We’ve all heard it said: Hobbies are important. They make us who we are, they set us apart from other people, and they give meaning to our lives. Many people, however, don’t heed this advice, or they don’t think about the other types of benefits that hobbies can allow. Hobbies relieve stress. They provide creative outlets that allow us to express ourselves in positive, constructive ways. When shared with someone else, they can solidify relationships and create long-lasting bonds that are more difficult to come by in today’s computer era than they were in previous years. In short, hobbies balance out our pressure to pleasure ratio.
Most people will say that they don’t have hobbies, or that they don’t know what they like to do. For them, I have one question: What part of your day do you enjoy the most? Figure out what you like about that part, and then extrapolate it. Common hobbies include things such as photography, arts and crafts, collectibles, reading and music. A hobby can be anything you want it to be.
Once you figure out what you like to do, then ask yourself if there is anyone you’d like to do it with. If you enjoy playing card games on your computer, then add an extra level of happiness to that by playing with your spouse or children, or by joining an online card-playing club. If you take pleasure out of your morning walk to the bus, then start a neighborhood walking/hiking group. If you already know that you enjoy working on old cars, then see if your children or any of the neighborhood kids want to learn a bit about that, too. And if you don’t want to share your hobby with anyone, then make sure that you’re motivated enough to keep it up. Whatever you do, just be sure to set aside a little bit of time every day or week to indulge yourself in something that you truly enjoy. Not for work, not for family, just for fun.
I’d love to hear what kind of hobbies you are interested in. I for one enjoy reading and listening to music, and I make use of my photography interests by volunteering as a publicist at the local animal shelter. What do you enjoy?
You make a great point, Elizabeth. I always thought of a hobby as something that would steal away even more of my already-busy day.
But from your point of view, the times during the day/week that I enjoy can be thought of as my hobby. I design the puzzles for AFM each month. I do this because I love puzzles, riddles, etc. At the end of the day sometimes I like to play Rock Band on my PS3. It’s fun, it’s great hand-eye coordination, and it relaxes me.
It sounds kind of funny to say video games are my hobby, but they relax me, I enjoy it, and it takes my mind off work. So maybe that’s one of my hobbies!
I agree Elizabeth, hobbies are great and sharing them with others can be a wonderful addition to life. I am a life long quilter. I meet with my quilt group every Tuesday and have been doing so for 15 years.Through the years, we have shared much more than just quilting. We celebrate birthdays, attend weddings and throw baby showers. We have supported each other at bad times too. My hobby has brought me joy and friendship.
Thanks for your input, Judy and Kevin. Judy, I think what you wrote really illustrates my point in this article: Hobbies are wonderful creative outlets that can often lead to something much deeper and more enjoyable than the activity itself, such as the long-lasting friendships that you found in your quilt group.
And Kevin, don’t feel embarrassed about your video games! They can be a great way to relax and are enjoyable whether you play them by yourself or with someone else. No shame in that!
Hobbies, especially art projects stimulate the “other side” of my brain, and give joy and satisfaction. I belong to a weekly art gathering where we create whatever is our desire, talk and share our lives. This is the ultimate relaxation plus a stimulus to try new art mediums. Cheers!
Hobbies, especially art projects stimulate the “other side” of my brain, and give joy and satisfaction. I belong to a weekly art gathering where we create whatever is our desire, talk and share our lives. This is the ultimate relaxation plus a stimulus to try new art mediums. Cheers!