The Wonderful World of Hobbies

Let’s face it, being a caregiver is hard work. Sometimes you just need to step away, separate yourself from your loved one, and do something you enjoy that has nothing to do with caregiving. Having a hobby is a great way to do that, and that’s our topic for this week.
 
Here’s a quote that sums it up perfectly: “When it comes to improving your mental health, there are few better remedies than picking up a healthy hobby. Hobbies can get your mind active and get you social – but the real benefit to most people is the boost to overall mental wellness. No matter what sort of mental issue you’re struggling with, there’s a good chance that throwing yourself into a hobby will have a positive effect.” – From C&T Publishing, The Importance of Hobbies
 
Variety is one of the greatest things about hobbies. There are physical hobbies that strengthen your body, there are hobbies that allow you to expand your mind and creativity, and there are hobbies that just help you relax and take your mind off your cares.
 
Any activity that you find enjoyable will help you relax, reduce isolation and loneliness, and lessen the feelings of stress and anxiety that caregivers often have. Here is a writer who notes that her hobbies of music, reading and writing are all self-help tools that give her peace and calm her anxiety.
 
I’ve always tended toward creative hobbies. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed crafts … from decoupage … to cross stitch, sewing and needlepoint … to photography and scrapbooking. I also love reading a good book. But while my family and I continue our stay in the hospital following my son Andrew’s motorcycle accident, I haven’t been able to read much. My brain just isn’t able to comprehend large bodies of text or follow a plot right now. So, I’ve been doing a lot of needlepoint, and that helps take my mind off things. Sudoku and crossword puzzles work for my husband and the kids. 
 
When you make time for a hobby, you’re reminding yourself and the world that you’re a separate individual with needs and desires. Spending time meeting your own needs will actually make you a better caregiver.  
 
What hobby works for YOU?