Study: Hobbies Keep You Sharp

Did you know that hobbies can help you live a longer and more fulfilled life? Many scientific studies have found that having a hobby can improve your physical and mental health, keep you sharp on the job, and help your relationships. But don’t just take our word for it! Here are just a few examples that explain the benefits of having a hobby!

Hobbies improve physical and mental health. Hobbies do not have to be physically demanding to be beneficial. A study by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that people who engage in leisure activities tend to be healthier overall, with lower blood pressure, cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index. Clinical research also finds that hobbies can improve mental health by lowering heart rate and reducing stress, anxiety and negative moods. 

Hobbies help you perform better at work. A study conducted on employees correlates creativity with mastery, control, relaxation, and job performance-related outcomes. The results indicate that companies may benefit from encouraging their employees to consider creative activities or engaging in a hobby to recharge from the workday.

Balancing hobbies and work are critical to you and your relationships. Focusing first on family and yourself and putting work second can help reduce stress during our working years.  Exercise, work, family time, personal leisure time, and volunteering should all be part of your monthly schedule. 

Looking for a place to start? Here are some ideas!

• Pickleball – still have that competitive fire? Pickleball is a great sport to pick up! It’s a relatively simple game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
• Gardening – still one of the best ways to reduce stress, stay fit, and, best of all, experience a sense of accomplishment! Gardening can help you stay mentally sharp, too. As any gardener knows, you can’t just drop some seeds in the ground and wait!
• Book clubs – online tools like MeetUp, EventBrite, or even Facebook Groups are the perfect place to find an active book club to join. If you can’t find one, start one yourself! Book clubs promote mental acuity and keep your social and analytical skills sharp!

For a complete list, visit 101 Hobbies to Try This Year on The Local Adventurer.

There's no better time than right now to take on activities that will help you live a longer and more fulfilled life!

^{Courtesy of Fresh Finance.}