It’s easily noticeable when an acquaintance asks us about our pastimes or hobbies that we don’t really have any. We often define many of our relatives and friends by the hobbies and passions they follow. And indeed, a hobby can carry us far away from daily life’s stressors and challenges; we just haven’t tapped into the potential that our favourite hobbies carry. The next time someone asks you what your hobbies are, brighten up and come up with a list of passions you fondly follow and are excited to talk about because they are your saviours.
Research has shown solid evidence proving that hobbies lower cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Being ‘on the move’ all the time can significantly raise your cortisol levels, putting the whole body in a state of constant stress. However, following your favourite hobby can lower these levels and bring you peace. Moreover, engaging in our hobbies daily at a fixed time can put us into a rhythm, keeping us fresh and free from stress. Hobbies that involve physical activity release endorphins, further improving mental health and overall wellness. We gain a sense of control, and our self-esteem is boosted by indulging in our favourite hobbies. Additionally, learning new hobbies can help in the development of our brain and encourage neuroplasticity, where our mind forms new neural networks and improves brain health. Shared interests can lead to discussions, and group hobbies can promote further positive growth. People with hobbies develop frustration tolerance and heightened patience. Not only that, hobbies provide a channel for accomplishments and joy.
The graph of life might be heading towards stressful times and unmanageable workloads, but a sprinkle of hobbies will definitely prevent people from suffering further. Humans need to be pulled toward something they enjoy and then engage in it daily for a while, which will help everyone take a much-needed breather. Don’t be a drone at your job—be somebody with your dearest hobby.
