The Importance of having a Hobby

A hobby to me is like drinking water - people underestimate its value and its contribution to a fuller, happier, healthier life. Just to explain the water reference, I believe that people who drink water on a consistent regular basis lead healthier lives. I have no scientific proof of this - although there could well be some out there - I am just going by personal observation, but that is a whole other topic. Keeping to the hobby theme, I also believe that people with hobbies, are generally happy, more fulfilled and mentally stimulated people. The degree of this naturally depends on the type of hobby. Those that involve a lot of other human interaction are excellent for maintaining social skills, and are perfect for people who like interaction or lead isolated professions or live on their own. The ones that can be done on a singular basis tend to be more mentally challenging and are perfect for people who lead busy hectic lives where some peace and quiet helps balance / restore their energy levels, and calm the mind.

People today have no time for hobbies. So many of us seem to be living in a very fast paced world, where we try to do more than we realistically can in any given week which has a negative impact on our emotional mental state. We probably could find the time within there to take on a hobby, but because we have tried to cram in so many other things where we are constantly giving our time to other people, we feel too drained and tired to even think about doing something for ourselves. We need to slow down and take time out. Find a passion, a love for something that makes us feel good inside our souls and excited about having something to look forward too. Even if that excitement comes in the form of taking 30 minutes out each evening to be on our own while we go and do the latest on the new model ship/airplane/battlefield we've been creating. Basically it doesn't have to come in the form of physical activity - although having said that, some physical activity is also needed in our weekly routine if the hobby and our daily routine are of the sedentary nature. Not only for the obvious fitness/health reasons, but for the endorphins physical activity release into our bloodstream that leaves behind a very positive feel good factor, which is essential in maintaining a more positive upbeat look on life. It has a circle effect where it gives us more energy to be more active, and so on. Ironically you do need to be careful not to overdo it however, as you need to give your body a chance to recover and rebuild from the more strenuous activities.

Other benefits of hobbies are things like you might meet new friends which could lead onto other interests. You use both the left and right hemisphere of your brain - the left being the logical controller and the right the creative one. Exercising both hemispheres expands your brain opening even more room for learning further and developing new skills.

I feel this has become an issue with our young Children of today as computers have become an integral part of their lives. While there may be plenty Internet games out there which help the child develop certain skills, it is not the same as experiencing these lessons in real life with other real children. It is so sad to no longer see children out on the street playing games together, unknowingly developing vital life lessons that will benefit them in adulthood. And don't get me started on the simple fact of being out in the fresh air! Feeling the wind, seeing the sky, smelling the sea, the woods, even the sun and the rain. Sadly not every child has all the same opportunities I know that, but for the majority of our children they can find pleasant things to see, smell and touch. I believe the more active they are as a child - without involving a parent turning into a personal, permanent on call taxi service - the easier it will be for them as an adult to engage in some form of a hobby/activity or interest.

A hobby can also give you a sense of control, it is something that you have chosen to do with your life because it is something that you enjoy doing. This can be very important if the majority of your waking day is being spent devoted to other people's needs. It brings you back to fulfilling your own needs, which is vitally important to a healthy state of mind, and a happier, healthier life.

 

Get Active - Get Creative - Get Involved You'll Be Glad You Did

 

Some hobby suggestions - to name but a mere few! Check out local clubs or simply ask around.

A few of the sporty ones: Sailing; Wind / Kite Surfing; Canoeing; Skiing; Tennis; local Football, Basketball or Volleyball teams. Horse Riding; Mountaineering or local Rambling / Hill Walking groups; Cycling; Skating; Dancing; Swimming; Golf.

The less energetic ones: Photography; Painting; Writing; Fishing; Dress Making; join a Choir; Building Model Aircraft or similar; Baking for a local market; Needlework; Yoga/Meditation; learn how to play a new Instrument or speak a new language; learn how to develop software - create your own website; see if there is a local Drama Society or Book Club or what courses may be running near you like Interior Design or Woodwork.

The list could go on and on. The point is to try and experiment with different things if you are unsure
as to what might work for you - something will, be patient, keep trying and you'll find it.

 

 

 

Lara O'Connell, Dip. Reflex. MNRRI. Main Street, Kinvara, Co Galway, Ireland. Ph:+353 (0) 86 277 5212.