Hobbies For A Healthier You

Having a logical reason to do something has always been a motivator for me. In fact, I find myself looking for a rationale before committing to something new. But a hobby should not require that of us. What if we could find a hobby naturally and they became hobbies for a healthier you?

Hobbies Don’t Just Fill Time

Maybe you are like me and have always considered a hobby as something to do when everything else was complete. If so, we both need to realize that hobbies aren’t just something to do to fill time. On the contrary, hobbies can create a sense of purpose in us. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low moods, stress, and depression ^[1]Connect Health and Community https://connecthealth.org.au/enews/pursuing-a-hobby-can-improve-your-mental-health/.

My Garden Became My Hobby

We try a lot of things in order to find a good fit for ourselves. Once we find something we enjoy we discover the benefits and begin to learn simply by engaging. Gardening, for me, fits that scenario. I never set out to be a gardener and really do not even think of myself as one. However, after reconnecting with gardening friends, reading books, and simply trying different crops I became a gardener.

5 Benefits of Hobbies

• Reduces stress levels – Stepping away from our daily tasks allows us to relax, explore, and simply clear our head and breath thus reducing tension.
• Rejuvenate our senses – Hobbies often take us to different places where we can see, smell, and even touch a variety of things.
• Improve our physical health – An active hobby like biking gets you outside, builds muscle and clears your head.
• Declutters the mind – gives you time to let your mind wander while helping you practice focusing.
• Opens your world – Hobbies not only satisfy a curious mind, but can also put you in touch with a completely new community of people, allowing you to broaden your experiences and your social life ^[2]Center for Adult Education https://www.cae.edu.au/news/five-benefits-of-having-a-hobby/.

Hobbies For A Healthier You

Just like gardening, the art of embroidery, playing the guitar, cooking, or quilting can become a hobby. But, I would venture to say that a hobby is so much more. They have a way of lowering stress and soothing us during tough times. Sewing circles have long been a way to socialize while creating and garden clubs (or just a garden friend) give us inspiration and help us learn our craft. Even after stepping away from my hobbies, I benefit from their lasting effects on my mind and body. Hobbies have a way of continually healing us.

It’s Your Hobby

The real purpose of a hobby is to find meaning and joy in what you do. You may enjoy journaling, collecting, biking, or simply spending some quiet time alone each day. Regardless of what you choose, your hobby should be what you decide. There are no set rules. Simply spending a few hours a week on something you love can make a lasting difference in our overall health. So stay curious and keep trying new things until you find the hobbies that create a healthier you.