The Importance of Having Hobbies

There are so many things that demand our attention in our everyday lives, but we shouldn’t forget the importance of nurturing our own wellbeing. And hobbies are a great way to go about this, they can offer us a sanctuary- a place where we can pause and reconnect with the things that bring us joy. When life feels busy and chaotic it's really important to carve out those moments of respite, and not just any break, but a wholesome and invigorating escape. Here are some of the reasons why hobbies are so fantastic.

Hobbies allow you to ‘escape’

We all experience stress at times during our lives, that’s completely normal. However if you’re constantly in a state of stress it can be damaging to both your mind and body, so it’s important to do things to reduce stress where we can. We can’t always escape the stressor or stressful situation- money issues, family problems, being overworked in our job or health problems might all be things that we worry about with no easy short term solution, So instead, finding ways to decompress and escape our worries in a healthy way can be helpful. This is when things like reading a book or enjoying puzzles can help. A great one to try would be minesweeper. Avoid turning to damaging behaviors like drugs, alcohol, eating junk food or compulsive spending. Instead, hobbies that take your mind of things or help you to relax can be a brilliant way to look after your body and mind. It doesn't matter what the specific hobby is, it could be gardening, painting or even solving puzzles, but when you do the activity you enjoy you're entering a zone of comfort. This escape from the daily stress can help to create a meditative state and generally allow your mind to take a breather from worries and anxieties. 

How do hobbies help with relaxation?

Lots of studies that have been done around hobbies have shown that taking part in activities we enjoy triggers the release of endorphins, these are natural chemicals in our brains that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and reduced pain. Endorphins act as natural stress relievers so can melt away all the tension. When you're focused on a hobby, your mind enters a state of ‘flow’ where you're fully absorbed in the activity, and your worries can take a backseat. This sense of flow is not only enjoyable but also therapeutic, promoting a positive mental state. Hobbies don't just help you unwind but they can significantly boost your mood as well. Taking part in activities you're passionate about triggers the release of dopamine, the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. This rush of dopamine can lead to a sense of accomplishment and happiness, even if it's just from completing a small project or hitting a personal goal in your hobby. ​

Hobbies can help you to find balance

​In our fast-paced and digitally connected world, finding a sense of balance is crucial for our mental health. Hobbies offer a much-needed break from the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and to-do lists. They provide a chance to disconnect, allowing us to be fully present in the moment. Engaging in your hobby is like hitting the pause button on the chaos, giving your mind the opportunity to reset and recharge. Life is full of ups and downs, and having a hobby can be a powerful tool for building resilience. When faced with challenges, having a passion you can turn to provides a healthy coping mechanism. Instead of resorting to unhealthy stress-management methods, you have a constructive way to channel your energy. Whether you're crafting, running, or playing an instrument, your hobby becomes a reliable anchor, offering a sense of stability and control in uncertain times.

Hobbies can help you learn new skills

Hobbies help your mind to stay active and curious. When you try something new it might be a bit tricky at first, but as you keep practising and learning, your brain gets stronger and you will get better and better which is really satisfying and rewarding. The best part is that the things you learn in your hobby can spill over into other parts of your life. For example, maybe your cooking hobby gets you excited about nutrition, or your interest in gardening makes you want to learn more about plants. When you have interests and passions it makes life more exciting. When you get a free minute, instead of doom scrolling your phone you’ll find yourself researching crochet ideas for beginners, recipe ideas for your next meal or craft ideas for your next project. You’ll generally be engaging in your interests instead and you allow yourself to learn in a fun way. So when you're enjoying your hobby, you're not just having fun but you're giving your brain a workout that keeps it sharp, without even really trying.

Hobbies can help you to express yourself

We can all go through phases in our lives where we lose ourselves a little. Maybe you’re a new parent and your whole life has become about your baby- as wonderful as this is there might be times where you dont know who YOU are any more. Perhaps you’ve recently been through a breakup, become an empty nester or moved to a new place and want to rediscover yourself. Hobbies are a great way to express yourself and a way for you to define yourself. Even if you’ve gone months or years without doing them, knowing that you’re a creative person who enjoys painting or cooking, or you’re an active person who likes gardening or exercise then it’s an element of your personality that you know you have. Things like creating art, playing music and writing are also ways that you can allow you to convey emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. Hobbies can be a form of self expression which can be really cathartic, giving you a safe space to process emotions, celebrate achievements and just be yourself. 

The beauty of hobbies is that they're not an obligation; they're a choice. They’re a deliberate act of self preservation, and in the chaos of life, they remind us of who we are. Hobbies can remind us what we love and what makes us unique, bringing us curiosity that keeps us young at heart. So if you find yourself stumped when anyone asks what your hobbies are or what you do for fun, its so worth exploring some ideas and giving them a go!

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