We have spent a great deal of time since the beginning of this podcast on big life issues such as living an intentional life, how you respond to any event allows you to have some control over the outcome, avoiding living a life with regrets, having a vision, purpose and mission, and developing a life plan and setting goals around your life plan. We also heard from Mark Ross on what living in your encore life means and the stages of the process, and what his encore life looks like. As I reviewed my life plan and pondered on the areas that I have done well in and the areas I haven't, there was one of my life accounts that I have neglected, one that I'm sure many neglect because it seems it may be of lesser importance that the others. Let me tell you which one it is and why it is of huge importance.
The account that I have neglected the most is avocational. Thoughtco says an avocation is a hobby or any other activity taken up in addition to one's regular work; it may especially refer to something that is a person's "true" passion or interest. A vocation is one's principal occupation, often used in the context of a calling to a particular way of life or course of action.
My specific commitments in my avocational life account say
- I will designate an outdoor hobby that I will participate in regularly, such as biking, hiking, fishing, boating, etc.
- I will begin learning to play the guitar.
Even my specific commitments aren't specific and certainly don't come close to being a SMART goal. I have done some of each of the outdoor activities, but not "regularly", whatever that means. I also signed up for an online guitar tutorial 3 years ago and haven't started yet. The rest of this episode is to convince you not to be like me and to convince me that it is very important to take this life account seriously.
In an article from Best Medicine by Renown Health titled "7 Reasons Why Hobbies are Good for Your Health", Christopher D. Stanton, MD, with Renown Medical Group shares some of his favorite hobbies and the benefits past times can have on your health.
Mentally or physically demanding hobbies, such as playing music and chess and bridge, reading a complex book, or doing physically demanding exercise can definitely help with brain function.
7 Health Benefits of Having a Hobby
- Social Support. Hiking, bowling, Bunko or book clubs are all examples of group-related hobbies. Bonding with others adds social support to your life which helps lower stress.
- Take a Break. Hobbies allow you to take a break while still having a sense of purpose. Hobbies give you time to relax and refocus energy.
- Save Money. Buying second-hand or garage sale items you can refurbish such as book shelves, garden pots or old frames can save you money. Plus, you'll be recycling! It's good for your heart and the planet.
- Hobbies allow you to stay present and in the zone. This calms the nerves and creates a sense of well-being.
- Satisfaction. Seeing a project through can create a sense of satisfaction. That once dilapidated bookshelf you sanded, painted and decorated for your child's room can provide a great sense of accomplishment.
- Balance. Hobbies provide balance in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spending the day with your kids is great and then balancing that with a night of bowling with friends helps you refocus, energize and feel more prepared to take on life's challenges.
- Positive Stress. Eustress or "Good Stress." As Dr. Stanton points out, Eustress helps us view stressors in our lives as challenges rather than threats. This is the type of positive stress that keeps us vital and excited about life. By looking forward to your Tango dance lesson and meeting new people, you can trigger Eustress.
An article in the Huffington Post titled "Healthy Hobbies that will Improve Your Health" states: "Practicing a lifestyle of holistic wellness includes more than eating right and working out. It also includes making time for yourself and doing what you love. Spending your down time on your favorite hobbies benefits your overall wellbeing in many ways.
According to a 2015 study, engaging in leisure activities was defined as "self-selected, self-rewarding behavioral pursuits that take place during non-work time." Participants in this study who engaged in leisure activities were found to be happier, less bored, less stressed, and had lower heart rates. Leisure activities were also implied to be a great way to increase productivity and job performance, as they help boost creativity and give your brain a much-needed break."
There are many hobbies that can be turned into fun and healthy activities. Here are eleven of them:
- Dancing. This pastime has been shown to promote heart health, strengthen bones, and manage a healthy weight. Not only is dancing wonderful exercise, but it's a lot of fun too! There are many different types of dancing, from hip-hop to ballroom. Taking some dancing classes will help you discover which type of dancing suits you the best, plus you'll meet some new friends too!
- Cooking. Learning to cook nutritious meals is great for your health and wallet. Cooking healthy meals at home meals saves you money in the long-run, and it's a great way to bond with your family as well.
- Volunteering. Having a presence in your community is great for your emotional and social health. Volunteering can help keep you physically and mentally active. Giving back will also give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
- Gardening. There are many unexpected health benefits of gardening. Getting your hands dirty has been shown to decrease stress and promote self-esteem. It's also a great way to get in some physical activity while it improves your hand strength and dexterity. Another perk of gardening? Beautiful flowers to decorate your home and delicious vegetables to add to your dinner!
- Owning a pet. Animals have been shown to improve well being on both a physical and mental level. Owning a pet decreases the risk of depression, stress, and anxiety. On the physical side of things, owning a pet has been shown to lower blood pressure and help keep you active.
- Music. While music can be difficult to pick up after a certain age, it's definitely not impossible. Playing an instrument is fantastic for boosting creativity and happiness. Music also improves visual and verbal skills and reduces depression and anxiety.
- Yoga. One of the best things about yoga is that is beneficial for any age and any fitness level. Yoga increases physical strength, boosts energy, and promotes cardio and circulatory health. Yoga is also an excellent way to practice mindfulness, which will leave you less stressed and more productive.
- Walking. Regular brisk walking is incredible for weight management and your overall physical health. While walking may not sound like the ideal way to spend your free time, walking clubs and hiking make this healthy hobby and an enjoyable and versatile way to live better.
- Traveling. Planning a trip and hitting the road is sincerely satisfying for anyone who loves to explore or try something new. Traveling and experiencing new cultures shifts your perspective and promotes self-discovery. It offers you a chance to meet and connect with people so you can learn and grow. Traveling will also keep you active and on your feet.
- Reading. Pick up a book! The mental benefits of reading are too good to pass up. Reading has been shown to increase mental stimulation, reduce stress, improve memory, and boost concentration. Not only is reading a good book fun and entertaining, it also produces a sense of tranquility and wellbeing.
- Writing. Journaling, blogging or even creative writing serves as an outlet for self-expression. Writing for leisure has been shown to reduce stress and improve sleep. If you chose to share your writing with the public, it's also a great way to form connections with other people who have similar interests.
An article published by the Australian Government Department of Health titled "Purposeful Activities - Hobbies" states:
Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed. Group activities like team sports can improve your communication skills and relationships with others.
Your interests may be creative, athletic, academic, or something distinctly personal. You may choose a hobby that you can do alone or as part of a group. Whatever your interests are, there is sure to be a hobby out there for you. What matters is that it is something you find meaningful and enjoyable.
This article gives four specific types of hobbies and the corresponding benefits. They are:
- Recreational and relaxation activities reduce stress
- Getting involved in a creative activity or hobby can make you feel better the next day
- Exploring creatively with others will support recovery from mental health problems
- Physical activity through sports helps to enhance well being
The article that I have included in the show notes gives the specifics for each of these benefits and the research behind it.
My new specific commitments for avocational are:
- I will participate in an outdoor activity a minimum of 2 times per week beginning January 2020 which will include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, etc.
- I will begin lesson 1 of the guitar tutorial the week of January 20th and adjust this commitment as I see what is involved to make satisfactory progress (to be determined once I begin).
Action Item: Ask yourself: "What specific hobby do I have that I need to spend more time doing for pure enjoyment and to take advantage of the health benefits"? If you don't have a hobby or activity, I suggest you spend time exploring the links I provided in the show notes or find other resources to help you determine where to start.
Resources:
Definition of Avocation - ThoughtCo
7 Reasons Why Hobbies are Good for Your Health: Best Medicine by Renown Health
Healthy Hobbies that will Improve Your Life
Head to Health: Australian Government Department of Health
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