Welcome your hobbies back to your life like an old friend.
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We often see people making a living out of their hobbies all over social media. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially if you can. The problem lies with the pressure we put upon ourselves to make our hobbies more than just a hobby.
Hobbies, by definition, are activities that we do for pleasure when we are not working. All too often though, hobbies are also associated with talents that should be validated by achievements.
According to neuroscientist Dr. Jared Horvath, our obsession with high achievement has bled dangerously from our professional and working lives into every aspect of our being and doing and existing. But before we push ourselves to “win” with our hobbies, remember that they also give more than validation to our talents; they also offer physical and mental health benefits. Here are more reasons to indulge in a hobby simply because you like it:
They Act As A Stress Reliever
According to research, spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and well-being.
People with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.
A Way To Fight Poor Health Behaviors
Doing purposeful activities will be a good tool to stay away from activities connected to boredom and disengagement, such as smoking, that can create poor health behaviors.
Physical hobbies could help lower blood pressure, weight loss, building muscle, strengthening bones, and an overall increase in energy.
A Break From Routine
Taking regular breaks can boost your productivity and allow you to work more efficiently. Creative hobbies can train your brain to be more creative in other areas of your life.
A Way To Stay In The Present
Having a hobby whether you’re good at it or not will help you stay in the present. Do something you love for the sake of it without expecting what it could give you in the future.
For Heather, an MA Literature student and a wellness enthusiast, “doing something without the intention of getting ‘there’, wherever that may be, teaches you to live more deeply ‘here’, in the now.”
An Investment
Even if you’re not good at your chosen hobby, it doesn’t mean you will never be. You don’t know when a skill could come in handy; the good news is there is no deadline in being good at them.
Investment could also mean spending quality time with your loved ones. These hobbies could be a memorable bonding activity with your family and friends.
So pick up where you left off with the things you used to love doing. Life is already complicated to deprive yourself of some fun.
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