With the busy lives people live nowadays, they often don’t have much time to follow their passions or do something they enjoy. Unfortunately, this can easily make their days feel scripted, repetitive, and dull which can even have adverse effects in different areas of their life later on.
The good news is there are numerous ways you can break free from such monotony and one is to pick up a hobby. While many believe that hobbies are only reserved as a way to fill up free time, you’d be surprised to learn that doing leisure activities can actually improve your quality of life.
From alleviating stress and boosting your mood to improving your health and overall wellbeing, picking up a hobby of any kind can have a myriad of benefits on your physical, mental and emotional health.
In short, the important thing is to make the first step and commit to doing just a tiny bit better every day. In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear points out how it’s important to create a new lifestyle as opposed to setting new goals, as the trajectory is more important than the end result. Finding a hobby that makes you happy and continually getting better at it will reflect in all areas of your life and contribute to your growth as a person.
So, if you are looking for a productive hobby, check out these five great activities you can try out to help you excel in life.  Â
Pick up a book
A type of hobby which has benefits that can last a lifetime is reading books. Whether fiction or nonfiction, reading can strengthen your brain, reduce stress, increase your ability to empathize, and help you develop a more positive outlook towards life.
This is especially true with motivational books which include inspirational quotes written by saints, philosophers, and other writers who can drive and motivate you with their words.
So, whenever you need inspiration or face a crisis, pick up a book with scriptures by your favorite saint of the day and let their writings inspire you.
Learn how to cook
Another hobby that will undoubtedly help you improve your quality of life is cooking. The truth is the food you prepare in your kitchen is going to be much healthier than the processed food you find and buy in supermarkets. This way you will be able to receive all nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your overall well-being.
Besides this, cooking offers other great benefits including feelings of accomplishment, positivity, creativity, and improving your relationship and communication with loved ones. So, next time you feel down, call up your family and get cooking together.
Try arts and crafts
Arts and crafts have also been proven to be very beneficial for many areas of your health. Whether it is painting, sculpting, drawing, scrapbooking, or photography, doing any of these activities can provide you with lots of enjoyment and help you take your mind off negative thoughts while also mentally stimulating you.
For example, painting is a great stress-relieving activity which fosters creative and emotional growth and can help encourage an optimistic attitude to life. Every time you feel sad, happy, or overwhelmed with something, just grab the paintbrush and express your feelings on a canvas.
Play an instrument
Learning how to play an instrument is another great hobby that can improve your mood, decrease pain and anxiety and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Whether it is a guitar, a piano, or even drums, playing an instrument can actively engage and stimulate the brain, making you feel happy and occupied.
Probably the greatest thing about this fulfilling hobby is that you will never age out of playing your instrument. It will be like your escape route which will allow you to get lost in the music you are creating and help you express your current feelings and state of mind.  Â
Become a blogger
A type of hobby which can bring great pleasure and even some money over time is blogging. It is an excellent activity that allows you to explore yourself, connect with other individuals, and share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences on a specific topic. You can blog about anything, from promoting a healthy lifestyle to offering fitness tips and fashion tricks to people around the world.
The greatest satisfaction you will get from it is that you will be helping others by inspiring them with your words and advice. And if you become really good at it, you will be able to monetize your work.
Final thoughts
Despite contrary belief, picking up a hobby of any kind isn’t just a great way to pass your free time. In fact, there are plenty of leisure activities that offer more than just enjoyment and can have a positive effect on your physical, mental and emotional health.
All you have to do is figure out what your passions are and start doing something that relaxes you and brings you joy and feelings of accomplishment.
If you need help, read our post and pick a hobby that will best help you excel in life. Â
