Adulting can be demanding, and before we even notice it, we are no longer interested in carving out time and energy to do fun things, be curious and try something different for a hobby.

The thing is, many experts believe people with full, busy and even stressful schedules need hobbies more than an average person.

To inspire you, here are five compelling reasons to start a new hobby despite your age, schedule and responsibilities.

 

1. It helps to relieve stress.

 

Participating in a new hobby can take your mind off the more pressing concerns of everyday life. It helps you unwind from your daily routine by keeping you engaged in an activity that is not associated with work, chores or any responsibility.

According to research, people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress. One study showed approximately 75% reduced cortisol levels in participants after making art. If you are not very artistic, don’t worry. The same research supports that you don’t need prior experience in arts to make the same effect.

 

2. It improves social connection.

 

Social isolation can have a negative impact on our well-being. Thankfully, engaging in an activity that can get you out and about opens an opportunity for you to meet like-minded people with whom you already have something in common. It allows you to make new connections and foster meaningful relationships with others in your neighbourhood or community.

 

3. It makes you a better problem-solver.

 

While it’s important to separate our hobbies from our need to be productive, these two are actually correlated.

A study at San Francisco University showed that people who regularly engage themselves in creative activities were more likely to come up with creative solutions to on-the-job problems and scored up to 30% higher on performance rankings.

Whatever your choice of a hobby is, it will certainly include problem-solving, which you can apply to your professional life later.

 

4. It restores your mind and energy.

 

Having a hobby allows you to engage in your passion and seek pleasure in something you already enjoy doing. When you are completely immersed in an activity, so much that you don’t even notice time flying, that is called flow. Flow occurs when concentration, enjoyment and interest align.

“The lost sense of time in flow states restores your mind and energy. It also requires a high level of concentration and can enhance your creativity, help you think more clearly and sharpen your focus,” said Carol Kauffman, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, in an interview with the New York Times.

 

5. It gives you something to feel good about.

 

Investing your time in a hobby is one of the best ways to develop a positive attitude and achieve happiness.

Especially during hardships, developing a hobby can help you build yourself back by giving you a sense of accomplishment and genuine fulfilment from overcoming challenges and finishing tasks.

Moreover, having a hobby means you always have something to get better at, learn from, enjoy without pressure, and look forward to.

 

 

We knew that the hardest part of having a hobby is always getting started, so we compiled some credible reasons to convince and motivate you.

Whether you do something creative, athletic, academic or charitable for a hobby, your mental health and well-being will surely benefit.