Why You Need To Embrace Having a Hobby
And you don’t need to monetize your hobby for it to be beneficial.
Do You Have a Hobby?
If you’re here, reading and writing are possibly some of your hobbies, but maybe you stumbled onto this article after a few searches and, at most, plan to skim it.
I remember a time when my writing had lulled and life was busy and someone asked me that exact question.
Jenna, what are your hobbies?
My face grew hot and I scrambled for an answer. I lied and told them that I was reading a book (that was actually collecting dust on my bookshelf); however, that was a satisfying enough answer for them not to ask any follow-up questions.
Of course, hobbies are fun and fulfilling.
But hobbies aren’t just something to tack on to your life resume, according to Head to Health, a digital mental health service, those with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.
For further evidence, this article from Utah State University also suggests that those with physical may see the added benefits of a reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure.
You don’t even need a marketing strategy or SEO tools for these benefits!
It’s easy to slip into “autopilot,” but having a hobby allows for a break from the routine in daily life and gives the brain a meaningful activity to focus on rather than stay idle.
The best part is, you don’t have to practice your hobbies alone. Joining an organization or club, whether it’s for a sport or just a group where you practice the same activity together, allows for human connection that can get lost in today’s busy world.
You can also enjoy your hobbies outside in the fresh air and sunlight. The benefits of which I’ve written about in this previous article:
Final thoughts:
Having a hobby is a great way to keep yourself busy while participating in meaningful activity and that’s not just anecdotal, it’s backed by research!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of hobby options out there, I have included a small list of hobbies that you may be able to accomplish with the things you already have on hand:
Easy To Break Into Hobbies:
- Writing (nonfiction, short fiction, essays, etc.)
- Reading (novels, magazines, short pieces, etc.)
- Phone photography
- Learn a new card game
- Practice calligraphy
- Bake from a new recipe
- Download a language learning app and start learning a new language
- Find online workouts on YouTube
- Practice meditation
- Make mixed media art from things you already have
Let me know your hobbies in the comments.
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