LEISURE PLEASURES – DO YOU HAVE A HOBBY?
It is important to engage in a hobby that interests you as having a hobby has many benefits. A hobby not only motivates you but also makes you happy.
It is rightly said, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.”
The human mind is one of the most awe-inspiring of creations – a sophisticated machine that operates within the human body and plays a major role in controlling our actions, thoughts and temperaments.
Just as a machine needs oil, gas and electricity to function, the mind needs its share of stimulation to operate and produce results.
It is generally seen that an idle person tends to dwell in sadness and acquires a negative approach towards life.
Such people can benefit tremendously by cultivating a hobby, though a hobby is, quite simply, is the best prescription to active minds for scaling greater heights.
WHAT MAKES A HOBBY AND ITS BENEFITS
Cake Baking as a Hobby – My Vanilla Cake with Chopped Almonds
A hobby can be defined as an activity, or an interest, which is pursued outside one’s regular occupation.
People of all age groups can cultivate a satisfying hobby. The trick is to find what interests you, motivates you and makes you happy.
It can be anything that you like to do – gardening, stitching, cooking, writing poetry, photography, playing sports, watching opera etc.
Other common hobbies include stamp collection, singing, playing a musical instrument, sculpture, reading, collecting coins, travelling, bird watching, home improvement or re-decoration etc, – the list is endless.
HOBBIES FOR CHILDREN, KIDS AND TEENAGERS
Parents would do well to persuade their children to nurture a hobby along with their studies as there are many benefits of a hobby. Activities related to sports, music and arts lead to the holistic development of your child.
It also helps them expand their horizons and contributes to their overall growth. Teenagers should be equally motivated to take up a craft, pursue their interests in theatre, music or dance etc.,
This will aid them to realise their dreams and also ambitions in life with added vigour and gusto.
HOBBIES FOR ADULTS
Grown-ups too benefit greatly by pursuing hobbies. Most working professionals are faced with cut-throat competition in their workplace, back-breaking schedules and deadline-driven projects.
In today’s hectic life, stress, strain, irritability and burnout are part and parcel of our routine. In such a scenario, it is imperative to spend some time on activities that help us relax, relieve stress and give us some respite from monotonous work regimes.
Weekends can be a good time to unwind and catch up on your favourite sport, writing or gardening. Remember – the simplest of hobbies can provide a great stimulus to the mind, body and soul.
HOBBIES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Senior citizens would do well to spend time doing things they always wanted to. As time is not a constraint, they can engage their entire day with fulfilling and satisfying hobbies.
Gardening, walking, golf, chess, board games, social work, and teaching, are great hobby ideas – the choice is yours. The big advantage – hobbies keep you physically occupied, mentally stimulated, and emotionally balanced.
When A Hobby Becomes a Profession
Many people convert their hobbies into full-time occupations and build a successful career, or earn extra income.
Talented women, for instance, can use their talent to create embroidered wall-hangings, decoration pieces etc. Those who have good organisational skills can offer their creative services as marriage planners.
Each of us has a life to live. It is up to us to live it up! Here we go…
If you still haven’t picked up a hobby, this is probably the best time to sit back and think of the things you would love to do. Once you know what will give you happiness, just go ahead and nurture it.
A satisfying hobby will make you a complete person – one that loves to live a full life.
First Published in Complete Wellbeing Magazine
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Do you have a hobby that you pursue religiously? Have you experienced the benefits of a hobby?
Tell me about it in the comments section below.
