Give Your Brain a Break With a New Hobby

At the beginning of the pandemic, my Instagram feed showed two kinds of people: the hard workers and the enthusiasts. 

The former was trying to use 100% of the time productively, doing online courses, joining Zoom debates, launching new projects or podcasts. 

The latter was waging new abilities, such as artisanal bread, new yoga movements, or Tik Tok challenges. 

One year has passed, and all that I can see today are puzzles. Every time I open my Instagram, they are there. Would  puzzles be the new artisan bread? Could having a hobby be trendy? 

This finding has no scientific basis - it comes from a mere observation of the behavior of the people I follow. Studying about the importance of hobbies to our mental health though, I believe that it makes sense. 

After more than a year at home, we are exhausted. All that we need is small pleasures, and hobbies are all about fun. It's something that you do with no rush, no obligations, no perfectionism. The only goal is to clear your thoughts. 

I never thought that I would be patient to assemble a puzzle. But I finally resumed the 1000 Beatles pieces that were dusty on top of the shelf and was stunned by the calming effect that this activity gave me. And, for this, there is a scientific basis. 

How hobbies work in our brain

In an article published on The Conversation website, Dr. Ciara McCabe, an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology of the University of Reading, Berkshire, UK, explains how hobbies benefit our mental health. 

When we engage in an enjoyable activity, the brain releases neurotransmitters that bring a sensation of pleasure, such as dopamine, and the reward system is activated. That's why we feel motivated to do more of it (as when we eat a piece of chocolate). 

Why having a hobby is good for you

Health experts have already identified a hundred benefits brought by hobbies. Studies show that they may increase our well-being, improve our mood and reduce depression and stress symptoms. 

They are also a good tool against anxiety. Let's come back to the puzzle as an example. While you are trying to find the next match, there's no room in your mind to think about the fight you had with your boss; or with a decision that you have to take next week.

Voilá: hobbies bring you to the present. 

Plus, they are an excellent way to take your brain out of "automatic mode" because they arouse new neural connections and feed your creativity.

It is no wonder that studies associate hobbies with longevity and less risk of dementia in late life. 

And if you are feeling lonely, there's one more reason to find a hobby - it could bring you new friends with interests in common. 

How to find a hobby? 

I have read many tips about finding a hobby, but I don't believe in formulas. The idea that I like the most is: try to find your inner child. What did you like to do during childhood that adulthood took from you? Think about that. 

The most important thing is that you have to focus on pleasure, so try not to be so hard on yourself. I have some suggestions if you are running out of ideas. 

Artistic

If you want to learn how to play an instrument, it's time! Beyond amusing, it could improve your memory. 

Not your thing? Don't worry. You can try exploring other artistic gifts, such as painting watercolor, taking pictures, drawing, making clay sculptures, etc. Recreational arts are great friends of our well-being. 

Mental

Beyond puzzles, you can try Lego, chess, or domino. If you don't like games, you can use your intellectual side to write, which is an excellent way to understand your feelings better. 

Another option is reading. Overall, books are always a good company. If you don't have the motivation to engage in reading by yourself, join a book club and have fun! 

Manual 

There are many manual activities at home suitable to clear your mind, like woodwork, fixing, or building things. Handcrafts, in general, are pretty relaxing, so give a try to crochet, knitting, sewing, candle or jewelry making, etc.

Gardening is another notable trend during quarantine - I believe that people are craving a little of nature contact. In addition to beautifying your home, taking care of plants helps to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms. Green heals! 

Finally, we cannot forget the kitchen, that place in the house that can be genuinely therapeutic. So cook! Bake! Try to make your own artisan bread. Your mind will thank you, and so your stomach. 

Physical

If you are a movement person, you can engage in a new physical activity, a proven natural medicine for our mental health. Maybe you can try yoga, ballet, or stretching. During quarantine, many gyms are making classes available online. 

Still in doubt?

As strange as it may seem, it's not always easy to find a hobby. It's hard to find out what to do with our free time in a world that presses us to be productive like machines. 

It turned out that we taught our brains that every activity needs a reason and has to bring some result. But it's important to remember that pleasure is "the" result because it's crucial to our emotional balance. 

So, every time that your brain asks you the "why" of your hobby, answer: "it's for your own sake"!".