Hobbies are great. They are something just for you, that you can do without having to get approval from partner, kids or friends. Okay, terms and conditions apply – you may need to negotiate time and any financial cost with the family. However, it is worth carving out a little time and space to pursue a hobby.
Hobbies are often considered as mere time killing activities that we do in our leisure time. In reality, hobbies are much more than that. They are a crucial aspect of our lives, which can help us in various ways. Hobbies are activities that we enjoy doing in our free time, and they can be anything from reading books to running, screen printing, car booting, or gaming. Engaging in hobbies can provide us with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and joy that we might not find in our daily routine.
The importance of hobbies in our lives goes beyond mere entertainment. Engaging in hobbies can be an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental health and wellbeing, and enhance our overall quality of life. In fact, several studies have shown that hobbies have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Science and Technology, engaging in leisure activities, including hobbies, can significantly reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The study found that people who engaged in leisure activities reported lower levels of stress and anxiety, improved mood, and increased feelings of happiness and contentment.
Furthermore, hobbies can provide a sense of accomplishment, which can boost our self-esteem and confidence. When we engage in hobbies that we enjoy, we can develop new skills, learn new things, and achieve goals that we set for ourselves. This sense of accomplishment can help us build a positive self-image and enhance our overall sense of wellbeing.
Hobbies can also provide an opportunity for socialization and connection with others. Many hobbies, such as team sports, book clubs, or art classes, involve interacting with other people who share similar interests. This social interaction can provide us with a sense of community and belonging, which can improve our mental health and overall wellbeing.
One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that engaging in hobbies that involve social interaction can help reduce symptoms of depression. The study found that people who participated in social hobbies reported significantly lower levels of depression than those who did not engage in social hobbies.
Additionally, hobbies can provide us with a break from our daily routine and allow us to recharge our batteries. Engaging in hobbies can be a form of self-care, which can help us maintain balance in our lives and prevent burnout. Taking time to do something that we enjoy can help us feel refreshed and rejuvenated, which can improve our overall mental health and wellbeing.
Hobbies are essential for our mental health and wellbeing. Engaging in hobbies can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost our self-esteem, promote relaxation, provide socialization opportunities, and allow us to recharge our batteries. With so many benefits, it’s essential to make time for hobbies in our daily lives. Whether it’s reading, painting, playing sports, or gardening, finding an activity that we enjoy can have a significant impact on our mental health and overall quality of life.
References:
- Chieh-Yu, L., Chih-Hung, L., & Chien-Huei, K. (2015). Leisure activities, stress, and quality of life of occupational therapists. Journal of Occupational Science and Technology, 9(1), 25-30.
- Kim, E. S., Park, N., Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2011). Increased happiness and less depression: how are they related? Journal of Happiness Studies, 12(2), 267-281.
- Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., … & Moskowitz, J. T. (2009). Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71
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