Productive hobbies are essential to a balanced life. It is very important to balance work and play, and to stay focused in life. It’s time to get off the couch, turn off the TV, and find something productive to do. But what can you do? Here are 4 ideas to do in your free time.
- Sports: Playing sports is a great choice for free time. Athletics can help you become physically healthier, while providing a fun way to pass time. Many students play various organized school sports. This allows students the chance to make friends and grow relationships. But additionally, playing unorganized sports can be a good way to pass time. Golf is one example of these options; it can be a great way to pass time while also providing some exercise. Another option is basketball. Many public parks have basketball hoops, and it can be an easy way to get in physical activity. Snowboarding and skiing are two other hobby options. With Perfect North Slopes being relatively near Cincinnati, snow sports can be a realistic way for exercise and fun. An additional athletic hobby is weightlifting. This can be very beneficial to people’s health, as it helps them grow physically stronger, but also grows their mental determination.
- Cooking/Baking: Cooking or baking can be another good way to spend time. First of all, it can be beneficial to your health if you use healthy ingredients and make healthy food. Additionally, it can be therapeutic for some. According to the Institute of Culinary Education, “The Journal of Positive Psychology published a 2016 study on the benefits of creative activities revealing that small, daily endeavors, such as cooking and baking, shifted the participants’ moods and gave them something to look forward to in the coming day.”
.It also is relatively cheap compared to many other hobbies, as you really just need ingredients and some basic cooking tools to get started. It will save you money on dining out too. Finally, it can also be rewarding when you cook for your whole family and get to share a meal that you created.
- Art: There are many different types of art that can be a productive hobby. Painting, for example, can be a great way for people to express their creative side. It allows them to put their ideas on paper and create something totally new. Another idea is painting models. Several McNicholas students enjoy doing this, and it can be another way to get something out of your free time. Graphic design is an additional way to do art. It consists of designing various things on technological applications such as Photoshop or Canva. It is used to make art but can also be used to make promotional material and advertisements. While it can be an engaging past-time activity, it can also be an important skill to learn for life.
- Music: Listening to or making music is another option. Millions of people listen to music per day, and it can be good entertainment or distraction from life. Making music can also be a productive hobby. Many people enjoy singing or playing instruments. Singing can also help you physically, by improving your lung function. It can be beneficial to people with asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and more according to Healthline. Additionally, it can be conducive to better mental health, as Healthline also reports, “Researchers found that the participants reported improvements in their mental health, mood, sense of well-being, and feeling of belonging as a result of these singing workshops.” Playing instruments also can be beneficial. There are many great options, whether you play a guitar, violin, trumpet, flute, or anything else. According to Merit School of Music, “Dopamine, the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter in the brain, also goes hand in hand with music. Playing music releases dopamine causing you to feel emotions like happiness, excitement, and joy.” This quote explains how playing an instrument can scientifically bring you happiness. Finally, it can reduce stress and anxiety, as Merit School of Music also stated, “Music has a calming effect on our brains, which in turn reduces cortisol—a stress related hormone that impacts a wide variety of responses such as inflammation, blood sugar, and your body’s stress response. Lower cortisol levels counteract the effects of chronic stress, promoting lower blood pressure, proper sleep regulation and, thus, a healthier daily cycle.”
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