Mental Health and Hobbies
by
Alyssa Nand
With holidays over and the new year rung in, it is time to get back into the work routine. Extended hours and overtime will lessen, and it will be time to fall back into the rut known as life. Going through a routine every day, knowing what your day is going to be like, can sometimes be comforting; it can prevent poor habits such as lack of sleep and skipping meals. However, not following a routine 100 percent of the time is a good thing as well. Routines equate to predictability, and often times the sense of being predictable leads to bouts of depression. People feel an emptiness and void that the daily rut cannot fill. By stepping out of the "comfort zone"-and by climbing out of the rut-we not only feel that rush of adrenaline but get to know more about ourselves. Taking up a hobby that has no relation to any part of your routine is a great way to improve your mental health. Luxe is here to offer some great options that can take you places (literally and metaphorically) in 2018.
Reading a book. With our technologically-advanced society, book stores and libraries have become prehistoric relics to Millennials and Baby Boomers alike. Silence your phones, turn off the television, and pick up a good book. Reading is not only a stress reducer, but it also gives busy bodies a moment to step back from the chaos of business. When we say grab a book we do not mean an ebook. Pick up an actual book with turnable pages. You will visually see the progress as you turn page after page, engrossing yourself in the novel of choice. Reading can be beneficial in many ways, including but not limited to: improving memory, expanding your vocabulary, mental stimulation, and improved thinking skills.
Painting. This is a form of expression much different from photography. Early artists, such as Da Vinci and Raphael, did not have cameras and captured beautiful images using a brush and paint. If you have an artistic, creative side that is begging to be unleashed then painting could be your new hobby. It is considered the ultimate form of expression as there is no wrong way to paint. Create detailed images of landscapes or splatter colors on a canvas-you have endless options. You can go to your nearest Aaron Brothers or art supply shop and they will offer your assistance in all your painting needs. Painting is great for everyone as it also brings perspective and offers different lens to similar objects. It will require a great amount of concentration, but it will teach you patience and hone your ability to focus.
Play a sport. Now, this does not narrow the hobby down much. When we say sport we could mean football but we could also mean disc golf. There is a wide range of options, so you if you are more of an outdoorsy person then playing a sport could be the best way to step out of your comfort zone. It will improve your socialization skills and often it can help with any bottled rage (i.e. wrestling and football). Selecting a sport to take up is easier to narrow down when you ask yourself these questions: 1) Do I want to play a contact sport? 2) Do I want to pay a lot for equipment? 3) What am I physically capable of doing and not doing?