Hobbies raise your mood and give you a creative boost – two things that are great for your career
We get it – you’re busy. Whether you’re a diligent entrepreneur, a savvy business professional, a committed parent, or all of the above, you’re probably so busy spinning plates that you don’t have time to think about taking up a hobby.
But you might want to rethink that position. While it’s certainly true that hobbies take time and energy, they are often an important part of self-care. You see, when you take time to learn and enjoy the things that truly inspire you, it can give you meaning in ways you’d never expect.
This is because hobbies open us up to our true selves, the parts of us that want to learn and create and grow. These qualities aren’t always fostered in our daily life – especially if we’re on the workday grind or transporting kids to and from practice. It’s only by stepping away from our to-do lists and taking time to explore our own interests that we can really find that ever-elusive work-life balance.
In doing so, we can rejuvenate ourselves and revitalize our careers. Here’s why.
Hobbies boost your creativity
Whether you’re testing out your watercolor skills, experimenting with collecting vintage vinyl records, or running your favorite running trail, hobbies turn on your creativity and imagination. The planning and execution of a creative endeavor, whatever it may be, will boost your critical-thinking skills.
While you might think your hobby is completely unrelated to your day job, that restful, creative state of mind goes with you wherever you are. So when you take time out to focus on your personal pursuits and passions, it gives you an edge to carry with you into the office.
This creative mindset can be a catalyst for solving work problems, creating new and innovative systems at your job.
Hobbies relieve stress
Every year, more research comes out, showing us the powerful impact of stress on our health and wellness. Stress burns us out, zaps our energy, and increases our risk for disease and mental illness.
And while we all know we should try to avoid stress, it’s an inevitable part of life. You can’t escape stress any more than you can randomly quit your job or refuse to carry your everyday responsibilities.
Therefore, it’s important not to avoid stress – which is impossible – but to relieve it. To give yourself that care and attention that clears your head and your heart from the realities of working and raising a family.
That’s where hobbies come in. Doing what you love and what brings you joy is an incredible stress reliever. There is nothing like having a break at the end of the day to unwind and enjoy yourself. You’ll be refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you.
Hobbies can give you new skills
The best kind of hobby is one that increases your skills – physically, intellectually, or creatively.
If you’re a collector, seeking out new and rare finds and haggling with dealers can give you incredible negotiation skills. Scrapbooks can help you learn impeccable organizational skills, which are great for anyone with a chronically messy desk or calendar. Fitness junkies can learn the power of mental discipline and take that self-control into the boardroom and beyond.
The best part is that since you’ll be having fun, you won’t even feel like you’re working on learning. It will be an organic, natural process.
Hobbies help you cultivate your passion
Gigi believes that following your passions will help you find success. When you pursue a hobby that you are passionate about, whatever that may be, it will open doors for you. You may not realize it, but pouring yourself into what you value will bring you opportunities and experiences you never thought possible.
Hobbies show us who we are. They touch on our values, our confidence in ourselves, and our creativity. That self-exploration is a crucial part of discovering and pursuing your own unique dreams and goals.
Start today!
Don’t wait for the waters to part to start pursuing your hobby. Dive in, find the time, and give yourself the chance to experience the self-care and growth that hobbies offer.
If you would like to learn how to become unstoppable like Gigi and find out how to get beyond your limits and fears to really start living with fulfillment, contact her today.
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