9 Hobbies as Alternative Methods to Boost Creativity and Health
Our bodies and minds require their own kind of pampering. Therefore, when we treat them carelessly and go through life without giving our lifestyle a second thought, we are bound to have frequent health scares and issues. This is why a lifestyle that embraces activities and hobbies that boost creativity, also promotes physical and psychological health. When we care about ourselves, and fill life with behaviors that bring us joy, our wellbeing benefits in many ways.
According to a study on leisure and wellbeing, published by The Society of Behavioral Medicine, certain ‘behavioral pursuits’ can lead to happiness, reduce boredom and stress, and even improve heart rate. Moreover, enjoyable, leisure activities are considered an excellent way to boost job productivity and performance since they give the brain a break. When these activities also foster creativity and/or engage the body, then all aspects of your life benefit.
With this in mind, below are some excellent hobbies and activities that can enrich and add creativity to your life.
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1. Puzzles and Board Games
Puzzles might seem burdensome at first, but they are actually known to stimulate the brain and reduce stress. A simple crossword from your daily newspaper or a digital Sudoku game on your phone can do wonders for your productivity and creativity. Such games boost the decision-making skills and make you more effective at other tasks.
2. DIY Crafts
For those who enjoy upcycling and decluttering, this is the perfect activity. You can enjoy DIY crafts during work breaks or in the spare time. It doesn’t have to be anything big – DIY crafts can include anything from crocheting, to re-purposing your old clothes or furniture, to making simple decorations for your home.
3. Exercise
Exercise is beneficial in so many ways and can drastically improve your overall health. With exercise, you aren’t just toning your body’s muscles, but also promoting the health of all the organs, getting rid of stress, and fighting off depressive mental states.
If you find an sport or physical activity that you enjoy, try to do it as often as possible. The more consistent you are, the more you’ll improve. Thus, gaining confidence and improving your health.
Exercise might be the most important of the hobbies on this list. Doctors recommend that people exercise regularly, at least a couple of times every week. If you make an exercise routine, you are bound to enjoy many wellness benefits and prevent many potential health ailments.
The beauty is there are many physical activities you can try. Don’t give up if you don’t like a certain sport or activity; keep looking until you find something that fits you and your lifestyle.
4. Writing
Writing is a very therapeutic hobby that everyone can try. No one expects you to become an actual bestselling author! In fact, you don’t even have to care about the accuracy of your grammar or your penmanship.
If you aren’t up for creative writing, write in a personal journal to help you reflect on life and sooth your psyche. Writing can be extremely beneficial in terms of evaluating life’s challenges and beating life’s stresses.
And since practice makes perfect, at one point you may decide to make your writings public. If you do, make sure to check them for plagiarism and errors. This free plagiarism checker tool may come in very handy.
5. Playing an Instrument
Playing an instrument is excellent for brain health. First of all, it helps you practice hand-and-eye coordination. This hobby may seem difficult at first, but over time, it becomes quite enjoyable and MUCH easier.
Secondly, when you know how to play an instrument, you can create your own music. This can be very fulfilling and rewarding, helping you become more confident in everything else that you do. Finally, playing an instrument is an excellent outlet to reduce stress, as it truly distracts the mind from random threads of thought.
6. A New Language
The benefits of learning new languages are continually backed by research. Scientists have found many ways that studying a new language promotes brain health. Literally, you’ll be wiser for it.
Without the science, speaking two or three languages is just fun. It motivates you to travel and learn new cultures, which have their own benefits. Of course science says language learning boosts critical thinking skill, improves attention span and memory, creates better cognitive abilities, and is even known to prolong lifespan.
7. Dancing
Dancing is an excellent hobby for those who have to work a stressful job. It is especially beneficial if you sit a lot. It strengthens bones, promotes heart health, and keeps your muscles fit. And since it’s also fun, it makes for very easy exercise.
There are many styles of dancing and a variety of dance classes for you to choose from. Of course, you don’t need lessons; just turn on your favorite music and freestyle dance, letting your own creativity flow.
8. Yoga
We constantly hear of the benefits of practicing yoga, that’s why millions now practice this ancient Indian exercise. If you’re ready to improve your life, yoga can be an extremely beneficial ‘hobby.’ It will boost your energy and physical strength and promote better cardiovascular health. In addition, it can help you learn to be more mindful of your thought patterns, so they are not so destructive or critical.
9. Cooking
Cooking can help you take your healthy lifestyle to a completely new level. First, it can be quite the meditative task if done alone. On the other hand, you can cook with a group of friends or partner, making it an enriching social event.
Secondly, making your own, nutritious meals allow you to control what you put into your body. As well, it gives you freedom to be creative with what you put in your salads, casseroles, sauces, etc. Finally, cooking at home can mean some significant savings in the long run. The extra cash you can spend on a yoga class!
Many health issues people experience nowadays are a result of poor lifestyle choices and stress. If you pick up one or more of these amazing hobbies, you’ll be on your way to seeing some great improvements in terms of your wellbeing. So, which one will it be?
Read more articles from Sofia Adamson.
Sofia Adamson is a contributing writer for Waking Times with a keen appreciation for matters of science and the spirit.
This article (9 Hobbies as Alternative Methods to Boost Creativity and Health) was originally created and published by Waking Times and is published here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Sofia Adamson and WakingTimes.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution and author bio.
