What is a hobby?
The definition is “an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.” This basically means that a hobby can be pretty much anything as long as it’s done consistently and on a normal basis. Examples of hobbies include sports, playing games, gardening, academic, and outdoor activities.
What is the history of hobbies?
Hobbies originally for only the wealthy and ruling classes, that is up until Industrial revolutions around the 1760s it became more available to more of the populations but still not the majority of the public as they normally worked 12 hour days, 7 days a week. The start of the 1900s really gave the majority of people the ability to start and have hobbies. This was because workers started to have the 8 hour work day and got Sunday off. With all this extra time, people had the time to start getting into hobbies and it really took off for there.
How do hobbies affect mental health?
Research has shown that people with hobbies rarely suffer from stress, depression and low mood and so it is vital for our mental health that we find activities that will get us out, make us feel happier and more relaxed.
What are the benefits of hobbies?
Hobbies can have you take some much needed time to yourself, that being if your hobby is that one that needs to be done alone. This important time of being productive can be a great stress reliever. Hobbies also can make you practice mindfulness without even realizing it. 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. With outdoor activities such as gardening, can make you feel more relaxed and grounded with the Earth. In our ever increasing time we spend inside; as humans we have a need to connect with nature, which interacts with the environment from hobbies that are geared towards being in nature.
What are some examples of good hobbies that can greatly enhance your mental health?
Artistic pursuits are an amazing way to improve your mental health, whether it be learning an instrument or creating with your hands, or taking photos. These ones can greatly increase your self confidence. Another great type is outdoor activities, such as sports which can help with social anxiety and help improve team building skills. Another outdoor activity is going on walks in nature, studies have shown being in nature lowers your cortisol levels and reduces depression and anxiety. There are many more, as long as you maintain a healthy balanced hobbies can be a great outlet for relieving stress and allowing you to be creative without any pressure. This in turn improves other parts of your life.
Written by Zachary Ericksen
Photos by Marlon Rinschede
Instagram : Rinschingel
https://www.wpr.org/history-hobbies
https://www.cae.edu.au/news/five-benefits-of-having-a-hobby/
