What is your hobby? Most people have something that they love to do and help them unwind after a stressful week. Some read books; others listen to music. Many love to watch a movie or a television series on Netflix.
There are tons of hobbies out there, but only a few are productive. They can either make you smarter, healthier, and happier. If you want to learn a new hobby, consider one of these activities:
Gardening
Cultivating a garden in your backyard is perceived by many as a hobby for older adults. However, many young people have discovered and now enjoying the fun of gardening.
Start with plants that are more resilient and easier to take care of. A tree service can help you if you want bigger vegetation in your backyard.
Gardening has a lot of benefits to offer to anyone willing to get down and dirty. It forces you to go out under the sun, which means you get a healthy dose of vitamin D. Tending to your garden also counts as physical activity, working your muscles and keeping your joints loose and limber.
Moreover, it practices responsibility. You will be in charge of keeping these living beings alive. You have to water the plants regularly, check if there are pests around, provide fertilizer if needed, etc. When it is time to harvest, you will be rewarded with fresh flowers or fruits and vegetables that will make all the effort feel worth it.
Reading
Reading is a popular hobby among people of all ages. Many of the most successful personalities around the world are self-professed bookworms. Bill Gates, the second wealthiest man alive, reads 50 books a year. Warren Buffet, the fourth wealthiest man aline, credits reading as the key to his success.
Reading is the hobby of the ultra-rich. Whether you have ambitions to become a billionaire or not, by reading, you can say that you are spending your time wisely.
Good books not only provide information useful to your career and life in general, but they also open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. It helps you become more empathetic. It sparks your imagination.
Meditating
Sitting quietly in one spot for a couple of minutes might not sound productive, but it is. Much like your smartphone and other electronic devices, your brain has to recuperate and be ready for all the challenges ahead of you.
Studies have proven that the practice of meditation can reduce your body’s level of cortisol, the hormone responsible for feelings of stress. Stress can lead to several physical and mental health conditions.
Meditating will also lengthen your attention span. In the age of constant distractions brought about by the Internet, television, radio, etc., many people find it challenging to focus on the task at hand for more than a few minutes at a time. Meditating is the remedy for the continuously shortening attention span of the public.
This hobby is easy to start. You can meditate anywhere and at any time. You can also use one of the dozens of meditation apps and videos on the Internet to guide you.
Do not feel pressured to choose a hobby that will lead to future career advancement or a new profession. If you enjoy your chosen activity, you are using your time productively.
