An hobby a day keeps the doldrums away – Phyllis Mcginley
Are you an adult who has forgotten part of yourself? Perhaps got carried away in the rat race, got busy making money. Busy trying to prove yourself? So, you re-invented yourself, put away those dancing shoes. Shoved that guitar in the attic corner. Sold the piano to that distant cousin for a measly amount. The only passion you have now is watching the stock market or watching Netflix series back-to-back?
It's never too late to be who you might have been – George Elliot
On the other hand, has the lockdown played spoilsport in your ambition to climb that corporate ladder? Has it triggered that itch to climb the ladder to the attic instead and pull out that dusty guitar? Do you want to try an old hobby or a new one, but you are not sure? Here are reasons why getting back to a hobby is good for you and should convince you to get back to those jamming days.
It enhances mental and physical well being
Creative pursuits help to expand neural networks in the brain, making new connections in the brain. It is said that this linking up of neural networks helps to boost moods in a significant way.
Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. Oprah Winfrey
Hobbies work as cognitive interventions which are good for the brain
Any activity that stimulates the brain promotes brain health. This directly impacts thinking, learning and memory. Good brain health also promotes motor function, emotional functions, and tactile functions.
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows – Sydney J Harris
It’s a good stress buster
Being engaged in an activity fosters meditative focus. This focused state promotes mindfulness which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise or any physical activities produce endorphins that increase feelings of pleasure and well-being.
I’m always trying new things and learning new things. If there isn’t anything more you can learn – go off and die. Morgan Freeman
It improves working memory
Hobbies like reading, playing a musical instrument, learning a new language, or practicing yoga helps to improve working memory. All these activities improve neural connections in the brain that foster good working memory.
It improves self-esteem and self-confidence
Working on a hobby and progressing to new levels offers a sense of accomplishment. This improves self-esteem and self-confidence.
It gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself
Adults tend to compromise on hobbies as they prioritize work and family. However, getting back to a hobby or even nurturing a new one could help in re-inventing oneself. Change is the only way to grow. If we don’t try new things regularly, it will be difficult to change, even more difficult to grow.
It reinforces old knowledge
Reigniting an old passion has helped to juggle those memory cells and recall ability. This activity of trying to retrieve and recall information helps to reinforce old knowledge. It also paves the way for progress and the opportunity to pick up new skills.
It adds purpose and meaning to life
Pursuing a passion gives you goals, having goals adds purpose to your life.
It helps to expand social networks
Having a hobby is a great way to connect with people who have the same passion. Joining a workshop, enrolling in a class, or joining a club are good ways to improve a hobby. This also helps to expand social circles and draw inspiration from others.
A burning passion coupled with absolute detachment is the key to all success – Mahatma Gandhi
Learner Circle is here to help you
We have a planned curriculum for adults who want to get back into hobbies like the guitar, dancing, piano, or drums. Even if you haven’t tried learning an instrument before, it’s never too late to start learning something new. All our courses are conveniently planned for working professionals and it's online! So, you can learn from home without having to travel.
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