How Hobbies Help Your Health
With Summer almost coming to an end, we continue to find ways of having a healthy lifestyle and what better way to stay busy then by doing something we love!
Most people like working out but want to participate in activities that don’t feel like working out. One solution to staying healthy is by doing the things you already love to do or have always wanted to try. That hobby you’ve been wanting to try or have been putting off could be your key for a healthier, happier life.
Hobbies engage you physically and mentally. It’s been proven that people who actively participate in hobbies are at a lower risk for depression and dementia. Hobbies are a way for people to stay engaged on multiple levels. People who have a hobby “are generally healthier,” says Peter Lichtenberg, Ph.D., Director of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University. Most hobbies involve at least some level of mental activity and give people a reason to stay connected to other people with similar interests.
So you may be asking, “What kind of hobby is best?” Hobbies that require expertise are more satisfying because developing an expertise in something like photography or astronomy requires commitment which results in a higher level of engagement. Hobbies that involve some form of physical fitness such as walking, provides a physical benefit as well. Walking is linked to reducing stress and anxiety.
Hobbies can be thought of on three levels:
- Diversion
- Passion
- Purpose
Hobbies act as a diversion that helps us pass the time and makes us unaware that time is passing. They can also become a passion that we become truly engaged in. And finally, they are something that creates a sense of purpose. We all need that. The ideal hobby is a combination of all three.
If you’re looking for a hobby, many community collages offer classes in activities that range from gardening to watercolor painting. It’s also a great way to meet other people that are also interested in the same activities.
For additional online information and resources about maintaining well-being and wellness, go to www.eapconsultants.com and enter your password. If you do not know your password, send an email to benefits@hr-strategies.com and include the name of your employer.