As we enter a new year, we're all striving to become better versions of ourselves, whether that means wanting to exercise more, eating healthier, spending more time with friends, or pursuing personal goals like tackling that long-awaited project. It could even be as simple as wanting to pick up a new hobby, which, according to studies, is actually something that we need to do to feel satisfied with our lives.
Everyone requires at least one hobby from each of the four categories in order to feel satisfied. Because of our work-centric culture, leisure activities often take a backseat to full-time jobs and other obligations. In fact, a study found that all the negative consequences of being overworked can actually be relieved by having leisure hobbies.
That means something as simple as a weekly class to learn how to knit or finally getting around to learning how to work on that project car that's been sitting in your garage for months. These activities actually help with burnout, stress, and even depression, as it's a change up from the long hours spent at work.
Below you'll find the four categories you need to have at least one hobby in:
- making/creating something (Knitting, crocheting)
- consuming or appreciating art that someone else has made (Watching a movie, Listening To Music)
- anything that encourages you to get outside or be active. (Go for a walk, Run, Yoga)
- anything that encourages social interaction (Go to a social happy hour, join an intramural sport.)