Why you should make time for your hobbies

Do you have a hobby that you enjoy doing in your spare time? Or do you feel like you’re too busy or tired to pursue anything outside of work and family obligations?

If you’re in the latter group, you might want to reconsider. Having a hobby is not only fun, but it can also improve your mental health and wellbeing in many ways.

Hobbies are activities that we do for pleasure, not for money or necessity.

They can range from creative pursuits like painting or writing, to physical ones like running or gardening, to intellectual ones like learning a new language or playing chess.

Whatever your hobby is, it can provide you with a range of benefits that can enhance your life.

Here are some of the reasons why you should make time for your hobbies and how they can help you become a better person.

A hobby can reduce stress and boost mood

One of the main benefits of having a hobby is that it can help you cope with stress and improve your mood.

When you engage in something that you love and are passionate about, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good.

Hobbies can also distract you from your worries and problems, and give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

According to a study from Utah State University, hobbies can also lower your risk of anxiety and depression by increasing your social connection and self-esteem.

Hobbies like journaling, gardening, or playing an instrument can help you express yourself, relax, and cope with negative emotions.

They can also make you happier and more optimistic overall.

Hobbies can improve your physical health

If your hobby involves some form of physical activity, such as sports, dancing, or hiking, you can also reap the benefits for your body.

Physical hobbies can help you stay fit and healthy, lower your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, and prevent chronic diseases.

They can also improve your coordination, balance, and flexibility.

Even if your hobby is not very active, it can still have positive effects on your physical health.

For example, hobbies that require fine motor skills, such as woodworking or knitting, can improve your dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

Hobbies that stimulate your brain, such as reading or puzzles, can enhance your memory and cognitive function.

And hobbies that expose you to nature, such as birdwatching or gardening, can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Your hobby can increase your income and financial skills

Some hobbies can also help you earn some extra money or develop valuable financial skills.

For instance, you can learn about investing, real estate, or budgeting through online courses or workshops.

You can also start a side hustle by turning your hobby into a business or a service.

You can sell your products online (like some of these that you REALLY should check out), create a blog or a podcast, or offer coaching or tutoring.

These hobbies can provide you with opportunities for financial growth and security.

They can also help you improve your money management skills and financial literacy.

However, be careful not to overcommit yourself or lose sight of the enjoyment factor.

Remember that hobbies are meant to be fun and fulfilling, not stressful or exhausting.

Hobbies can enhance your sense of purpose and spirituality

Another benefit of having a hobby is that it can help you find meaning and direction in your life.

Hobbies like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help you connect with yourself and the world around you.

They can also foster self-reflection and mindfulness, which can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and spirituality.

Hobbies like these can help you discover your values, passions, and goals.

They can also inspire you to live more authentically and intentionally.

By pursuing what matters to you, you can feel more fulfilled and aligned with your true self.

A hobby can improve your professional performance and career prospects

Finally, having a hobby can also benefit your work life and career.

Hobbies can help you develop new skills, knowledge, and abilities that can be useful in your job.

They can also enhance your creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

For example, hobbies like playing an instrument or learning a new language can improve your brain function and cognitive flexibility.

Hobbies can also boost your productivity and motivation at work by reducing stress and increasing happiness.

They can also improve your confidence and self-esteem by giving you a sense of achievement and mastery.

And hobbies that involve social interaction, such as joining clubs or teams, can improve your communication and teamwork skills.

According to Harvard Business Review, hobbies can make workers substantially better at their jobs.

As the article states: “When people don’t have time for hobbies, businesses pay a price. Hobbies make workers substantially better at their jobs for several reasons: they often boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve mood.”

Hobbies are not simply fun, a waste of time, or a luxury; they are actually essential for your mental health and wellbeing, and they can also improve your physical health, financial situation, sense of purpose, and professional performance.

So, don’t neglect your hobbies or feel guilty about them.

Make time for them and enjoy them.

They can make you a happier and healthier person.

And who knows, they might even change your life.