How having hobbies will improve your life

In our modern society, many people see their work as the most demanding part of their lives. They spend more time working, whether at home, at school, or some other destination, than they do sleeping. However, work is a necessity. It gives us the means to financially support ourselves and our families. We spend years and thousands of dollars on educating ourselves so we can get a good job that pays well and offers benefits such as 401-k or other savings plans and medical benefits. Our work can do all of that, and those things are important. But it can leave us exhausted, mentally and physically, with little energy for the most important parts of our lives: family and hobbies.

The Benefits of Hobbies

Family definitely should be our driving force for everything we do and one of our happiest blessings. But making time for hobbies is important because hobbies give us a welcome break from what can be the daily grind. Hobbies, in this sense, refer to our favorite pastimes. They are the activities that bring us pleasure and clear our minds from the work-a-day clutter. Even if you love your job, the continuous pressures can wear you down. Some have forgotten what we love to do outside of family and work. Our talents and interests have been buried under the mundane duties of the daily demands of work and the responsibilities of family.

Hobbies for Creativity

Often we become so fixated on getting the job done (whatever “the job” is) that our creativity gets lost. Creativity opens our minds to broader perspectives. When we deny ourselves the indulgence of creative thinking, we can become closed-minded. As we allow our minds to drift into creative mode, it can open us up to think outside the box. This is a talent that can be a huge benefit in some work places. Innovative thinkers are a beneficial commodity in today’s workforce. They are the inventors and problem solvers needed in today’s high tech world. Creative minds see beyond the obvious. Leisure time spent on a creative hobby can benefit you in life.

For example, Walt Disney had a keen interest in anything artistic as a child. He became an artist, a businessman, a film maker, and much more. He took the time to pursue his creativity and became an international icon.

Hobbies for Stress Relief and Mental Health

Hobbies are an excellent remedy for a stressful week. It gives you an outlet to release built-up stress. A hobby can distract you from pressures and deadlines and such. It can increase your positivity and improve your mood. Using your creativity has been shown to expand neural connections in your brain, which can release feel-good hormones like dopamine. Taking up a hobby is a good way to reduce anxiety, as well. It gives you something to focus on, taking your mind off of negative thoughts.

For instance, writing can be very beneficial, so take out your journal or start a poetry book. Reading for pleasure is a good outlet. Find topics that you are not yet familiar with to gain new perspectives and enlarge your knowledge base. It will make conversations more interesting, too.

Hobbies for Profit

There are hobbies that can become a profitable business. For example, The Tuttle Twins Guide to Inspiring Entrepreneurs gives us many examples of women and men whose successful businesses started out as hobbies in a basement or garage. Some people, such as Adi Dassler, was an athlete who saw the need to improve sports equipment and created what we know today as Adidas, one of the largest manufacturers of sportswear in the world. It started with Adi taking the time and making the effort to pursue his hobby of sports which led to a successful business.

Another example is the hobby of crafting. Many people enjoy crafting as a leisure activity, but it can also be turned into a profitable business. For instance, Etsy, a popular online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, allows crafters to sell their creations to customers all over the world. It is an excellent platform for people who enjoy making crafts to earn extra income or even turn it into a full-time job.

Hobbies for Mental and Emotional Health

Engaging in hobbies can have positive effects on one’s mental and emotional health. Hobbies such as meditation, yoga, and journaling are effective ways to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. These hobbies help people to relax, reflect, and gain a sense of perspective.

Another hobby that has shown to have a positive impact on mental health is gardening. It is a peaceful and relaxing activity that allows people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Gardening has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve overall mood.

If you’re interested in exploring hobbies that can lead to profitable business ventures, check out The Tuttle Twins Guide to Inspiring Entrepreneurs. This book provides great examples of successful entrepreneurs who started out with a simple hobby and turned it into a thriving business.

As a bonus, the author, Connor Boyack, is also an avid beekeeper and includes his whole family in his hobby.

Who knows, maybe beekeeping will become your new favorite hobby or even inspire you to start your own beekeeping business!