Hobbies are often thought of as activities for people who lead quiet, relaxed lives, but people with full, busy, even stressful lives may need hobbies more than the average person. Hobbies bring many benefits that usually make them more than worth the time they require. Here are some of the advantages of having hobbies.
Health Benefits of Hobbies
One study found that those who engage in physical leisure activities for at least 20 minutes once a week are less susceptible to fatigue.
Other research found that enjoyable activities performed during leisure time were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index, and perceptions of better physical function. Such activities were also correlated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression and negative effect.
Ultimately, the benefits of hobbies, both psychologically and physically, are worth exploring. Find something you enjoy engaging in and you create time for yourself and your health!
Taking a Break
Hobbies provide a slice of work-free and responsibility-free time in your schedule. This can be especially welcome for people who feel overwhelmed by all that they have to do and need to recharge their batteries by doing something they enjoy.
For those who feel overwhelmed by responsibility, it may be difficult to find the time or give themselves permission to take a break from a busy schedule and just sit and relax.
Engaging in hobbies can provide a break with a purpose, which can help people feel that they’re not just sitting around but are using their downtime for something productive.
Either way, hobbies provide a nice break during a busy week.
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Experiencing Eustress
For those who aren’t overly stressed and may actually be under-stimulated, hobbies provide a nice source of eustress, the healthy kind of stress that we all need to remain feeling excited about life.
If the rest of your life is somewhat dull or uninspiring, hobbies can provide meaning and fun and can break up a boring schedule without feeling like work. In other words, hobbies can provide just the right amount of challenge.
Having a Social Outlet
.Many hobbies lend themselves to group activities: golfing rotations, knitting circles, and creative writing groups are good examples.
Hobbies that connect you with others can bring the added benefit of social support, which can bring stress relief and meaning to life in a fun way. The friends you have fun with can become some of your best friends, so hobbies that bring you closer to others are well worth your time.
Enjoying Positive Pleasures
Positive psychology, a relatively new branch of psychology that studies what makes life worthwhile, has discovered that pleasures—activities that bring fun to life—can be wonderful for relaxation and enjoyment of the moment.
Pleasures can bring a lift to your mood. Since hobbies generally incorporate pleasures into your life, maintaining hobbies can be good for your overall sense of joy.
Continue Reading: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-hobbies-for-stress-relief-3144574?utm_campaign=list_stress&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=23338951&utm_term=
Article Submitted by Pat France, MSRN Member
