When we say “relax,” we don’t mean “being on the beach,” or doing a marathon from a TV series, or even checking social media.
We are talking about active relaxation, doing something we enjoy during the time we are away from work.
And we are not only talking about office work, but also about studying and managing the home.
Some studies have concluded that the hobbies we have can positively influence our performance in any area in which we perform.
Spending time on our interests can increase our ability to better focus, problem-solving, and creativity, improve our relationships and help us respond better to difficult situations.
Abilities we as a whole should be more useful.
How can having a hobby help us? Let’s start exploring it.
- To take a break
A hobby provides us with the necessary “no work” and “no responsibilities” space in our schedule.
Something welcome for those of us who feel overwhelmed by everything we have to do and need to recharge our batteries by doing something we enjoy.
Sometimes it can be hard to find the time or even permit ourselves to take a break, however participating in hobbies can provide us with a break with a purpose.
A break that helps us feel that we are not only sitting but that we are using our downtime for something productive.
And what happens when we are relaxed and rested?
The answer is simple, we work, we study, we do our daily activities better, that is, we are more productive.
A hobby brings you the energy that will carry over to the rest of your activities.
- To think about how to solve a problem in a different way
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a task and we do not know how to solve it, our mind freezes and does not find the right solution.
When faced with a mental barrier, spending time on our hobby helps us discover new solutions.
Hobbies stimulate our minds, allowing us to explore new ideas that bring a different perspective to the problem we face.
- To train our brain
When we take time away from work or study to indulge in a creative hobby, we begin to train our brains to think more creatively in other areas of our life.
This is like exercising new muscles in our brain.
When this creativity begins to flow, we will likely begin to be creative in the other areas.
- To invest in ourselves
We have already talked about self-care and its benefits.
When we focus too much on one thing and neglect those that renew us, it will lead us to failure in the long run.
Remember to “say yes” to yourself.
Put resources into exercises that lead to development and restoration.
Spend more time with yourself and you will have more productivity at work and in all areas of your life.
How to choose the right hobby?
For a hobby to help us, we must make sure we are doing the right activity.
The first thing is to discover what we like. We cannot engage in an activity that does not bring us joy and pleasure.
It should be different from what we do daily, in our work, study or home.
It should not have any kind of time limit or pressure and it should be something that we love and want to do.
Finally, it should be something that we do regularly. Consistency is the only way to get and see the benefits in our daily life and routine.
4 Hobbies to Encourage Productivity and Creativity
- Exercise
Exercise is an amazing thing. And since we all tend to spend a lot of time in front of screens, it becomes an even more important hobby.
Those who exercise regularly tend to be healthier and experience a better quality of life.
But exercise is also one of the best ways to reduce stress and raise our self-esteem.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the gym, walking, biking, or walking the trails are good options too.
- Participate in a team sport
There is no doubt that exercise has many benefits, but considering a sport where you are part of a team has even more.
By participating in a team you can improve your communication skills, making it easier to get results both on the field of play and at work.
In addition, belonging to a team fosters qualities such as patience and self-control, qualities that are important for work or study.
Self-control is also important when you have the option of going out to practice with your team or sitting around watching TV. Getting together with your peers to work toward a common goal will increase your focus and willpower.
- Activities where you can create
Having a hobby such as painting, photography, wood carving, sewing or any type of crafts is a great way to spend free time and encourage the creative part of our brain.
Experts say that crafts can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, even have similar benefits to meditation.
It provides us with a cognitive change in the way we see the world and helps us develop problem-solving skills either in personal relationships or in a work environment.
- Activities that allow you to develop a new skill
Learning to play an instrument, mastering a language, writing a blog, or learning to cook involves developing a learning curve and dedicating time.
Learning a new skill not only stimulates our brain and helps us maintain a sharp mind, but it improves our self-confidence.
Conclusion
Perhaps you have been putting off getting involved in a hobby because you feel that you cannot waste time, you may think that they decrease your productivity.
But by making time for a hobby you will not only be on your way to a better work-life balance, but its benefits reflected in your outlook on life, problem-solving, stress escape, and ultimately your productivity.
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