Introduction
We all have different ideas of what constitutes a hobby. But its less about exactly what the hobby is, and more about taking time out for something you enjoy.
Story
One study, for example, looked at the relationship between long working hours, depression, and well-being. On top of discovering the obvious, that more than 40 hours on the job a week has a significant negative impact on mental health, researchers also found of more than 93,000 adults, those with hobbies self-reported higher health, happiness, and life satisfaction. On the other hand, people who experienced signs of depression were less likely to be engaged in hobbies.
Finding a hobby
Finding a hobby or hobbies you love is a long-term investment in yourself. Whether working with materials, like paper, wood, textiles or metal or writing stories or software or creating art, or traveling and discovering new things, hobbies are worth whatever time you put into them.
Most hobbies can have a social aspect if you want it, groups of people gather to enjoy their thing, where you are most and best understood by people with your interests.
If you find yourself without a hobby, or in a new place; hobbies can (re)connect you to you. For me, fighting arts, history and any crafting related to them are a passion and if you haven’t tried Blacksmithing, give it a go! Working at the forge comes with it a timeless quality and also a time out from the stresses of your daily responsibilities—even when it feels like you have zero time or energy for recreation after an exhausting day of work. Pick up a hammer.