Hobbies and Habits to Ignite Passion
Establishing hobbies or fostering passions can be difficult as life gets hectic. How do we find the time? How do we take a genuine interest in our hobbies? And what ignites our passions anyway? These are all great and genuine questions. Today, I am going to provide a list of hobbies and passions that everyone can explore- because staying creative and fostering spontaneity are important, especially for our overall health and well-being.
Hobby #1: Reading
Reading is an excellent way to keep our brains engaged in a leisurely fashion. Reading can be enjoyed at any time of day, in almost any location, and the list of book genres seems never-ending. For your overall health and well-being, reading can reduce stress (even if only for a few minutes), improve sleep quality, stimulate the brain for less cognitive decline, and improve your overall vocabulary (1). You can enjoy reading on your own or join a local book club, either in-person or online. I personally recommend creating a list of genres that pique your interest, and then checking out some popular books that appeal to you. Recommendations are seen all over social media, or on websites such as Good Reads and NY Times Best Seller List. I personally enjoy romantic novels, memoirs, and self-help or motivation reads. Next time you pass by your local bookstore, pop in and check out what they have. You might find not only your favorite book, but a new, enjoyable hobby!
Hobby #2: Movies and TV
Movies and TV have been a large part of society and culture at large since their creation in the late 1880’s. Cinema can be enjoyed in an array of ways: from the setting to the genre, there is something for everyone. This form of entertainment is an appealing escape and something that is ingrained in our DNA. Movies and TV allow for the stimulation of our brains and cognitive abilities, making them a great hobby or pastime. They allow us to transport to another reality through genre, and though they can pose as escapism, they can also reflect real themes of reality through representation and theme (2). Movies and TV can ignite passion in many, and therefore, if you feel inspired by them, I encourage them as a regular pastime. Cinema is at our fingertips in the digital age. Download streaming services, head out to the movie theater, and engage in conversations with friends or online discourse about movies. We can all connect to one another through a movie or a TV show- they make life more enjoyable. Life is supposed to be light-hearted, and through movies or TV, we are reminded that there is a world out there bigger than ourselves. If you’re struggling to find passion, turn on a new movie or watch a few episodes of your comfort show, because balance is key.
Hobby #3: Music
Fostering this idea of creativity and spontaneity can be done through music. Music is another form of entertainment that has been around for centuries, evolving with time and society as a whole. No matter the genre that interests you, there is something for everyone. Music embodies deep and heartfelt emotions that humans feel daily. It is seen as a common language in the world, as it brings people closer together. Whether you are feeling down in the dumps or on top of the world, there is a song that encapsulates those emotions. If you are an overly creative individual, creating, analyzing, singing, or dancing to music can be a great way to find joy. As a creative myself, songwriting is a passion of mine that makes me happy and allows me to process and feel through my emotions, making it a hobby I really enjoy. Listening to new music, finding a fun playlist, or sharing music with loved ones is another way to use music in a way that ignites passion. Music can positively impact your quality of life and cognitive function. Frequent music listeners tend to have positive levels of overall well-being and reduced levels of anxiety, and avid concert goers tend to have excellent brain health (3). Music makes us happy, engages with our brains, and connects with those around us. If you’re struggling to find passion or hobbies that interest you, engage with music. Write a song, listen to a new album, or go to a local concert. There can be joy found anywhere, as long as you’re looking for it.
Hobby #4: Journaling
For today’s last hobby, let’s break down the benefits of journaling. Journaling is the act of writing anything down, whether physically or online, in response to a prompt or in a free-flowing manner. The act of being vulnerable with ourselves is a skill that takes time to build. Vulnerability can be difficult, especially with those around us, but it starts with being honest with yourself. Life is undoubtedly stressful, and there will be seasons of life that present hardship after hardship. Opening up to yourself through a diary or journal can allow for the processing of deep emotions. If you feel lost or want to seek a new healthy habit, start writing. You can answer pre-written prompts or write expressively to cope with your emotions. There is no feeling too small or too large when it comes to journaling. Try to focus on your feelings and thoughts to find more of the silver lining, rather than just expressing your emotions negatively (4). Writing it therapeutic, fun, and a great new hobby to pick up!
Thank you for reading todays blog and choosing to learn more about passions and hobbies. It is important to find balance in our hectic lives. Don’t forget to check out Instagram, Facebook, and Substack throughout the week as well! If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me HERE.
References:
- https://www.ramusa.org/03/read-across-america-week-five-ways-reading-positively-impacts-your-overall-health/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21946829451&gbraid=0AAAAADI0Lq2rcXAYcytjcyCk8_FJJ_rgW&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqeDMBhDcARIsAJEbU9SVOOTpujVTpSCxRhu0gz_1RWmU4cFyvYF8bcDO9oxW4QfmSmreH_8aAnskEALw_wcB
- https://blogs.cornell.edu/learning/why-do-we-love-the-movies/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062
- https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_journaling_can_help_you_in_hard_times