“I’m too busy” is often muttered by most of us. Face it, many of us cannot find enough time to get it all done…work, sleep, kids, friends, work, work, work. So here is a post that is going to suggest you put one more thing on your to-do list.
I am joining the camp that says you should get a hobby. Yes, I can understand if the idea of having time for a hobby seems absurd to you, but research shows that those of us who have a hobby are more healthy and happy…and us healthy, happy people can get things done.
Kate Rice at ABC News posted an article about why hobbies help us. In it she quoted Howard E.A. Tinsley, professor emeritus of psychology at Southern Illinois University, agreeing to this concept, “Participating in leisure activities contributes to your physical and mental health and overall life satisfaction. You’re healthier, happier and more cheerful. You enjoy life more.”
Catherine Cunningham, the founder of The Career Consultancy, agreed in Briana Everett’s article “Why Having a Hobby Can Help Your Career.” “It’s about recharging, effectiveness and time management. My philosophy is, and it’s a bit corny, but our body is the vessel that holds who we are, so make sure you look after your vessel.”
I have a few hobby fixes that I can often rely on:
Skateboarding
I have been skateboarding for 30 years, and even though many of the kids at the parks think I am over the hill, it is still a great way to relieve stress and get the heart going.
For a short time, my brain gets to stop thinking about all of the deadlines the team has to make, and by clearing my head, I sometimes fall into a fantastic solution—or just fall on the concrete.
Cooking
It’s a daily chore that is rarely a chore to me. I like being able to try new things and get my brain working in a different way. My family becomes my client and co-worker, and the toughest critic is my four-year-old (much tougher than many CEOs).
Record Collecting
Some enjoy a nice afternoon escape in a book—my refuge from chaos is rows and rows of 12-inch records. The visuals alone often get my creative gears turning, and to me, the physical item helps complete the music that comes from my turntables.
Running
Living in Chicago this can be tough to do year-round, but I try to make the most of it during the warmer months. I am just not the gym-going kind of person. Alone time before sunrise can be a good time to reflect on the day ahead.
Try one of these hobbies, or knitting, or deep sea diving, or lawn gnome collecting—any hobby will make your life less stressful and more rewarding. Having a hobby can even help those looking for a job.
Gretchen Johnson, senior vice president of human resources at Travelzoo Inc., told The Wall Street Journal about the benefits to talking about your hobbies during an interview: “What usually stands out is when someone has managed to take their interests to a whole different level,” she said. “It shows drive.” Hey, if the interviewer has read this article…it might even show them that the interviewee is a healthy and happy individual—someone they should have on their team!
Life is too short to be unhappy and unhealthy, so this week, go find a hobby if you don’t have one. Try skateboarding. Try cooking. Try any new hobby that will make you happy. Bonus: it will make your co-workers thrilled that you have something new to talk about.