How Hobbies Can Help by Mariana Glenn-Toland
The month of March certainly held space for change. From having a set day to spring clocks forward, to yet another day that marked the official start of spring. How can we as individuals hold space for ourselves among orchestrated changes? Here’s how hobbies can help!
Hobbies can be defined as intentional activities individuals choose to practice for fun. While spending time on leisure activities may seem insignificant in comparison to everyday responsibilities, hobbies can provide an outlet for stressors associated with these responsibilities. Essentially, hobbies allow individuals the opportunity to ensure they are integrating joy into routines. When thinking about hobbies from this perspective, they may seem like a worthwhile investment. If you find yourself wanting to explore what hobbies may look like for you, here are a few tips for selecting a hobby:
- Be certain it’s something that you actually enjoy–make it specific to you!
Whether it is an artistic, academic, or athletic activity is not important. What is important is that you enjoy the activity. So, your hobby may not mirror the hobbies of those around you, and that is okay!
- Make sure it’s feasible for you to incorporate.
Remember that it’s okay to start small, and the goal is to have fun, not be an expert. It may be beneficial to identify where you have downtime and could incorporate exploring an activity for fun. If you find that you don’t have any downtime, perhaps consider incorporating small breaks into your schedule where you could shift your focus to a fun activity.
- Allow yourself the flexibility to explore new things.
You may find yourself drawn to different activities at different times. For example, maybe you find that you enjoy walking during warmer months and crafting during colder months. Allow yourself the freedom to explore what feels right for you in the present moment.
The bottom line is that investing in joy can often get lost in the changes and demands of life, but hobbies can assist us with intentionally prioritizing our joy and ultimately our well-being. The next time you get overwhelmed with life’s changes, it may be worth considering that hobbies can help.
For more information about how hobbies can help, check out the following sources:
The science behind why hobbies improve our mental health
How Hobbies Improve Mental Health
How hobbies can improve mental health and overall well-being
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