Hobbies and mental health

You can tell a man from the hobbies he pursues. Anything can be a hobby really. If you like to indulge in something and that little something absorbs your entire attention, thereby bringing you joy and satisfaction, then it is a hobby.

While picking one's nose could technically qualify for a hobby, we are sure you can do something better. Some people work and earn money only so they can feed their hobbies. Some hobbies like photography and videography or electric guitars require equipment which isn't exactly dirt cheap. So, you have the classic case of an accountant who could labour away crunching figures and tallying balance sheets by day, but come the night he is a heavy metal guitarist.

Some hobbies like reading, writing or collecting stamps have a lot of takers, so you have common interest groups which are so very essential for one's mental development and social skills.

Why hobbies are important

Studies have revealed that those who pursue any hobby are twice likely to be alert mentally well in to old age. Hobbies can most importantly bring like-minded people together (book reading groups, music classes, philately, fishing, bird watching, photography, or acting). Finally, if you are really good at your hobby you could even generate an extra income on the side. That can only do good for your mental and fiscal health. Certain premium hobbies like astrology, ceramics, cookery and sport coaching can really get you fame and with it big time satisfaction.

The smartest people though make their hobbies their work. That way you are always doing what you want and even get paid for it.