Having a hobby or three can make your life significantly more enjoyable. It can give you something to look forward to after a long day, and it can ground you when times are tough. Here are five reasons why you need a hobby:
It Gives You Purpose and Value
One of the best benefits of having a hobby is that it can give you real meaning and purpose.
Most of us will not be lucky enough to have a job that truly enriches our lives or makes us feel valuable and driven. This is where a hobby can help.
You can choose to do anything you want in your free time. Make it something that puts a genuine smile on your face and makes you feel good about life and your place in it.
You Get to Spend Time with Yourself
Spending time alone is incredibly important for your mental health. It will help ground you, recharge your batteries, and prepare you for the week ahead. It's a supreme form of self-care.
Having a hobby you can enjoy while alone is beneficial in numerous ways. Try to adopt one that you can do on your own, like puzzling, journaling, or coloring. It doesn't mean you always have to do this activity alone; it's just that you have the option to do so.
Don't grudge yourself this time you spend alone on your hobby. Remind yourself how good it is for you, and don't be ashamed to tell friends and family you can't see them because you are hobbying.
It Will Boost Your Confidence
Getting good at something will naturally increase your self-confidence and make you feel good about yourself. It will help you develop resilience and patience, which will affect all areas of your life over time.
Even if you're just building Legos, the better you get, the prouder you will feel.
There are even some hobbies that are specifically hailed as being great for confidence and self-esteem, so you can try some of them if you feel you need a boost in that area specifically.
It Will Significantly Reduce Stress
Having a hobby is also a great way to reduce stress. It might be an active hobby like dancing that will get your body to move and release stress that way. Or it could be a calmer hobby like knitting that will help you refocus, it can do wonders.
There is something very powerful about knowing that there's something you can do when things get really challenging or when you've had a really stressful day. Even thirty minutes of doing something you thoroughly enjoy can give you the strength and energy you need to tackle the rest of life's challenges.
It Can Help You Meet New People
Even if you choose a rather solitary hobby, like journaling, you can still meet a lot of new people who share your passions and interests. Just by going online and watching other people journal, you can tap into a great group of individuals.
If you are specifically looking to meet new people and step out of your comfort zone, you can try a hobby that will get you out of the house. You can sign up for a pottery class, for example, and chat with the people there. It will still be a hobby you can do on your own, but it will put you in touch with people you haven't yet met.
Great Hobbies to Try
If you're not sure what would make a good hobby, here are some of our suggestions:
- Take up an unusual sport, like curling, lacrosse, or even Quidditch
- Do something with your hands: bake, cook, knit, paint, make pottery
- Sign up for a social dancing class or dance at home to YouTube classes
- Become a gamer: take up a card game, start playing board games, or become a PC or PS gamer
- Start a collection: beer caps, mugs, coasters, Polly Pockets, anything you are passionate about
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand how having a hobby can change your life, all you need to do is choose one or two you've always been drawn to but never had the time or willpower to try. Have fun with it! Try not to be too shy. And remember that learning something new will take time.
This guest post was authored by Sarah Kaminski
Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
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