“Fun is good.” Wise words from the great Dr. Seuss. And he wrote in simpler times; the way we live today is so hectic and busy. We scramble just to cover the basics every day that we often forget to have fun. And fun is good. It’s important to make time to do things you enjoy. It’s good to go for a walk clear your head, or give yourself a good soak in the tub to relax, but I’m talking about hobbies. Yes, hobbies.
A hobby is defined as something that you want to do, rather than something that you have to do. Hobbies have all kinds of emotional, physical, and mental benefits, so if you have any, make sure to make time for them, and if you don’t have a hobby, start one- or more- they’re fun! Here are some benefits of having a hobby:
- Hobbies promote eustress. Yup, I learned a new word today! Eustress is kind of like the flip side of stress- it’s positive stress that makes you excited about life.
- A hobby can present an exciting challenge that can give you new skills and knowledge.
- We all need a break and having a hobby is a healthy break from the usual. Looking forward to getting busy with your hobby can help get you through a busy day of grown-up obligations.
- Hobbies can be social, and being social has its own set of benefits.
- A hobby can also be an excellent outlet for creative energy you might not even know you have.
- If you’re really lucky, you might even figure out how to get some financial benefits from your hobby; think about all those successful businesses that started out as hobbies.
Try writing, baking, painting, gardening, knitting, sailing- anything that sounds fun and interesting to you. Make sure to make time for your hobbies. Decide how much time you want to spend each day or week and put it into your calendar as thought it’s an appointment you can’t break. It’s an appointment with yourself to have fun, and fun is good!