It’s often hard to set aside time for ourselves and indulge in activities we enjoy. Whether it be working full time or studying full time, it has become harder and harder to simply relax.
Having a hobby is a great way to spend your spare time and unwind from your daily routine – whether this be something artistic, learning or playing an instrument, reading, photography or taking part in a particular sport.
Spending time on activities that you enjoy can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low moods, stress and depression.
Hobbies are a perfect way to distract yourself after a busy day. It provides you with the opportunity to have some “me” time, and gives you an outlet for releasing stress built up from the day
Engaging in creative activities such as song writing, knitting, visual art and musical performance have all been shown to increase positive moods. Students found that more time spent on creative activities produced more positive emotions. Additionally, creative activities allow you to expand neural connections in your brain, this has been linked to the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine.
