It’s essential to have something that you love to do for a variety of reasons. For some people, it means having an activity they do during down-time, while others turn hobbies into careers. Some people discover what they love to do as a child. Maybe they’re into horseback riding, music, dancing, or making films. On the other hand, some individuals make it to their adult life not knowing what makes them tick. Some people outgrow passions and hobbies. Maybe, you were a cheerleader or you played tennis in school. Years later, you’re a college graduate who isn’t interested in taking those things further. As a result, you feel lost. As an adult, you might feel like hobbies are a waste of time or it’s too late to try new things, but that’s not true.

Why hobbies are important 

Have heard the expression “the devil makes work for idle hands?” It’s not always dramatic, but if you’re bored, you might feel down. You may wonder if you aren’t fulfilled in life. Some people turn to maladaptive behaviors during times of boredom because they don’t know what else to do with themselves. It’s a part of why people in recovery from substance abuse or eating disorders can benefit from finding new hobbies in addition to treatment. Hobbies are excellent because they give you something to look forward to in life. If you struggle with thoughts of boredom or loneliness during free time, they help with that, too.

You don’t have to be the best

You don’t have to be an expert at something to enjoy doing it. Part of the novelty of having a hobby is you don’t have to feel the pressure of perfectionism. Hobbies aren’t obligations like going to school or work. If you’re a perfectionist or someone or a type-A personality, you may want to be good at something right away. Challenge yourself and focus on having a good time, and use hobbies as outlets.

The more hobbies, the better

Additionally, you don’t have to stick to one thing. Maybe, you’ve been ice skating for your whole life. You love it partially because you know that you’re good at it, but you also want to try something new. You’re worried that you won’t like a new hobby. Hobbies shouldn’t be stressful, and they can provide excellent stress relief. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and be careful not to put too much pressure on yourself to excel.

Hobbies and stress relief

A lot of us have busy lives and find ourselves experiencing stress daily. As you probably know, stress isn’t good for your mental or physical wellbeing. It can have negative consequences such as increased blood pressure, bodily tension, and headaches. It’s another reason why hobbies aren’t a waste of time. Doing something fun for you can promote relaxation and your overall sense of enjoyment in life. If you’re looking for a hobby that’s for stress relief specifically, consider something like yoga or taking an art class. It can be intimidating to try new things, but if you never try them, you could miss out on something that will enhance your life.

What if you are afraid?

Is there something that you’ve always wanted to try, but you’re afraid to pursue? For example, you want to learn to play the guitar, but you’re scared to take lessons. You worry that people will laugh at you, or that you won’t be able to learn a new skill. Remember that everyone is learning, and your teacher is there to support you. Maybe, you find that you’re anxious in social situations. If anxiety or nervousness is holding you back from trying new things, you could benefit from talking to a mental health professional. Just like it’s never too late to try new things, it’s never too late to go to counseling and work through anything that might be holding you back. To find a provider in your local area, put “therapist near me” in your search engine of choice, or find someone who practices online.

 Author Bio:

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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