The Calming Influence: How Hobbies Heal the Mind and Soul

-Preksha Gabrielle

Intern, Mind Splatters, Jan - April, 2024

Indulging in your hobbies is one of the most important activities of self-love you can pursue in today’s world. Life is incredibly fast-paced, with most individuals barely having time to engage with others. Stress is an inevitable part of our lives, especially for those meeting multiple deadlines and dealing with intensive workloads. It is difficult to disconnect from our jobs but developing a hobby can be the first way to do it. 

Mental health can be adversely affected by a variety of variables, from life-altering experiences to the cumulative impacts of daily stressors. Even though several interventions, such as mindfulness exercises, exercise, and psychotherapy, have shown to be effective in enhancing mental health, engaging in pleasant activities—also known as hobbies—remains an underappreciated but potentially effective tactic.

Setting aside time to pursue a hobby could be a good way to unwind from a faster work environment. Research indicates that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low moods, stress, and depression. Understandably, it is difficult to unwind and give yourself permission to sit and relax and still feel good about it. By setting aside time for a hobby such as painting, listening to music, baking or reading a book, you now have a slice of your day uninterrupted by the thought of work or productivity goals. 

There are several reasons why you should pursue a hobby to unwind. 

1. Creative Outlet: Creativity can get tamped down in a 9-5 job with constraints in the work you do and how you do it. However, engaging in creative activities like knitting, crocheting or painting can allow positive emotions to increase. Did you know that engaging in your passion project, such as music or photography, for just two hours a week might pave the way for a happier life? By fostering stronger bonds between people, these activities can cause feel-good hormones like dopamine to be released.

2. Social Connections: Hobbies are wonderful because they allow for shared experiences. Engaging in social support-boosting activities such as brainstorming with a creative writing group or joining a cosy knitting circle can be quite beneficial. Having a network of supportive people gives us a sense of community and lessens feelings of loneliness when we confront difficulties. They can provide a sympathetic ear, useful assistance, or just some lighthearted company. Studies also indicate that social relationships may cause the production of hormones that promote relaxation. 

3. Avoiding Burnout: Severe stress might make you feel as though a cloud is always hovering over your head. Engaging in hobbies is a potent remedy. They lessen the effects of daily stresses by bringing enjoyment and freedom into your life. Consider them as a stress-relieving escape route, particularly if your line of work is demanding. 

4. Improved Mental Health: Participating in recreational activities, especially those that involve physical activity, has been scientifically associated with numerous health advantages. These include lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. Going outside while doing physical hobbies, however, has a synergistic effect that produces additional benefits for mental health. Research has indicated that even short-term visits to natural settings—as little as ten minutes—can have a major positive impact on mood, sharpen attention, and promote general well-being. 

There is a definite correlation between high-burnout professions (high control, high demands) and the desire to "recover" at night if one enjoys engaging in enjoyable hobbies, according to research. To put it another way, having a rewarding interest outside of work can serve as a buffer to stop stress from affecting your personal life. This beneficial effect is probably the result of several variables working together, such as decreased stress hormone levels brought on by being in nature, increased physical activity that releases neurotransmitters, and the rejuvenating benefits of natural stimuli on cognitive performance.

Make time for your hobbies. Consider more than just daily plans. Consider in terms of weeks, and commit a few hours every week to your pastime. To make time for your passions, don't be scared to say no or assign work to others. Check your idle habits and screen time. Some of that can be exchanged for pastimes. Use brief work breaks to engage in enjoyable activities such as walking, listening to podcasts, reading, or interacting with others. Most importantly, do something that brings you joy.