Wellness is a crucial part of your performance. Here’s how hobbies fit into that picture!

From the desk of Miles Everson:

I hope you're doing great!

Every Friday, I share insights on health, wealth, well-being, happiness, the future of work, book reviews, marketing, tips, and more—all to help you elevate your career and personal life.

Today, I want to discuss another facet of wellness that I’m sure most of us can relate to.

Keep reading below to know more!

Wellness is a crucial part of your performance. Here’s how hobbies fit into that picture!

A few months ago,  Deloitte, one of the biggest accounting and consulting firms in the world, made headlines when it added a unique perk to its wellness policy.

For those who may not know, the professional services firm’s wellness policy includes a USD 1,000 subsidy to spend on things such as gym memberships, equipment purchases, and the like. 

… and in June this year, the company added new items to its approved list of subsidies, but what was unique in this round of additions was the addition of  Lego  sets and puzzles.

Yes, you got that right…  Legos!

Legos have been associated with children’s toys; however, in recent years, it has gained traction as a go-to for adult hobbyists and collectors!

Why?

It’s because it’s another hobby that has shown to be great at helping many manage their stress!

For today though, we’re not going to talk about Legos or Deloitte’s wellness policy. 

What we’re here to tackle is what this story represents:  The importance of having hobbies … especially for professionals, high-performers and even leaders!

Before we go any deeper, do you understand why you need hobbies in the first place? 

That’s because in today’s fast-paced and technologically-driven world, staying ahead isn’t just about keeping pace with the advancements and trends in your chosen profession; it’s also about having an optimal amount of rest and having something else to look forward to other than your work. 

Any profession can be stressful, that’s why taking the time to take your mind off of work is important because it helps a lot in maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.

Going back to the importance of hobbies… 

Picking up a hobby or two has been proven to be beneficial to your mental well-being and overall health… and here’s what’s been discovered about this connection so far:

• Better mental well-being

  According to a  research  on people aged 65 or older, those who have hobbies were reported to have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to those who do not.

  Those who had hobbies were also less likely to suffer from depression symptoms.

  In a 2023 poll organized by the  American Psychiatric Association, it was found that participants who engaged in creative hobbies reported having “very good” or “excellent” mental health.

• Improved Cognitive Function

  In a Japanese  study  that analyzed the leisure activities of 50,000 adults aged 65 and older, researchers discovered that risk for dementia decreases when the number of hobbies increase.

  Some of the hobbies that have been found to be highly beneficial include fishing, gardening, golf, handicrafts, and travel.

• Lowered Risk of Acquiring Chronic Diseases

  Hobbies, especially  activities  that are helpful in reducing stress or encouraging physical movement have been found to be beneficial to one’s endocrine, immune, and central nervous systems.

  According to experts, when a person’s body functions well, it could lead to lower risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even some forms of cancer.

Based on these benefits, it’s clear that hobbies play an important role in your life… but how do you get started? Which hobby should you pick?

Well, the answer to those questions depends entirely on you and your lifestyle. What’s important is that you’re able to pick up a hobby that you truly enjoy.

After all, your hobby doesn’t have to be trendy or grand; it just needs to be something that fits well with your interests. 

So, if you haven’t picked up a hobby yet or are looking for another one, then take this as the sign to take that next step!

Remember : The time you’ll dedicate to a hobby isn’t a distraction, but a worthwhile detour from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. 

It may even end up being the missing piece that would enable you to take the next step in your development as a professional!

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