This week’s guest post is all about finding a lifetime hobby – something I highly recommend! I’ve got a few of them: bellydancing, cooking, reading, and my new-found curiosity and passion is gardening. Our guest blogger is Elli, a writer for In Good Measure. She was born and raised in Colorado and now enjoys skiing, playing tennis, and hiking in the mountains of Salt Lake City, Utah.
With your hectic schedule, a hobby may seem to be more of a luxury than a necessity. It can often be hard to justify taking time away from work or your family for yourself. However, personal hobbies are crucial in keeping yourself healthy – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you find you no longer participate in the activities you once loved, it’s time to recommit yourself. Check out this list of reasons why hobbies are necessary, and lose the guilt you feel when taking time out for yourself.
1. Hobbies Provide you with an Outlet to Release Tension and Refuel
It’s no secret that stress can have a multitude of negative effects on our bodies. Finding something that decreases the tension we’ve built up throughout the week is critical for obtaining a fresh perspective. If you find your mind won’t stop worrying or dwelling on troublesome thoughts, immersing yourself in a favorite pastime is an excellent way to distract yourself and free your mind.
2. Hobbies Reaffirm Your Self-Worth
Though constantly focusing on others is an admirable quality, it can leave us feeling unimportant. The way we treat ourselves actually says a lot about our self-worth. You deserve to have enjoyable, relaxing moments, and to focus on yourself every once in awhile. Remind yourself how important you are and practice a little self-care.
3. Hobbies Can Lead to Social Outlets
Socializing with others is a key element to happiness and fulfillment in life. Often times the activities we pursue lead us to others who find similar enjoyment. It can also serve to bolster your self-esteem by giving you a place to display your work. You may find you’re not the only person that appreciates your creations. Joining a club or group may also increase your likelihood to continue the hobby long term. Great relationships can be forged when based on a common passion.
4. Hobbies Feed Your Creative Side
The brain is a muscle and as such, the more you exercise a certain area, the stronger it will become. Allowing yourself to release your creative juices will help your mind open up and think in different patterns. You’ll find the more creative work you do, the better you will become at it.
5. Hobbies Give you a Way to Express Yourself
Your work or daily routine may not present you with the opportunity to express what you’re really feeling. However, hobbies are an ideal way to express yourself. You will find your satisfaction with life increases as you channel your feelings into some sort of activity.
6. Hobbies Provide Structure and Consistency
We are creatures of habit, meaning we benefit from ritualistic schedules. When our days and activities are consistent, we are happy, content, and productive. We fill our time more effectively when we know what to expect, and have things on our calendars.
How Can I Find a Hobby If I Don’t Already Have One?
- Try out an assortment of different activities, and pay attention to which ones provide you with the most personal fulfillment. Keep your mind open to activities you’ve never tried.
- Keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on in your community. There may be golf lessons, an art class, or a book club that you’d like to join.
- Remember it’s okay to call it quits on an activity and try out another one if it’s not working for you. Try out everything at least twice to give it a fair shot, but if you don’t enjoy it after that, switch to something else.
- Try to find an activity you will be able to enjoy as you age. The best hobbies are ones you can partake in your whole life long.
