Benefits of Hobbies for Your Mental and Physical Health

Do you have a hobby that enriches your personal life? If not, January happens to be National Hobby Month, which means it's the perfect time to find one you enjoy. While hobbies offer a lot of fun and relaxation, you may be surprised to learn that they also benefit your mental and physical health.

Each Saturday in January, we will give you unique hobbies to bring into your life.

Check out some of the benefits of hobbies:

Benefit #1 – Stress Reduction – While watching TV may offer a short distraction from stress, engaging in a hobby actually helps reduce stress. When you participate in a hobby, you’ll stay present, which helps create a sense of well-being and calms your nerves.

Benefit #2 – Challenges the Mind – Hobbies present mental challenges that help improve creativity, confidence, and decision-making skills. The mental stimulation may improve memory, and engaging in hobbies like brain games or card games may prevent the memory challenges that come with aging.

Benefit #3 – Boost the Immune System – Any hobby that gets you active and moving, such as playing outdoor games, biking, or horseback riding can give your immune system a boost. Active hobbies also can help you stay healthy and increase longevity.

Benefit #4 – Social Contact – Studies have shown that loneliness in aging adults may contribute to health problems, and social contact is critical for both physical and mental health. Many hobbies like knitting, golfing, creative writing, and bowling lend themselves to group activities, which can offer you the benefit of social support.

Benefit #5 – Better Overall Health – Research suggests that engaging in enjoyable activities in leisure time resulted in improved overall health and even a perception of better physical function.

Now that you know the benefits, all you need is a hobby! Get started and maximize the mental and physical benefits of hobbies by trying one of these exciting activities:

• Social dancing
• Yoga
• Mountain biking
• Surfing
• Organic Gardening
• Caving
• Nature Hiking
• Photography
• Painting

Stay tuned! Next week we’re bringing you some of the most exciting hobbies to try with your friends or family. You won’t want to miss it!