It seems that we cannot switch on the television nowadays without seeing somebody who is or has been at the mercy of their mental health issues. Also, what seems to catch us more off guard is generally we see that the people we least expect are suffering more than we can ever imagine.
Although there is more awareness on social media, film, and television, there is still stigma attached to mental health. We really need to find ways to help those that suffer.
Today, we are going to be looking at the power of hobbies. Finding one could be the perfect thing to help you out at the times when you struggle the most.
Is Mental Health Becoming More Prominent?
While it sees that in today’s world, mental health issues are recent, this isn’t the case at all.
We know that there’s still an obvious stigma attached. We’ve been trying to shake this over the past few years, and the walls are slowly starting to fall. Mental health isn’t new. Nowadays, people are encouraged to talk rather than bottle things up.
The more people are open about their mental health, the more solutions the modern world will be able to present. While we are going to suggest something very simple, you may find that things like hobbies can really help when you think that times are too tough to take.
A Hobby Can Allow You To Hyperfocus
One of the best things about finding a hobby that you love is that it will allow you to detach from the times that you feel like things are getting a little too much.
Having a cerebral hobby is by far one of the best ways to step away from your problems. You do this by hyper-focusing. For example, if your hobby is scrapbooking, you should take time choosing your topics and even picking the right scrapbook paper. Once you have got everything that you need, take yourself somewhere quiet and spend an hour engrossed completely in something that you love.
The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter what the hobby is. All that matters is that it’s something you love.
Hobbies Release Endorphins
Lastly, the final thing we are going to be looking at is the power of endorphins. When we find ourselves doing something we love, our brains will also release endorphins. In times of physical or emotional stress, and when we do things that enhance the amount released, you’ll find the feeling of physical pain will be taken over by a feeling of enjoyment.
Most importantly, physical activity releases endorphins. In other words, if your hobby involves a little exercise, you may find that it’s an amazing solution to help with some mental health issues.
What Are Some of Your Hobbies and Passions?
I’d have to say one of my favorite hobbies is spending time working on my yard and building things. I’ve constructed a couple of backyard tiki bars in my day and I like the feeling of getting lost in the project and seeing it through to completion. I am not one for receiving accolades and it isn’t what spurs me on but it is nice when someone notices the condition of my yard and comments on it.
I can see how having a hobby could help people mentally. It’s like taking a nice break from whatever stresses a person might be experiencing at that time. I’m not sure that I have any hobbies that I enjoy during my leisure. I’ll have to look into that.
I have taken up cross stitching again (hadn’t touched it in a few years) and it has had a great impact on my mental health. By sitting here focusing on my stitching, I am able to quiet my mind (which is SO rare) while also enjoying a sense of accomplishment that gives me that extra boost that I need.
Having an engrossing and rewarding hobby makes so much sense when it comes to looking after your mental health. You are just able to escape from your other worries and issues to focus on something creative that allows your mind relaxation and enjoyment. This has got to be a huge help and benefit anyone’s state of mind.
Hobbies are also a good way of dealing with pain – anything you focus on and enjoy helps take your mind off your pain – and you get to do something you like, so it’s a double-win!
I always feel that I need a hobby that is completely different from my day job. Sometimes, when I got a new job, I would look for a new hobby next!
I think it is very important to have a hobby you enjoy doing just for you! I like doing crafts, coloring and blogging.
I grew up being encouraged to be crafty, and have continued as I became an adult. I may not often do it well, but just noodling around with something that allows you to step away from the rest of a busy life can be so relaxing.
Anything can be good for mental health especially hobbies. Also if you are feeling a little depressed something like a business where you make something and sell it can help too. Awesome post.
Very good points. I think hobby gives you additional anchor and me-time we all need to say sane and happy
Hobbies make us really stop and focus on whatever we are doing. This creates a distraction and joy because we are doing something we love. I feel like too many people don’t make time for things they love these days because they are too busy just being busy. Taking the time for a hobby is almost like hitting the reset button on our mental health.
I agree that everyone needs hobbies. My hobbies keep me grounded and focused