Everyone needs a hobby! They are a great way to spend your ‘me time’. It’s SO important to make that time for yourself. Engaging in a hobby you enjoy can help lower stress, reduce fatigue, and even boost your physical wellbeing.1https://www.ucmerced.edu/sites/ucmerced.edu/files/documents/zawadzki-paper-2015.pdf Choosing a new hobby can be hard though, particularly when there is so much out there. Where do you begin? How do you get inspired?
Here are three tips to get you started!
1. Rediscover
There are more and more people getting back into the hobbies they had during their childhood.2https://wakemag.org/online/2023/2/26/rediscovering-something-you-used-to-love-as-a-kid3https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jan/07/skateboarding-in-middle-age-it-helps-me-switch-off There may have been a number of things you wanted to try when you were younger but never got the chance to do. These could be creative pursuits, crafts, collecting, or sports.
Rediscovering your youthful hobbies can benefit your emotional and mental wellbeing. By revisiting carefree memories and joyful experiences, you can feel a sense of happiness. This sparks creativity, inspiring new ideas, and encouraging mindfulness.4https://medium.com/@tesseleanor/reconnecting-with-your-inner-child-rediscovering-joy-and-creativity-1d161aad4e9f
2. Creativity
Creative hobbies like playing an instrument, sculpting, or painting can provide many benefits. They offer a way to express your emotions, reducing stress and anxiety. Creating art releases dopamine, which enhances feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10086468/ These hobbies also require focus and concentration, which improves skills like problem-solving and memory.6https://kalpanakhattri.medium.com/everyone-needs-a-creative-hobby-why-bc104f19a527 Overall, these creative pursuits support your emotional health and boost cognitive performance, making them valuable for personal growth and mental wellness.
3. Getting physical
Physical hobbies, such as sports offer you numerous benefits. They improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility, contributing to your overall physical health.7https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise The endorphins released during exercise create a sense of happiness and relaxation.8https://www.webmd.com/depression/exercise-depression These often provide opportunities to socialise or build a sense of community too. Activities that take you outdoors, such as hiking or swimming, can also improve mood and increase feelings of calmness. Overall, physical hobbies play a big role in promoting a much healthier lifestyle.
Want more ways to improve your physical and mental health? Checkout Why you should play more – even as a grown-up!
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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