Hobbies are actually a really great thing to implement into your daily life. There are actually studies that show hobbies can improve your mental wellbeing. There are so many different hobbies out there and such a wide range. I know that workout out has been somewhat of a hobby for me, as well as adventure seeking and hiking.
Benefits of Hobbies
Positive Stress – Hobbies involve doing something that requires thought, concentration and sometimes exertion. However, it also comes with little or no pressure, deadlines, or expectations from others. This is exactly why it’s considered it is considered a positive stress. It’s the kind of stress that is good for your health and wellbeing.
Self-Awareness – Figuring out what hobbies that you most enjoy, or need is a great way to learn more about yourself. The way you handle the positive stress can also be a great learning tool.
Weight-loss – For me, my hobbies have been a great distraction. It gives my mind, hands, or body something else to think about or do. If I’m crocheting a project, I’m definitely not going to have my hands in some kind of cookie jar.
Calming – I’ve referred to our brains as a stage in the past. That there can be lots going on but there can only be one main thing going on center stage. Hobbies are really great for taking up a huge part of that stage. With less going on in our brains, it can almost become a form of meditation.
Connect with others – Having something specific to talk about or do together can break the ice with new friends. Maybe even just fill the awkward silence or make the awkward silence not so awkward. Make plans with people to specifically focus on the hobby and share your successes.
What Hobbies Should I Start?
- Crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch – As mentioned before this is a great activity that not only takes concentration but also keeps your hands busy. This is a great way for you to keep yourself productive even just watching a show or movie. When the TV is on a lot of people find themselves snacking. I’d much rather pick up the crochet hook than a couple hundred calories I’m going to regret
- Writing – Emily is another writer on this blog and wrote a great article about writing things down. Turning it into a hobby like writing a story, music, or poems is a great use of your mind. Do you think you can get passionate about character and their back stories? Do you find yourself thinking of ideas and words to songs or poems? If so, this would probably be a really great hobby you would be able to throw yourself into.
- Puzzles – There is the obvious 500- or 1000-piece puzzles that definitely take up time and effort. I do enjoy a good puzzle. However, you could also get into trivia, sudoku, or crosswords.
- Photobooks/Scrapbooking – Being creative is a great hobby that uses parts of your brain that regular everyday life normally doesn’t tap into. Not to mention it’s a great way to keep memories of your life, adventures, family, and accomplishments.
- Yoga or Sport – Yoga is soothing and calm and sort of meditative. I’ve worked with someone who finds themselves yawning a lot during yoga. It releases a lot of pent-up stress that can cause this reaction. However, there are plenty of sports that can get your body working up a sweat and release endorphins. It will make you feel great and accomplished.
- Foreign Language – I am ready to learn a second language. Kind of silly that I haven’t already done this. But it does take a lot of time and concentration to learn the nuances of another language.
- Reading – This is a hobby that will be present until the end of time. There are so many books, and books for any kind of person. I had a brother that used to say that he just wasn’t a reader. However, that changed the second he found the right kind of books. Some people don’t enjoy fiction books and need something more nonfiction.
- Outdoors – Adventures! Hiking! Hunting! Rock Climbing! Oh, my goodness, is this definitely my niche. I love being outdoors and discovering new things. There is so many different things to see… Literally, EVERYWHERE! In the deserts, or the forest, mountains to caves. This is as vast as reading; you could never run out of things to do.
- Art – Whether you like to paint, color, draw, pottery. There are quite a few options here as well. I know plenty of people that have really been getting into the adult coloring books.
- Woodworking/Metalworking – Have you ever built something with your own two hands? It is so rewarding to accomplish something like this. I have built a kid’s armchair and reupholstered a chair. My husband has done forging and metalworking. It’s actually kind of fascinating some of the things that he can make with a piece of metal, a forge, and a hammer.
What hobbies are your favorite ones? Have I missed any really good ones (I know, probably quite a few)? Let me know what other hobbies should be added to this list.
Mel's Health and Fitness 