any other fun stuff with family and friends, is an excellent way to spend quality time with them.
5. A hobby is quality time dedicated to YOU.
My hobbies also serves as my ME time. I find that my hobbies keep me calm and lowers my stress. In addition, they give me something to look forward to everyday.
Go Ahead & Start
My hobbies include writing, gardening, reading and playing with makeup. Some of them I do daily, while others I do weekly. And if someone asks me why I do them, the only answer is that I love them and they make me happy.
There are a lot of hobbies to choose from. But you can start with just ONE. Feel free to check this infographic for ideas.
If you come to think of it, hobbies are sources of variety in our lives. And as we know, variety is key to making us feel excited, non-bored, and overall happier.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
– An old famous saying we need to be reminded of
Having hobbies we enjoy is also good reminder that work isn’t everything. It keeps us balanced, engaged, excited, and makes us all more well rounded individuals.
If you found this post helpful or think it may help another, please share!!!
Krisabele R. Bautista
Hi! I’m Krisabele and welcome to my blog! I created Paper Trails to Happy to make the web, and the world, a little more positive one article at a time.
