The Importance of Hobbies
Theatre has always been my hobby. It is what I love to do most and despite the stress that comes with a production, I am happiest when I am involved in a show. This is what hobbies are for. They should produce some level of happiness within you. Hobbies should also ideally be stress relieving as well, but I think there are different purposes for different hobbies.
Stress relievers
There are some hobbies that should be a form of relaxation for you. This could be reading or painting. Generally, activities that don’t require a lot of movement can also allow you to let your mind drift. It can be a type of escape from the everyday stresses of work life.
Socialization
Then there are hobbies that allow you to engage in your social nature. This could be group exercise classes or karaoke nights. Of course, theatre fits this category as you essentially become a family with a group of people for three months.
Learning
Some hobbies should allow you to learn new things. This could mean learning a new language or a new instrument. Basically, any hobby can fulfill this the first time you start but some are more educational than others. Learning a new language opens up an entirely new realm of possibilities for you. It allows you to travel without a guide, read new books, watch new movies, or even intervene on someone else's behalf.
No matter what the hobby is, it should be a break from what you normally do with your day. Pick something that has nothing to do with work and throw yourself into it, knowing that you don't have to be perfect and no one is expecting anything from you.
Written by Sharla Ball
