In our fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to make time for ourselves. Many of us juggle work, family, and other responsibilities while struggling to maintain balance, and who even knows what that is or what it looks like. As spring arrives, it marks a period of renewal and growth – a wonderful time to begin new commitments to improving our health and wellbeing. And so, it may help you to know that one key to better mental health and well-being lies in something as simple as embracing a hobby.
Hobbies and Your Health
Hobbies are more than just pastimes—they’re a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in an activity that brings joy can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function. Here’s how hobbies contribute to better mental health:
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Activities like painting, knitting, gardening, or even solving puzzles give your brain a break from the constant to-do list. This mental pause can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. Research has shown that more engagement in leisure activities was associated with lower blood pressure and lower cortisol levels.
Wearable devices can track your heart rate and stress levels, allowing you to see the immediate impact of engaging in a relaxing hobby. Notice how your heart rate decreases when you lose yourself in a creative activity? That’s your body’s way of telling you to keep going!
2. Boosting Mood and Promoting Happiness
A study of more than 90,000 people across 16 countries who were followed for 4 to 8 years showed that people who participated in hobbies reported better health, more happiness, less depression and more satisfaction with life than people who didn’t have hobbies. Hobbies release dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. Whether it’s the satisfaction of finishing a craft project or the joy of learning a new dance move, hobbies can bring a burst of happiness to your day. Hobbies also provide a sense of purpose, which can help combat feelings of depression or loneliness.
3. Enhancing Cognitive Function
I know that for some people the thought of Sudoku or a Rubik’s Cube gives them anxiety and trying to solve them may cause a lot of frustration, but hobbies that require focus, problem-solving, or learning new skills have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. Activities like reading, learning a language, or learning to play a musical instrument engage the brain in ways that promote mental agility and resilience.
4. Building Social Connections
Many hobbies offer opportunities to connect with others, whether through local groups, online communities, or classes. There are many studies that show the importance of social connection is a key component of mental health, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. We thrive when we connect, so make more frequent connections one of your goals.
How to Incorporate Hobbies into Your Life
While the benefits of hobbies are clear, finding the time to incorporate them into a busy schedule can be challenging. Here are practical tips for making hobbies a part of your daily routine:
1. Start Small and Simple
You don’t need to overhaul your schedule to reap the benefits of hobbies. Start with short, manageable blocks of time—15 to 30 minutes a few times a week. Pick a hobby that feels doable and enjoyable. It could be journaling, baking, or taking a short walk to practice photography.
2. Choose Activities That Bring Joy
Hobbies should feel fulfilling, not like another task on your to-do list. Think about what genuinely excites you or what you loved doing as a child. Maybe it’s painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or practicing yoga.
3. Create a Dedicated Space for Your Hobby
Having a designated space for your hobby can make it easier to get started. Whether it’s a corner of your home for crafting, a comfy chair for reading, or a yoga mat left out in your living room, having a visual cue will remind you to engage in your hobby. Even if your living area does not allow you to have ‘dedicated’ space for activities like reading etc., you can use a basket or a beautiful bag to hold what you need and bring it out when you’re ready to engage.
4. Make It Social
Invite friends or family to join you in your hobby. Whether it’s a virtual book club, a weekly craft night, or a group fitness class, shared hobbies can deepen relationships and make the experience more enjoyable. I have found that teaching my sister’s grandchildren to crochet has restarted my love for this hobby, and it has been awesome to see them off their screens and so focused on creativity. It is now a new way for us to connect with each other.
Final Thoughts
Hobbies are more than just leisure activities—they’re essential for mental health and well-being. Remember, it’s not about doing something perfectly. It’s about finding joy, reducing stress, and taking control of your well-being. So, go ahead—pick up that paintbrush, dust off your running shoes, or start that journal. Your mental health will thank you, and spring is the best time to start anew.
