Author: August Clarke
Throughout the year – while you may be juggling school, work, and extracurriculars – life can get busy, busy, busy. During this time, it is important to keep yourself grounded by having an activity you enjoy to fall back on. Many studies have determined that having a hobby is both mentally and emotionally positive, but you don’t have to be a psychologist to see the benefits.
The following are just three major reasons why taking up a hobby is a good idea.
1. It can relieve stress
Having a hobby is great because it allows you to redirect your attention away from things that may be causing you stress (such as school or competitive activities) to focus on something you enjoy. Performing well in academics and at work is important, but it is important to give yourself time for the things you love as well.
Setting aside time to participate in an activity you like for the simple sake of enjoyment can go a long way in improving your overall happiness. Not only will it give you a reprieve from stressing about whatever may be on your mind, taking a break from your busy routine gives you an opportunity to hit reset and refresh your mind.
2. It encourages personal growth
Taking up a hobby gives you the opportunity to try something new that you may not have considered before. It doesn’t matter what the task may be, big or small; if you spend some time working toward a goal you set for yourself, you will improve. Personal growth can result from learning a new song on guitar, going through the process of completing a collection of poetry, or building up your hiking stamina. There are no limits to what you can accomplish with a hobby.
The more activities you try, the more well-rounded you will become as a person. Odds are, you may even meet some new people while you are at it who can challenge you in exciting and stimulating ways.
3. It builds confidence
You don’t have to be good at something to be passionate about it but – odds are – if you spend a lot of time working at it, you will start to hit milestones you never knew you could. Setting goals for yourself and accomplishing them is a great way to boost your self-esteem. As you try more things and expand your skill-set you will begin to build confidence in new areas that will likely extend to other areas in your life. The process of learning something new and watching yourself improve at it is a very rewarding experience.
There are many reasons to take up a new activity, but these are a few of the most important ones. Odds are, you already have a hobby – and that’s great! But if you don’t, there is something out there for you to try no matter your interests. Some possible hobbies include cooking, writing, singing, playing an instrument, rock-climbing, running, etc. One of these activities may be just the thing you feel is missing from your routine.
