Hobbies Enhance Life

“To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.” – Winston Churchill

When life gets busy, the first things to go out the window are hobbies. Often considered unnecessary, they are thrown to the side as life stuff takes precedence. This is a pity because hobbies provide benefits to our mental and physical health. The worst days are often the ones in which you did nothing for yourself.

Studies show people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed. This is coupled with having lower heart rates during hobby time¹. Other studies highlight the fact we still feel the positive effect of creative activities days after participating in them². As you age, findings suggest having hobbies may extend longevity and healthy life expectancy³. Over 27% of adults with full time employment have turned hobbies into a side hustle⁴. Obviously, we are a fan of this (Exhibit A – this blog), but with the disclaimer that it changes the tone of the hobby.

Don’t have a hobby? There are endless options to chose from⁵. Anything from playing an instrument to hiking to wood working, and everything in between. We understand some might consider gaming or streaming a hobby, but we strongly encourage hobbies which help you escape from the screens. Screen time has increased across the US by 30% since last year⁶. Don’t add to this statistic.

If you already have a hobby, build time into your schedule to pursue it. If not, pick one. Have fun exploring and trying out new things. Sign up for activities with a friend. Strapped for cash? Many hobbies are free. Some provide financial benefits without turning into a business. Others provide direct health benefits. The idea is to engage in something that’s stimulating, requires creativity, and involves physical activity.

Action: Make time for your hobby this week.

Further Reading:

1. Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being
2. Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing
3. Relationship of Having Hobbies and a Purpose in Life With Mortality, Activities of Daily Living, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults
4. 55 percent of adults want to turn a hobby into a lucrative side hustle
5. Huge List Of Hobbies & Interests: 1,000+ Ideas To Explore!
6. 2023 Cell Phone Usage Statistics: Mornings Are for Notifications