Taking up a new hobby can be an intimidating decision, but there are many reasons that now is the perfect time to get started. Whether you want to learn how to bake, knit yourself a sweater, play the guitar or sew your own clothes, there are many reasons why you should give it a go.
6 reasons to take up a new hobby
Regardless of what kind of hobby you are considering exploring more, there are many reasons to take the leap into something new.
Challenge yourself – Encouraging yourself to take on new challenges can help you stay motivated to keep learning new things. Since the hobbies you take on are done by choice and likely things you find fun, the challenge won’t feel stressful the way other difficult times might be.
Take a break from screens – Studies have shown that on average adults spend upwards of 40% of their days looking at screens. A hobby that doesn’t include screens will give eyes a much-needed break.
Improve your mental and physical health – Taking part in activities that you enjoy has been shown to relax your body and brain, resulting in lower blood pressure and cortisol, reduced feelings of depression, increased positivity and an overall improved mood.
Make friends – Sharing common interests is a great way to make new friends and grow your social circle.
Gives your brain a break – Spending too much time thinking about work and other things that you have to do can just serve to stress you out. Spending time on a hobby that provides enjoyment can give your brain a break and allow you to feel more able to attack any problems that may arise.
Work better – Giving your brain space to learn and explore new things can help it to function better in the workplace. The ability to problem solve, focus, deal with stress and be creative can all be improved with hobbies.
Playing music is the perfect hobby
Whether you’ve wanted to learn how to play an instrument for years or the idea has just occurred to you, investing your time into a musical hobby has many benefits for your life.
Music can reduce stress, depression and anxiety
Playing music has been shown to help lower your heart rate and blood pressure, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When you pick up an instrument and focus on your skill development rather than what’s happening in your day-to-day life, it can help distract your brain and let go of what’s troubling you.
You’ll make new friends
Playing an instrument is often a direct line into a ready-made social circle. Whether you’re interested in joining or creating a band or you join in on some open mic nights, your new instrument will help you bond with a group of people who understand your interests.
Playing music can improve your brain
Picking up a musical instrument and playing it, whether you actually know how to or not, is the brain’s version of a full-body workout. Playing an instrument requires both sides of your brain to work together. This means that you’ll be working various oral, tactical, visual and motor skills at the same time which can lead to improvements in many areas of brain development.
It can increase your confidence
As you practice your new musical hobby and realize that you can play sets of notes or entire songs, you will notice an increased level of confidence in other areas of your life as well.
Hobbies – and playing music – are all about fun
When it comes down to it, the most important reason to take on a new hobby, whether that’s playing guitar or piano, painting rocks or decorating cakes, is because it’s an activity you may enjoy. The benefits of playing music are plenty, so get started with some online or in person lessons to see if it’s the right hobby for you.
