How leisure activities rewire your well-being
Are you an avid reader? Budding wood carver? Enthusiastic knitter? More than just an activity you do for enjoyment during your leisure, a hobby can provide health and communal benefits outside of a creative release. Here’s a visual with more explanation below.
Reduced stress
Engaging in a hobby reduces stress levels, allowing for relaxation and self-expression (Wang et al.). For example, reading a fiction novel can transport your mind away from your current environment. It allows you to focus on the moment – a trait shared with mindfulness. The next time you pick up a book, do so with intention and the aim to be present with the material you are reading (Baylor Medicine).
Greater happiness and life satisfaction
Having hobbies increases happiness, life satisfaction, and improved mental well-being, especially for adults 65 and older (Nature). Study participants even showed fewer symptoms of depression when engaging in a hobby. Another perk of golfing, crocheting, or line dancing as part of a group is the added social component – building friendships and relationships helps you feel less anxious or stressed.
Providing purpose and identity outside of struggles
According to Eagle View Behavioral Health, a hobby can help someone struggling with mental health to find identity outside of their struggle. Much like the characters in Silver Linings Playbook (featured in one of our posts on Mental Health in Pop Culture), dance was a constructive outlet for the protagonists to process grief and navigating bipolar disorder. Tiffany and Pat’s regular practice decreased the chance of negative thoughts, provided physical exercise, and more importantly a purpose and goal.
Gives you a sense of accomplishment
In addition, hobbies can supply short-term, manageable tasks that leave you with a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s learning a new music scale on the piano or adding another row to the blanket you’re crocheting, that feeling of accomplishment releases dopamine in your brain, creating a positive feedback loop as you continue your pursuits.
Thinking of your own life, what activities do you enjoy in your spare time, and what mental health benefits have you found in doing them? Are there any new hobbies you’re thinking of taking on, perhaps with some holidays and vacation coming? Connect with Savor Lining on LinkedIn and let’s continue the conversation.