Those things we love to do hold a special place in our hearts and minds. They soothe our souls, help us relax and re-energize. They make us happy. Those things are our hobbies.
Hobbies can take so many different forms… really any form. They are merely something that you enjoy doing, something you love doing. They can be mindless or mindful; active or restful; solitary or sociable.
Think about what you love to do. Do you love to garden? Read? Maybe your passion is writing or cooking. Or maybe you enjoy something more active, like tennis or hiking.
Regardless of what your hobby is, all hobbies provide an opportunity to experience in the way that best fulfills your needs. Take gardening, for example, or reading. Both seem to be solitary hobbies. But they can be as social as you want – or need – them to be. Sure, you’ll probably work in your backyard garden by yourself or read your latest good book by yourself. But they both provide social opportunities. If gardening is your thing, take a Master Gardener’s Class. If it is reading, join a book club. Not only will you doing what you love, but you will be doing it with like-minded people.
The word hobby can be misleading. It can give the impression of something that is frivolous or secondary, not important. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hobbies play a very important role in our lives. Beyond defining more of who we are as a person, Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Group activities like team sports can improve your communication skills and relationships with others. They also make you more interesting, providing you with stories and experiences that can be shared with others.
So what do you love to do? Whatever it is, embrace it, make it yours, grow and learn from it. Whatever it is, it will soothe your mind and heart, excite you and relax you.
3 responses to “Hobbies Soothe the Mind and Heart”
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