ON THE COVER
TRANSFORMING mind , body and spirit
Stories by Monique Harrison Henderson Photos by Terrell Clark
Life is often stressful – even when people aren ’ t trying to navigate the quickly changing realities of a global pandemic . But research shows that cultivating interest in a hobby can help to safeguard emotional and mental health , according to a number of studies . One Australian Psychological Association study , for example , showed that 4 out of every 5 participants found activities such as listening to music , playing a musical instrument or creating art to be significant mood boosters .
Several East Central Mississippi residents said that they do not find the results of such studies surprising because they have taken great comfort in their hobbies since the global pandemic initially shuttered so much of the region in March of 2020 .
One woman takes comfort in using special waxy , professional grade pencils to create artwork , including landscapes and portraits . She sometimes does this for clients , but also often creates the artwork for herself . Another woman takes comfort in making old furniture new again through her upholstery work .
Another has found comfort in meditation , which helps her to slow her racing mind down and to focus on the good things that she knows are true within a given moment . Another woman is learning how to enjoy returning to yoga after spending too much time in front of the TV during the height of the pandemic .
“ I think everyone needs something that they do just for themselves – not for another person and not because it ’ s part of their job ,” said Tiffany Williams , who practices yoga .
Of course , there are many hobbies people can adopt to boost their mental health and to get through challenging times .
For some , getting outside in nature is especially beneficial . Others appreciate the endorphin boost they get when they engage in physical activity , such as jogging , hiking or biking . Other people take the most solace in activities that allow them to create . These might include journaling or blogging , writing poetry , painting , doing ceramics or jewelry-making . Others like working their minds through learning to play a musical instrument , working hard to learn a new language or doing puzzles . These activities may help the brain to remain flexible , creating new pathways in the brain .
Hobbies also can help people to expand their sense of self , helping them to see themselves beyond their career or personal connections .
6 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN