This week we would like to take a moment to share some thoughts on the benefits of having hobbies and finding new interests can have on both our mental, and often times, physical health. They have great value in bringing and keeping balance in our lives by allowing us to deliberately engage with something of our choosing.

Hobbies are such a great way to help us unwind and take our mind off our day or current situation. They provide us with a healthy escape from the pressures of our daily lives and allow us to make new friends, learn new skills and gain a sense of achievement by engaging and excelling in something that we have had the chance to choose.

So much of life is thrust upon us and we often have no choice but to deal with it. The great thing about hobbies is that they are inevitably something we naturally want to do or partake in. They help grow us as individuals, whether it be knitting, reading, dancing, painting, baking, gardening or even hiking. Hobbies provide opportunities for us to become more rounded people. They give us a moment to pause and focus on something therapeutic.

There is so much to be said about regularly doing something that enables us to feel proud of ourselves, which in turn helps give a sense of accomplishment. We have spoken a lot about the benefits of caring for yourself both in your physical body as well as your mental well-being and we believe that finding new interests and starting new hobbies is such an effective way to maintain a healthy state if mind.

People who actively pursue hobbies experience many benefits, including lower stress levels, improved mental health, greater connections with people, healthier relationships, lower rates of depression and anxiety and the ability to be more present in daily life.

Like a natural food supplement works wonders on your body, so learning about new topics and picking up new skills can act as a ‘supplement’ for your mind. We definitely encourage anyone reading this to try pick up a hobby or find something new to learn about if you aren’t already doing that.

The benefits are so worth the effort and once you take the leap, it won’t be long before you start seeing the positive affect in your life.