BREAKOUT: Healthy Hobbies
One of the reasons that a healthy social life is so important is that your social circle influences your activity. It’s great if you still meet up with your college friends or people you met at your first job, but maybe it’s not as good for you if you spend your time together drinking for hours, using recreational drugs, or smoking.
Healthy hobbies can contribute to recovery from mental health challenges and can, if done in the right setting, also provide a gateway to friendships. (1) They are so important that they are encouraged as part of many addiction recovery programs, in part because they alleviate boredom, and in part because they help rebuild self-worth. (2)
We’ll talk about intellectual stimulation later, but for now we’ll note that people with healthy hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Examples of healthy hobbies include music (including listening), crafts, writing, creating art, and athletics, but that’s not an exhaustive list. The important thing is that the activity is enjoyable and meaningful to you. (3)
Back: Compassion (A Pillar of Joy)
Next: Deep Relaxation
Healthy hobbies can contribute to recovery from mental health challenges and can, if done in the right setting, also provide a gateway to friendships. (1) They are so important that they are encouraged as part of many addiction recovery programs, in part because they alleviate boredom, and in part because they help rebuild self-worth. (2)
We’ll talk about intellectual stimulation later, but for now we’ll note that people with healthy hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Examples of healthy hobbies include music (including listening), crafts, writing, creating art, and athletics, but that’s not an exhaustive list. The important thing is that the activity is enjoyable and meaningful to you. (3)
Back: Compassion (A Pillar of Joy)
Next: Deep Relaxation