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A hobby is an activity that is done for leisure. With today’s fast paced lifestyles, the interest of a certain activity as a hobby is slowly diminishing. Today, many are more focused on turning every minute of their day into moneymaking minutes instead of using it to relax or get fit. Ask yourself, would you rather focus on a painting for three hours or work overtime and earn some extra cash?
Many would have picked the second option. Although, there could be many good reasons as to why you would have picked earning some extra cash, from helping you pay your bills, commitments or it could be saved up to help you achieve your dream of becoming rich.
However, believe it or not, investing some of your time in a hobby could actually help you gain more in life.
Hobbies are not just for individuals who ‘have nothing else to do’. They’re actually perfect for anyone who would like to have a healthy body, mind and soul. As a matter of fact, studies have also proved that having a hobby can help with your career too.
So, if you’re up for trying something new, perhaps having a hobby might just be the next thing for you to do! The best part is, there’s a long list of health benefits that come along with some hobbies. So, if you would you like to make the best out of your time, to help you get started, here are some hobbies that you should consider which also helps you to maintain your physical, mental and cognitive health.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Playing a musical instrument is not just to entertain others. Be it the drums, guitar, piano or a clarinet, learning how to play a musical instrument can help you to stay young and sharp. The health benefits of learning a new musical instrument applies to individuals of all ages.
A study by the University of Kansas Medical Centre conducted a study on 70 adults between the ages of 60 to 83. The study was to test the cognitive function of these individuals and it found that musicians performed better than those who did not have a background in music.
Health benefits: Keeps your brain healthy, improves your mood, helps you to relax, prevents dementia, improves hand-eye coordination and increases alertness.
TAP A FOOT
Dance is constantly evolving and let’s just say there’s surely a type for everyone. There are many forms of dancing from salsa, hip-hop, jazz, disco, ballet to line dancing. Plus, there are also types of aerobics that incorporates exercise and dance such as Zumba, Jazzercise and X-trend Barre.
Dancing has been popularly known as a great form of self-expression and it also helps to keep you in shape.
Simply move your body to a rhythm and that’s already a form of dance!
The best part is, dance is not limited just to those who can do the split or have great coordination. Dance as a hobby is perfect for anyone who loves to move!
Health benefits:
Improves muscle tone and strength, improves cardiovascular and respiratory health, better coordination, balance, flexibility and bone health as well as reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
TEE OFF!
Golf is a physically challenging and mentally stimulating game. Although this sport is seen as a career for some, golf can also be played for leisure.
In a Swedish study conducted by Professor Anders Ahlbom of Karolinska Institutet, it found that golfers had a five-year increase in life expectancy as compared to participants who did not play golf.
Besides keeping you fit mentally and physically, golf also helps to improve your social skills as you get to know more people and make new friends who share the same interest as you.
Health benefits:
Improves heart health, reduces stress, helps with weight loss, lower risk of injury and reduces the risk of declination in cognitive function.
DIY TO BETTER HEALTH
Crocheting or also known as knitting is a wonderful hobby especially if you love making items yourself. There are countless items you can make just from crocheting. This includes soft toys, coasters, sweaters, placemats, tablecloths and even floor mats.
Crocheting is not only an outlet to express your creativity, which adversely helps with dementia. It can also help you relax your mind. Activities such as crocheting require high concentration and hence, forcing you to place your full focus on the activity and eventually, relaxing your mind as you let go of anything that was stressing you up earlier. Plus, the end result of your work is truly fulfilling and this helps with your self-confidence too.
Classes are available to help you kick start your crocheting hobby. On top of that, there are also lots of handy tips available on the internet including tutorial videos for beginners.
Health benefits:
Reduces stress, risk of cognitive conditions associated with age, keeps fingers nimble (helps with arthritis) and improves concentration.
Having a hobby also pushes you to explore your abilities as an individual despite your age. With any hobby, you’ll strive to learn more and try new things associated with it.
Especially if the hobby you’ve decided to try is entirely new to you, be sure to do some research and learn it through the right channels such as via certified coaches. After all, you’ll want to have fun and grow as an individual.
FIND A HOBBY THAT SUITS YOU
Hobbies are unique to you…
Even between your spouse and you, the both of you might share the same hobby or have entirely different interests. The most important factor to take note when having a hobby is that you have fun and it takes you away from your day-to-day stressors.
If you’re not too sure about which hobby might suit you, here’s a guide:
• Your past
Was there a particular interest that you had when you were younger? Perhaps a collection of items that you had to let go as you grew older? If yes, that’s something that you could perhaps pick up again.
• Start small
Just like introducing anything else that’s new in your life, it’s always best to start small. Take some time (such an hour or so) off your usual schedule and focus on exploring your new interest. Also, avoid spending a large amount of money, just in case you find that it’s not suitable for you.
• One that fits
Some hobbies might require more time and some may require a higher financial budget. Find a hobby that is within your means.
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