Hobbies can be described as a leisure pursuit, but they serve a very important purpose in pursuing a viable, healthy lifestyle! Hobbies can be anything from painting, playing one (or two or three) musical instruments, gardening, hiking, etc. Yes, hobbies are inherently—and also intentionally—a way for humans to share their creativity and joy, while finding fulfillment and purpose in those regular, mundane days of our lives.
What is a Hobby?
A hobby is an activity voluntarily done in free time and for pleasure. Hobbies are separate from jobs or life roles that intrude upon a person's daily life, or sometimes a hobby can be a job. Hobbies are recreation done for fun, enjoyment and diversions, not for making money as an actual job. Often, people may select hobbies based on their discriminate interests or knowledge and skills, or just want to try something new.There are endless opportunities for hobbies! Hobbies can be anything from a stamp collection, to yoga or fitness activity or craft.
The advantages of hobbies for mental health can be significant
Being involved in a hobby yields positive results for our mental state of health. Hobbies, whether it be drawing, crocheting, or chess all engage our minds with sharp core concentration and help humans to feel less contained, more energetic but especially in the present. Furthermore, having a hobby can help an individual with distraction, take a break from life's worries, and reduce some symptoms or thoughts of anxiety and depression.. For example, some activity in nature, including hiking, exploring, and/or birdwatching often help a mind settle and find peace.
Hobbies and Physical Health
Some hobbies have physical benefits. Things like cycling, swimming and dancing are fantastic for keeping your heart healthy and providing energy. Even less intense things like gardening keep the body occupied while allowing for a relaxing mental state. If you have a hobby that gets your heart pumping, chances are this activity can open the door to a healthier you.
Learning and Development
For instance, a person may take up photography as a hobby, they may have learned things concerning light, angles, and editing. Someone who has taken up cooking as a hobby, may have learned about titles regarding cooking, nutrition and diet. Hobbies provide us with opportunities for personal challenge, self-confidence in our skills and capabilities, and the opportunity to learn skills that we may never have figured out were in our skill set.
Social Connections Through Hobbies
Hobbies can also support greater social engagement. Clubs, workshops, or online communities related to a hobby can give a person ways to meet others who have the same interests.This can develop strong friendships and support systems, for instance book clubs promote reading and a platform discussion and share ideas.
Hobbies in the Digital Age
The digital technology platforms are changing how stand-alone activities are completed or hobbies are completed. For example, photography is as much about editing images in an app and posting to social media nowadays, as it is having a picture taken. Video Games used to be thought of as something kids played as a way to pass time—now, gaming is a hobby which encompasses courses that can be taken in real-time and live across the world. With the internet, the opportunity to develop new skills is more efficient and available through online courses on virtually any past-time such as painting, music, or language learning.
Working and Playing
In the fast-moving modern world, it can feel like there is too much being asked of us and inevitably we become overwhelmed and sometimes unable to manage our responsibilities. Hobbies assist in easing the pressure at school or work.. Hobbies allow for personal freedom and creativity where we often are unable to engage with those qualities in our daily lives. Just one hour spent engaged in enjoyable hobby, can rejuvenate the mind and body.
Promoting Hobbies in Children and Teens
Encouragement of hobbies is important for the youth to embrace as they begin to grow up. Hobbies help develop cognitive processing, creativity, and discipline.Hobbies facilitate other qualities as well; in turn, hobbies can help children to learn to manage their time, discover their interests, and work independently. The primary purpose is to get children involved in as many activities as possible; allowing children to experience what they get inspired by.
