As summer comes to a close we are already noticing that the nights are getting shorter. Making it seem like we have less time on our hands to get things done. Which makes it that much more important to set aside time for ourselves. This can sometimes feel like the mission impossible when you want to try and stick to a schedule though. What we have to remind ourselves is that the same routine day in, day out can become monotonous. This results in us filling the empty space we have with the day just glued to some form of screen. Don’t get us wrong some screen time is bliss, turn off from the real world and watch your favourite soap or football, browse the internet and just let mindless thought flow in and out. However, that isn’t the point of the blog today what we want to focus on is the benefits of having a hobby.
Fancy A Change
The key to starting a new hobby is desire. As we get older we realise that we don’t just have all the time in the world to go off and try something new for a few days and pick which one sticks. We need to be more tactile. Also starting something that isn’t attached to work or other commitments will help increase your happiness and satisfaction with life. Allowing you to focus on your own personal benefits and interests. Mostly because without a hobby you can find yourself in an unhealthy cycle of external factors always demanding more energy.
Incorporating a new hobby will add some new excitement to your life and spark a new level of enjoyment. Once you have this extra energy and outlook it can start to flow over into your work and personal relationships. Maintaining healthier relationships with loved ones and your work ethic.
Help Relieve Stress With A New Hobby
We touched on it in brief in the paragraph above but hobbies are a enjoyable activity. Meaning you will release serotonin and depending on the hobby also endorphins. Try and make sure your hobby is as far away from work as possible. If you tag along with a work colleague keep discussions about work out of the equation. This is time for the stress of the day to fade away and to get lost in the activity. You will have to get over that initial stress though of trying to fit in your hobby to your new schedule but that’s okay we all go through it. Once you get into the flow of it, it will seem easy and one of the best parts of your week. Remember that one hour is only 8% of your day after all. Not to forget that hobbies actually promote good stress – eustress. This positive stress makes you excited about what you’re doing!
A New Hobby Offers New Challenges
I know we are talking about stepping away from work and now it seems weird to be suggesting challenges. However, it is all about how you are challenging yourself. When you are enjoying the process of learning and to be the best isn’t the target then it doesn’t seem so daunting. Resulting in peaceful and relaxing challenges. When you start challenging yourself out of work you will find you have a new desire to try new things in the work place too. By giving yourself the chance to explore new talents and interests you can find that you are capable of much more than you thought you were. We promise this isn’t just us spouting rubbish to it is actually scientifically proven! Career coaches have confirmed that having a hobby can make you better at your job. So it’s a win, win really, meaning it makes sense to set the time aside.
Hobbies Can Provide Additional Income
We are all aware of the cost of living crisis and impending recession wish it was something we didn’t have to speak about anymore. Unfortunately, we can’t just tap our red sparkly shoes and go back. Meaning, we need to look at some other ventures to help ourselves out. Which is why we say, if you can turn your hobby into an income why not? All it takes is a bit of effort and to make sure that it doesn’t take away the enjoyment of your hobby. You could even find you turn your hobby into a full-time job. Who doesn’t want to do something they love full time.
A Hobby Can Help Transition Into Your Retirement
Some of you might be at a different stage of your life where you aren’t looking to work at anything full time. When it comes to retirement, some people find that they struggle to find purpose or routine with their days, constantly thinking what can you do with all this free time? It is natural that during that time people look to hobbies to try and fill the space. If you have already got one under your belt this can be a great time to explore your interests. If you aren’t at the age of retirement yet then just keep a note that this will be helpful when you get their. This is because having a hobby gives you a life outside of your home, and work, making friends from different walks of life with an automatic similar interest.
Hobbies Improve Your Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
When trying something unfamiliar you are giving yourself the chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Therefore when you are able to achieve things in these circumstances it builds your self esteem. You start to feel good about yourself when you’re getting good at something, especially if you aren’t excepting it. With anything new there is always that learning curve, but fortunately it stays pretty flat when it comes to a hobby as the enjoyment makes it seem worthwhile. However that doesn’t dampen the great feeling you have when your nail it!
A New Hobby Can Mean New Friends
Not saying that you need to widen your circle but new hobbies are a great way to do so. If you are new to an area and your nearest and dearests aren’t so near anymore, this is a great way to break that loneliness. You will be hanging out with like minded people, who you will be able to share your passion with. Not only that but connecting with people when learning something new can help with your social skills, as it pushes you to try and reach out to different people.
What Hobbies Are There?
Now we’ve got you thinking about a new hobby here are some examples you can consider:
- Upcycling;
- Painting;
- Reading Books;
- Dancing;
- Running;
- Learning A New Language;
- Boxing;
- Bowling;
- Brewing Beer;
- Quizzing;
- Hiking;
- Biking;
- Fishing;
- Musical Instrument;
- Cooking;
- Golfing.