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Hobbies Equal Happiness – Here Are Some You Might Not Have Thought Of

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Hobbies Equal Happiness

The word “hobby” means different things to different people, but the official definition is fairly straightforward: “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Based on that definition, hobbies sound like they’re a lot of fun — and beneficial too. So why don’t more people pursue a hobby or two? It may be because they’ve never stopped long enough to figure out what they really love to do and made a plan to start doing it.

The routine of everyday life can get in the way of you indulging in something just for you. Well, now might be a good time to look at activities you want to do and enjoy the surprising benefits that come with having a hobby of your own.

What’s a Good Hobby for Me?

The answer to that question is anything that excites you, stimulates you and keeps you involved simply because you love doing it. There are “typical” hobbies: building model airplanes, collecting stamps, making dolls and the like. But don’t limit yourself. Anything you find deeply interesting can serve as a hobby and bring super rewards.

Here are a few activities that could make great hobbies and lead to new levels of happiness and satisfaction:

Cook

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Do you have a special dish or type of food you love to prepare? Why not get serious about it and perfect your own unique ideas for preparation and presentation? Then consider taking it outside your home through recipe-sharing portals, a blog or even local farmers markets. It’s a great way to meet new people, and before you know it, you may be the Queen of Green Beans or Mr. Marzipan!

Climb Rocks

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The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just west of Las Vegas is perfect for this. Note: It does require a level of physical fitness, so you may want to consult with your doctor first.

Collect Rocks

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Not into climbing rocks? How about collecting and learning about the amazing rocks that abound in the desert?

Play Music

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If you’ve always wanted to play a musical instrument, modern technology offers multiple paths for learning, growing and sharing. Private lessons or online instruction can get you started, and as you progress, you’ll find a number of digital platforms for sharing your creations and collaborating with others on writing music, melodies and lyrics — and even recording finished products to share with the world. Take it easy, or take it big. It’s up to you.

Build Indoor or Outdoor Exotic Gardens

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Grow and learn about desert-loving exotic plants with names like Silver Falls, dichondra, desert four o’clock, summertime blue emu-bush, summer snow and Texas ranger.

Paint

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A lot of painting hobbyists these days are discovering the joy of painting with alcohol inks. These formulations return amazingly brilliant color when used on nonporous surfaces. Application techniques like sponges and pens allow artists wide versatility in creating their masterpieces. You’ll find plenty of resources to help you perfect your technique, so dust off the Picasso inside you and get started.

The list could go on and on, but you should see by now that most things you are passionate about can make a rewarding hobby.

Proven Benefits of Hobbies

Engaging regularly in activities you love benefits you in ways beyond personal achievement. Here are three cool benefits you’ll get with most any hobby:

  1. Disconnect. Hobbies allow you to turn away from the “daily grind” and de-focus on your to-do list. This break can refresh your mind and spirit and bring you back to the usual activities with renewed zest and interest.
  2. Brain-building. Most hobbies involve some degree of learning, and that’s good for your brain. Life’s daily routines may not offer much opportunity to use your thinking skills, but hobbies get you mentally active right from the start. Brains, like bodies, need exercise. 
  3. Perspective adjustment. An engrossing hobby can bring entirely new perspectives on life, relationships, personal development and enjoyment. They help you see your world a little differently and open up new vistas to explore.

Possibly best of all, a hobby you really love will be there no matter what. You’ll always have something to throw yourself into when you’re bored or feeling blah. And it’s something to look forward to on days when the world seems determined to frustrate you at every turn.

Is now the time for you to explore the possibility of a new hobby and find one that suits your lifestyle and passions? We think so!