HOBBIES ARE very important for one's wholeness. Creativity is one of the cornerstones of wellness. Hobbies provide a vital source of the "fun" and the release of one's potential, in a balanced life.
What are some of their specific advantages?
They help one to relax
They involve being able to spend time with one's self
They help with the relief of boredom
They help one to develop creative skills
They stimulate the mind
They may help increase one's earning potential
They help to build intimacy in marriage
and family life
They provide one of the most useful means of increasing one's social support network of friends and acquaintances
They help to instil a sense of achievement and self-fulfilment
They can help one to develop a closer bond with nature
Life without hobbies can be dull. We all need to be alone at times and to be able to enjoy our own company. Persons who have difficulty with this, are often involved in addictive behaviours, such as dependency on people, substances (like cigarettes, alcohol or drugs), overwork as well as compulsive gambling, shopping or sexuality. So there is an escape from being with one's self into a harmful over-involvement with persons, substances or situations where we are positively looking for what is external to us to provide escape. On the other hand, hobbies are the active use of our own internal creative energies to provide fulfilment for self and others.
Hobbies are especially useful in making retirement meaningful, as well as vacations and spending time with the family. It is useful to have active hobbies (such as art or sports), as well as passive ones (including going to the movies or listening to music). Active hobbies require more creativity and effort that develop the mind, body and spirit. They also facilitate a greater development of skills.
Joining hobby clubs can be a useful way of increasing your skill, gaining new ideas and information, as well as widening your circle of friends and acquaintances. Make sure to budget the requisite time. Hobbies need not be considered a waste of time, as they are necessary for self-expression, health and increasing one's life span.
- Dr. E. Anthony Allen, psychiatrist
