Personal Interests

Do you have a favorite way to spend your off-time — tinkering away on old knick-knacks, knitting, drawing or painting, or taking photos of beautiful landscapes? No doubt you feel happier when you’re working on your hobbies, but your pastimes may be benefiting your health more than you know.

7 Health Benefits of Having a Hobby¹

Social Support – Hiking, bowling, Bunko or book clubs are all examples of group-related hobbies. Bonding with others adds social support to your life which helps lower stress.
Take a Break – Hobbies allow you to take a break while still having a sense of purpose. Hobbies give you time to relax and refocus energy.
Save Money – Buying second-hand or garage sale items you can refurbish such as book shelves, garden pots or old frames can save you money. Plus, you’ll be recycling! It’s good for your heart and the planet.
Hobbies allow you to stay present and in the zone. This calms the nerves and creates a sense of well-being.
Satisfaction – Seeing a project through can create a sense of satisfaction. That once dilapidated bookshelf you sanded, painted and decorated for your child’s room can provide a great sense of accomplishment.
Balance. Hobbies provide balance in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spending the day with your kids is great and then balancing that with a night of bowling with friends helps you refocus, energize and feel more prepared to take on life’s challenges.
Positive Stress – Eustress or “Good Stress.” As Dr. Stanton points out, Eustress helps us view stressors in our lives as challenges rather than threats. This is the type of positive stress that keeps us vital and excited about life. By looking forward to your Tango dance lesson and meeting new people, you can trigger Eustress.

Think about…

Have you considered teaching a class or leading a workshop based on skills, knowledge, or experience you have?
Do you enjoy reading? Might you be interested in books, magazines, blogs, Facebook, etc.?
What would you like to do or learn? Have you considered creative arts such as drawing, pottery, or photography? How about martial arts or learning about nature or about improving your computer skills?
Have you considered inviting a friend, family member, or coworker to attend a lecture, musical performance, or play?

Resources…

Find a community group or organization where you could teach a class or a workshop, or lead a discussion.
Consider becoming a member at the local public library to gain access to books, book readings, and other events.
Explore public events in your community by checking out the events section in the newspaper.
Flip through travel books or go online to find places you might enjoy reading about or visiting.
Sign up for a computer class.

¹BestMedicine by Renown Health : 7 Reasons Why Hobbies Are Good For Your Health https://bestmedicinenews.org/wellbeing/7-reasons-why-hobbies-are-good-for-your-health/