.We all know that taking up a hobby is a fun way to relax and unwind, but research has found that pursuing hobbies provide some very real mental health benefits. It doesn’t matter the type of hobby either. Whether you choose something physical or something that’s more mentally challenging, there will still be a wealth of benefits to be enjoyed. Here is just a short list of the worthwhile benefits that taking up a new hobby can provide.
The Pleasure Principle
The best reason to take up a new hobby is that it provides a sense of pleasure that helps reduce mental and physical tension. When you lose yourself in a hobby that you enjoy, you allow yourself a break from stress. Instead, you’re focused on performing the activity you enjoy. When we do something we enjoy, our brains release endorphins that stimulate the pleasure center of the brain. This is why your mood is elevated as you engage in the hobby. It’s also why you look forward to doing the hobby or activity again.
Boost Your Self-Esteem
Our careers and family obligations are often consumed by events that we have no control over. This leaves us little choice in how we respond to these events. Conversely, a hobby is an activity you choose to do and that, in itself, gives you a degree of control. You get to choose what you do, how you do it, and the length of time you’ll be involved in the activity. This returns a strong sense of order and control to your life, which helps to boost your self-esteem. You own this hobby and that can be a powerful feeling.
Gain a Sense of Pride
The online community casts an even brighter spotlight on the highly talented people in our society. That can lead the rest of us feeling left behind, but a hobby provides an opportunity to hone your skills and succeed at something that inspires you. This is especially true in pursuing a competitive hobby, but can be applied to any activity. As you work at perfecting your craft, you can measure your improvement and share your own victories. The sense of pride and accomplishment you feel will help you feel proud of yourself.
Give Your Life Purpose
There are many people working at jobs that mean very little to them and they’re really only in it for the paycheck. If this sounds familiar, picking up a hobby can give your life the sense of purpose that it’s missing. Since you choose your own hobby, this will be an activity you feel passionate about. Whether it’s a sport, learning a new skill, or creating art, your hobby will give you the sense of fulfillment that your life may be lacking. Even if you don’t do well in the beginning, enjoying what you do is all that matters.
Cope with Daily Stress
While searching for the best online therapy may help you with some types of mental illness, stress can be easily managed with a new hobby. Coping with the stress of a bad day at work or a fight with a significant other can be best accomplished by having a go-to activity that you feel passionate about. You may not be able to control these other events. However, the frustration of your daily conflicts will be alleviated as you engage in something that provides you with a peace of mind. As you gain a sense of accomplishment or achieve a victory, you’ll feel the day’s stress wash away.
Meet New People
If you’ve ever been to visit a relative in an assisted living facility, you might have noticed that activities focus on bringing the residents together. This is because research has found that social connections stave off cognitive decline and enhance mental functioning. You can enjoy these same benefits no matter how old you are by engaging in hobbies and fun activities. You’ll be able to develop friendships with people who share your interests, which will help you develop stronger social bonds.
Learn More About Yourself
A hidden benefit of picking up a new hobby that you might not consider is that it can unveil hidden skills and talents. As you pursue the new activity or hobby, you may find that you’re better at it than expected. Many hobbies require a number of different skills and, while you may not do well with certain aspects of the hobby, you may find that you do especially well in other areas. This can help you discover new depths to your personality and, by continuing to pursue the activity, you may learn more about yourself.
Feel Better About Your Career
Even if you don’t love your job, engaging in a pleasurable hobby can make you feel better about going into work each day. You’re less likely to feel burned out, because your hobby will help you reduce stress each day. Additionally, you may hone skills with your hobby that will help you perform better at work. Your newly uncovered talents may even help you earn a promotion or a launch a new career.
Finding an activity you enjoy will do wonders for your mental health. It gives you something to do that you enjoy each day. In addition to relieving stress, taking up a hobby helps you strengthen social connections and fortify cognitive functioning. While any activity can be beneficial, doing nothing can be devastating to the mind. Taking up a hobby is as essential to mental health as physical exercise is to physical health.
