Despite popular misconception, hobbies play a crucial role in our physical and mental well-being at all stages of life. This means that they are not something we should leave behind as we get older. We often do not have time in our busy lives to do all of the outdoorsy things we used to do, like boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Hobbies improve our lives.
Still not convinced? A Harvard study found that, “compared with people who didn’t have hobbies, those who did reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction.” I often felt happier as a young adult when I was spending time outdoors.
Of course, that’s not to say that it’s easy to keep up your hobbies into adulthood. After all, you’ve got a lot of other responsibilities to contend with too, such as work and childcare. But just because it isn’t easy doesn’t mean it is impossible!
With that in mind, here are some tips that you can follow to make your hobbies part of your routine.
Invest your money in them. Spending money on your hobbies, such as purchasing tools and equipment or signing up for classes, means that you’re more likely to keep on top of them moving forward. This is because you’ll feel obligated to do so, as you don’t want your money to go to waste.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that spending money on things that make you happy is always worthwhile. So, whether you’re considering buying your own pontoon boat to spend a little more time on the water, or something a little more cost-effective, such as art supplies, this is your sign to make that investment! Invest in classes and courses to improve your skill.
Add them to your schedule. Going through the effort to add hobbies to our weekly schedule or calendar is another great way to make sure you make time for them, even when you are at your busiest. This is because you’ll be able to manage the rest of your time around these plans. Once they have been added to your calendar, try to treat them as a non-negotiable task you must complete, as opposed to something you’ll do if you find the time. This will encourage you to hold yourself more accountable moving forward.
Getting bored? Try something new. If you are constantly looking for an excuse not to partake in a hobby, it may well be that this is an activity you have outgrown. However, this is not a sign to abandon the idea of having a hobby altogether; you simply need to try something new. For example, if you’ve always had a love of reading, this could be the push you need to join a book group or even try your hand at writing your own stories. Alternatively, if you’ve fallen out of love with working out at the gym, you could join an exercise class or take up hiking instead.
Final thoughts. Many people consider hobbies to be nothing more than fond parts of our childhood. However, they are not something that you need to leave behind as you get older, especially when you consider the many benefits associated with partaking in hobbies on a regular basis. Following the advice above is a great way to make sure you fit them into your daily life moving forward!
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