There’s more to having a hobby than meets the eye. Did you know that partaking in a hobby is actually beneficial to your health? Here are some of the positive things that come from engaging in a pastime that you enjoy:
Taking a break
Taking a break from the stresses of daily life is beneficial for both mind and body, but the great thing about hobbies is that they involve taking a break but with purpose. You don’t have to slob around feeling like you’re not achieving anything but still engage in a meaningful activity, leaving you feeling productive and positive
Hobbies promote well-being
Doing something for no other reason than you enjoy it provides a great rush of excitement and satisfaction, also called eustress. If you’ve never heard of eustress, it’s the positive stress that makes you feel optimistic and excited about something you’re about to do. When you have a hobby, you’re accessing more of this positive stress which is good for your mind and body.
New Challenges
Our adult lives are often dictated by routine and responsibility. Every day can feel the same, especially if you don’t adore your job. Having a hobby gives you fresh new challenges, different from those you receive in the workplace. These challenges are positive and fun, giving you the opportunity to challenge yourself without any negative stressors. You could find your mind is opened to a whole new world of possibilities. There are so many hobby ideas including dressmaking, woodwork, DIY, crochet, sports etc. Find top-quality Cotton Poplin Fabric for all your dressmaking projects. Higgs and Higgs supply Cotton Poplin Fabric online.
Meet New People
Even if your hobby is a solo pursuit, you are still engaging with a potentially new group of people who enjoy the same hobby. There are thousands of online forums where you can connect with like-minded people, ask questions and find valuable information. Maybe there’s a local group you could join, or if not, start your own!
Stress Relief
You might think that trying to incorporate an additional activity into your timetable will simply increase your stress. However, engaging in an enjoyable activity regularly is a great way to let off steam. By focusing on an activity that isn’t work-related lets your mind focus on something else. You’ll find that once you fully immerse yourself in a hobby, all your worries will disappear – even if it is only temporary.
Live in the present
Concentrating on an activity or project that you love enables you to be truly living in the moment. There is no thinking on past events or fretting about the future, you are totally in the zone and totally in the present. This is a healthy and exhilarating place to be.
Health Benefits
Scientific studies have proven that partaking in enjoyable activities that are not work-related are associated with lower cortisol levels, a smaller waist circumference, lower blood pressure and a lower body mass index. Hobbies are also psychologically beneficial, helping to reduce depression levels.
