Hobbies are often perceived as simple leisure activities amidst life's hustle and bustle. However, indulging in a beloved hobby can also serve as a valuable stress-relief tool and aid in maintaining mental well-being. Let's delve into the mental health benefits of hobbies with the following overview:

Mental health benefits of hobbies

A hobby is any activity that you often do for fun in your spare time. This includes creative activities like painting, knitting, and crafting, as well as sporting activities like swimming and cycling. Hobbies can also be intellectual activities, such as reading or researching something. 

Many people do their hobbies or favorite activities as a way to pass the time. But beyond that, doing the hobbies or activities you love may also help maintain your physical and mental health. According to Verywell Mind, a study revealed that those who have hobbies that involve physical activity in their spare time for at least 20 minutes once a week were found to be less tired. 

Other studies have suggested that working on leisure hobbies is associated with lower blood pressure, lower total cortisol levels, decreased waist circumference, a lower body mass index, and better perceived physical function. It is also associated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression.

Some of the benefits of taking up a hobby for mental health include: 

Giving time to rest

Working on your hobbies gives you time to take a break from your busy schedule. By taking the time to work on your hobbies, you can recharge your energy, making you more energized.

Triggers healthy stress

For a body that lacks stimulation, working on a hobby can trigger eustress, which is healthy stress that arises from enjoyable activities. Unlike the stress felt due to work demands or other problems, eustress is a positive type of stress that can make you feel energized and not bored in your daily activities. 

Improve social skills

Taking up a hobby can also help improve your social skills. Joining a community because you share the same hobby can help you meet new people, share stories, and relieve stress, so you can have fun doing your hobby with your community mates.

Prevent burnout

Engaging in hobbies can help prevent work-related burnout and fatigue. For those of you who feel overwhelmed at work, you can use hobbies as an outlet for stress and an activity to look forward to after a hard day's work.

Reduces symptoms of depression in the elderly

Having a hobby can also help maintain mental health, not only for children and adults but also for the elderly. Being active in a hobby is often associated with a reduced risk of depression, higher levels of happiness, and higher levels of life satisfaction.

How to make time for hobbies

When it comes to pursuing a hobby, you can choose a variety of fun, positive activities such as gardening, reading, writing, knitting, drawing, cycling, or swimming. However, many people don't do these hobbies because they don't have enough time to do them. The reason is that most people tend to prioritize work or other activities over hobbies.

To prioritize your hobbies, carve out dedicated time each day to engage in activities you love. If daily participation isn't feasible, aim to set aside a few hours weekly or monthly for your chosen pastime. Embracing your hobbies can promote relaxation and enhance productivity.

Working on your hobbies not only brings you joy but can also relieve stress, which is beneficial for your mental health. If you have questions about mental health, you can either visit a psychologist or psychiatrist or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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