Focus for This Month
It's National Hobby Month
Do You Have a Hobby or Perhaps have One That You Haven't Done in a While
If you haven't practiced your hobby recently, this is your month to act.
Why are Hobbies Important
Hobbies have been proven to boost mental health. According to a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Public Health, they were found to significantly reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Hobbies can improve physical health. We know that engaging in physical activities (that can be hobbies) like gardening, hiking, or dancing, can lead to improved physical health.
A study found that hobbies can help alleviate and prevent stress.
Hobbies can improve cognitive function. Consider artistic pursuits - painting, drawing, pottery, or putting together puzzles - jigsaw, crosswords, sudoku, and of course creative pursuits - singing, acting, writing poetry, even reading.
Hobbies are a great way to increase and improve your social connections. Consider sewing circles or gardening clubs, even game playing groups - card games, board games, pickleball - yes even on dialysis.
Hobbies can also boost self-esteem, increase life satisfaction, foster creativity, and provide a sense of purpose.
How to Celebrate National Hobby Month
Start a new hobby
Pick up, revive an old hobby
Join a hobby group - or start one
In other words, let go of things that no longer serve us.
Some Hobbies for You to Try?
Walking outdoors
Gardening
Cooking - new recipes or revive some of your old favorites - cooking from scratch can be especially beneficial on dialysis as you can control what goes into the food and what you are eating
Yoga
Volunteering - contact us if you are interested in getting involved in helping other dialysis patients
Read - or write - a book
Travel - yes, even on dialysis travel is possible
If you like statistics - like I do - click here - to see stats from The Bureau of Labor Statistics on favorite activities and the amount of time spent on them.
I have also provided a mindfulness meditation focused on developing your creativity below.
