Hobbies: A Lifestyle Medicine We All Need

Send us Fan MailToday’s topic might seem deceptively simple. Hobbies. Hobbies are those fun side activities  that light you up, calm your mind and add a little spice to your life beyond your daily responsibilities.Let’s talk about them. A hobby is  any activity you choose to do for pleasure, creativity, curiosity and fulfillment; not because you have to but because you WANT to.*Hobbies are not tied to performance or achievement.* they are a break from roles and responsibilities* and they are a way to explore who we are beyond what you do for work.Hobbies first and foremost  boost your *brain health by building new neural pathways in your brain which improve memory and focus.  Neural pathways are the connections in your brain that allow information to travel- they are like highways your brain builds when you learn or practice something new - your brain literally grows when it learns something- so hobbies keep the brain sharp reducing cognitive decline as you age.·   They Reduce stress and anxiety- when you are immersed in a hobby, your mind drops into a flow state/ kind of like a meditation. Your heart rate slows, your breathing steadies, and worry takes a back seat.·   Hobbies  support emotional well-being- they create micro-moments of joy- and give you something to look forward to·   They can help expand your social connections thru Clubs& leagues: Hobbies help us meet people with similar interests which helps fight loneliness which inturn will increase  your life span.Why do hobbies matter?  They prevent overdependence. If one partner becomes  the others only source of entertainment or emotional support, pressure will build. Having individual hobbies creates balance .Secondly; it keeps attraction alive-watching your partner passionate about something is incredibly engaging -and because of this… curiosity and admiration  for them deepen*They also keep conversation alive in your relationship- stories, learning, or small wins- these keep daily conversation and connection alive and fresh never boring* And hobbies preserve individual identitymeaning-  you are continuing to be yourself inside a relationship- you are not losing your personality, passions or the sense of who you are. Its remembering that you are more than a spouse, a parent, or the roles you play. Its keeping the interests, quirks, dreams, and hobbies that make you uniquely you. When both partners preserve their individuality, the relationship stays healthier, more balanced, and more interesting because each person continues to grow and bring something new to the table. While individual hobbies are vital- having SOME shared hobbies can strengthen your bond even more. As I wrap up this episode, this is what I would like you to take with you:_hobbies are not childish_they are not selfish_They are lifestyle medicine:_They reduce stress_they protect your brain_they remind us who we are beyond our responsibilities_ They give us something to look forward to- and something to shareIn relationships and marriages, hobbies will keep the spark alive. They give us new stories  to share, new energy and a new appreciation for each other- and they allow you full reign to exaggerate and bring in friendly competition if you do them together. Hobbies help us stay interesting- and stay interested.Again, balance matters. Time, Money and Energy are limited, So be respectful. Be realistic. And be supportive of each others passions without keeping score.Enjoy!JoanneThe Aging Mask949)236-1529Follow along on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theagingmask