While the thought of adding another “thing” to your list may seem daunting, making sure that you have time for a hobby that you truly enjoy is key to your health – both mental and physical. We can all relate to the feeling of being #bookedandbusy, and with an ever-growing to do list, going to work every day, participating in any extracurricular activities, as well as everything else life throws at us, it can be hard to take the time to truly make time for ourselves.
The truth is, having a hobby can actually help you to reduce stress, and can open yourself up to a world of new possibilities.
If you are looking to get into a new hobby, or you are not sure that you have the time for one, check out some of the health benefits of having a hobby. Trust us, you will not regret it!
1 – A great way to take time for yourself.
First, having a hobby is an awesome way to take some time for yourself. In fact, they force you to take time for yourself, which can be difficult to prioritize during a busy week.
Hobbies can be anything from your favorite workout class, to writing in your journal, to something productive such as learning a new language. Whatever the hobby you choose might be, make sure that it is something that genuinely piques your interest and that you truly enjoy.
You want your hobby to light you up every time you do it, and that satisfaction is what will make it worth it!
2 – Opportunity to learn and try new things.
If you are on the hunt for a new hobby, take this opportunity as your next new adventures. Hobbies are a great opportunity to learn and try new things that you otherwise would not.
For example, if you have never hiked before but are interested in trying it out, just go for it! Do not let any fears hold you back from trying something new, because you truly never know where it might lead you to.
3 – Can offer a new, fun way to keep you in shape.
Hobbies can positively impact your physical health in many ways. If you are someone that enjoys being active, such as fitness classes, yoga, sports, or even just dancing in your living room, you are keeping yourself in shape!
Other hobbies such as gardening or painting can also help to keep you physically in shape as well. What is better than having fun while also keeping your body in shape?!
4 – Allows you to declutter your mind.
Hobbies are a nice way for you to step away from your average day-to-day and truly declutter your mind.
When you are devoting yourself to a hobby, you are allowing yourself to truly let go and have some fun. All hobbies are different, and some will offer more or less mental or physical stimulation, however they will all help you to take your mind away from any stressful thoughts you have for the time being.
Think of your hobby as a much-needed escape!
5 – Helps to prevent work burnout.
If you are someone that is constantly working, or thinking about work, then you need a hobby – stat!
Hobbies help to take you away from your responsibilities, even if only for one out of 24 hours in a day, to let yourself recharge.
Partaking in an activity that makes you happy and helps to release endorphins will not only help you to prevent work burnout but will also help you to become more productive and focused while you are at work as well.