03 August 2008

Why Hobbies Are Good for Us?

During my high school days, I had the pleasure of collecting and exchanging stamps for a hobby. It was indeed a very rewarding past time for me since I always felt like I was acquiring unique pieces of treasures whenever a new stuff came my way. What excited me most, however, was when the new addition was acquired through “hard labor”, like I had to do some research or assignment for a senior student in order to obtain an allegedly rare stamp that was completely strange and unfamiliar in the group of collectors where I belong. Boy, it was really gratifying. I managed to continue the hobby with more passion and sense until now but still fairly puzzled on what benefits do I get from being a self-proclaimed philatelist, though it is evident to me that I am absolutely enjoying the flair and tricks of the trade.

I realized later, with the help of my researches & readings, that a hobby when enthusiastically enjoyed becomes not only pleasurable but also therapeutic.

Hobbies reduce stress, says Alice Domar, director of the Mind/Body Center for Women's Health at Harvard Medical School. They distract you from everyday worries: If you're focused on the pottery you're making, you can't fret about work, says Domar. And knitting, or anything requiring repetitive motion, elicits the relaxation response, a feeling of overall serenity, marked by lowered blood pressure.

Likewise, hobbies provide a calming sense of control, says Domar, and research suggests this strengthens immunity. You may have little say at work, but when you're woodworking, you're in charge. You get the credit -- and satisfaction -- of a job well done.[1]

We recognize that physical activity extends life, but less active recreations, like cognitive relaxation, are healthy as well. A study published in the The New England Journal of Medicine found that those who engaged in cognitive leisure activities, such as reading books or newspapers, writing for pleasure, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games or cards, participating in organized group discussions, and playing musical instruments, were likely to decrease risks of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia in the elderly.

Hobbies like painting and other forms of artistic expressions are likewise demonstrated to have some influence on enhancing our well-being. This was eloquently pointed out in the article The Healing Power of Art written by Christina Grant. It emphasizes that if creative forces or energy inherently present in human body are repressed or held inside they will likely manifest negatively or take other forms such as depression, anxiety, anger, rage, cysts, tumors, and other growths in the body.

These combined evidences clearly suggest that hobbies in whatever form have to be kept or cultivated in order to enjoy good health and life as a whole.

By the way, do not forget, though, that blogging, which is a form of "writing for pleasure", is a cognitive type of hobby and is certainly beneficial to our health.

What do you think? Do you agree with these findings? Do you have a hobby that you think is not worth holding on?

Feel free to share your thoughts.

Related Health & Wellness Articles:

Guava: A Natural Source of Disease-fighting Antioxidants

Go Nuts!

Cinematherapy:Is Watching Movies Beneficial to Your Mental Health?

What Makes Filipinos Happy?

Photo Credits:

Stamp Collecting

People To Have Hobbies

I Need A New Hobby

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149 comments:

  1. Hobbies are incredibly necessary to proper health, in my opinion. And while I agree that blogging is a cognitive and mentally productive hobby, it in no way compares to the enhancing effects of playing some music. I play guitar for example, and when I'm enjoying that there is truly no other feeling in the world quite like it. That's what Christina Gant is talking about, I think, and as much as I love blogging, it is no substitute for having a hobby playing a musical instrument, and the more people you jam with the better.

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  2. I do think hobbies are great for relieving stress. Along with blogging (is this my hobby or my addiction???) I make hand-made greeting cards.

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  3. I used to collect stamps as well when I was in school but now all my collection had somehow disappeared... I think that was one of the greatest hobby that I have ever had.

    Now I blog. Is that a hobby?

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  4. This is a great article, and it's totally true.

    I collect stamps still. do jewelrymaking. occassionally I do paper crafts and sew. I also just love spending time thinking about what to do, like looking out of the window at a squirrel perched in the tree eating his lunch.

    hobbies distract the worries and help relax and soothe the creative parts of the brain; which by all reports are the first to suffer from longterm damage due to misuse.

    I've subscribed in netvibes, since you're such a great read. Thanks Again to Entrecard.

    don't be a stranger, stop by any of my blogs soon.

    Cheers

    ~RE

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  5. Great article! Hobbies are indeed good for our health, and I always feel sorry for those people who don't have any real hobbies.

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  6. Hobbies keep you entertained. They turn your mind away from bad things. Hobbies are the way to get active and to become passionate and get going towards goals. That what I think about hobbies.

    My blog; http://twisthis.blogspot.com

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  7. I use to have a hobby called reading, now sadly I have a hobby called "blogging" at times this seems like a job. Sadly I don't get paid because my real job dictates me being there.

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  8. Now blogging is my major hobby, but I have a bite scary, it's took much of my time. I don't want to be blog addict...

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  9. Hobbies are good - I'm not sure that blogging is one of those ones that helps us to de-stress.

    (AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!)

    (sorry) :)

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  10. As a matter of fact, I have a number of hobbies that I enjoy. Besides being an avid reader, I enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing and cooking. Those are my creative outlets. I also enjoy crossword and cross sum puzzles, which I often do to relax before going to sleep at night. Those are the ones that keep my brain sharp, and as I age I find I need them more and more.

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  11. Good stuff. I sometimes have too many hobbies, but it's always fun to have interests and things to clear your mind

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  12. I used to play a lot of team-games on internet, Mud, counter strike and such games. It took too much time and I felt I started to get addicted instead of engaged. I started to blog instead and fiddling with plugins and themes. When I do that I feel that my brain disconnects a bit. I think its my new hobby, to fiddle with blogs. :) Writing in it is kind of a bonus - which I am trying to expand. Else I love to read science fiction, paint a bit etc.

    I used to collect stamps when younger, but suddenly a day I found my litle sister on the floor tearing all my stamps in two. I stopped collecting that day. :)

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  13. One of my favorite benefits of working (playing?) at a hobby is that it increases your creativity level in all parts of your life. Somehow taking photos or knitting a sweater makes it easier to come up with solutions to everyday problems.

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  14. So true! I sometimes think I have too many hobbies- but I find that I am interested in so many things it's hard to say no! I worry that I can't devote as much time to each thing as I would like, but I also can't seem to find any one that is less important to me than another. I like to keep busy, so I suppose they will all stay around until the day I crack ;)

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  15. I've got certain hobbies tht certainy stress me out. Anything involving DIY and I'll be stressed in seconds but I still enjoy it. Looking after my chickens though is guarenteed to calm me down to an inch of being buddha

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  16. I completely agree. That is why, as much as I hope to make money from my blog, if I don't, then I'll just look at it as a hobby that I loved that didn't cost me anything. Ever since I started working on my blog I've had more energy. I can't wait to get on the computer each day. It really adds an extra bit of excitement to my life. That is what a great hobby should do. Since I havent' earned any money yet (except for the money that google is holding for me that I won't see until I reach $100) I can still qualify my blog as a hobby.

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  17. It's easy to pick up new hobbies if someones willing, but sometimes hard to let go of old hobbies... I think as long as they're constructive though it shouldn't normally hurt to hang on to them...

    Plus, I think many times throughout history, the output of mere "hobbies" from people have become great interests of others... E.g. There were probably "rock collectors" before "geologists" who contributed much to the knowledge of geology... and stamp collectors before "philatelics" ;)

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  18. Hobbies are really great. They relieve us from stress. I love to read and it's my hobby that I can't live without.

    Nice to see comment rush back.

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  19. Hilarious illustrations to go with a a post. A lot of people don't consider blogging to be a hobby, but I do and it's a very time consuming one! Apart from that, my only other hobby would be organising. Making labels, making a home for everything, sorting and etc... I just LOVE it! Also, I know that if I had a hobby when I was younger, I would've stayed out of trouble a lot more!

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  20. When is something a hobby, and when is something just fun to do at a regularly basis? The difference is very small.
    I don't think I have a hobby. I only do things I like eg a jigsaw, collecting, crafting etc but after a small period of time I'll get fed up with it and do something new or old until I get fed up with them too. It's a neverending circle...

    And by the way: hobbies can be expensive so watch out! :-)

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  21. I used to collect stamps,in fact I still think of myself as a philatelist but my collection is currently in storage.

    These days I use photography and writing for my outlet, and I really believe it will make a difference to my mental acuity as I get older

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  22. My hobby now is chasing my toddler! Hahaha... If I had more time, I'd love to get back into scrapbooking :)
    I agree hobbies are important for defining yourself and relaxing.

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  23. I have hobbies, beading, crocheting, reading, cross stitching and blogging, but unfortunately I have many unfinished projects. I only seem to finish books and computer stuff. I am always looking for the next project to do.

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  24. I enjoy photography, knitting (though anything more than a scarf and you seriously wouldn't want to wear it), reading and walking with my dog. I think of all these things as hobbies by your definition as I have to put something of myself in to get something back out, joy.
    To hear that it is stress reducing to have hobbies is not surprise, I know I always feel better when I have the peace to indulge in one of mine.

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  25. well, I blog as a hobby. And it is necessary because it has helped me to express myself and see the comments on my direction of thinking.

    :)

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  26. I agree because I live in a very small house, the store is like 20 miles away from my house, so Im glad there is blogging

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  27. I definitely believe that hobbies are good for you. I do beadweaving and some may think I'm absolutely crazy to work with literally thousands of tiny beads, but it's very therapeutic. I can sit and bead for hours.

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  28. Hobbies are fantastic stress relievers and keep our minds settled.

    Letting your life's focus become hobbies may perhaps be a bad thing - I've had a few "hobbies" that became obsessions.

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  29. Hobbies indeed are important. It's just... when does a hobby become an obsession>? It's a fine line! Like just about anything, I think hobbies call for moderation, although perhaps I just need more focus.

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  30. I agree, it definitely helps with easing your mind off of work or other worries in your life and, I'd hope, it would be something you'd enjoy and further reduce stress in your life.

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  31. Writing would be a hobby which blogging allows me to do and not the other way around. Cooking is another hobby that I write about, then blog about. Blog, blog, blog. Another stress, maybe? Just wondering.

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  32. What a wonderful post. We don't always realize the benefits of our hobbies. I have several. I like to photograph lots of things. I garden. I raise chickens. I play boardgames. I sing. I blog. (Jeeze... when do I have time for real life?!?) I feel like I am a really relaxed person. When I am at work, I don't let the stress stuff get me down. Have a great day!
    Christina

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  33. I definitely agree with you that hobbies are very important to our lives. Although I never really had a hobby before... blogging for me is a fairly new hobby for me, am definitely enjoying it, trying to come up with new post, blog surfing and reading other blogger's posts... i hope i'll reap the benefits of this new hobby :)

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  34. Good read indeed! Hobbies is a great thing to have. Gives you a chance for some 'Me time' and I think everyone needs a chance for some time alone now and then. I enjoy hot rods, computers, and surly my blogs. They give me a way to get away from the real world for a time.

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  35. Actually, I think if you really throw yourself into your hobby (for me they're DJing, blogging and travelling) you'll find a way to make them a lifestyle... and you get to live your hobbies :-)

    Nice post :-)

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  36. Good luck on your comment rush promo - Im really interested to see if it works

    JK www.webfrap.com

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  37. I have always believed that a hobby was a necessary part of life. Glad to find the experts agree!

    Great post - and blogging is surely another enjoyable hobby!

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  38. Very interesting article. Hobbies are a great way to relax and get your mind off of the stresses of your day. I know people whose hobbies are a larger part of their life than their job. I kind of admire those people.

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  39. Hobbies have always been therapeutic for me - historically I would exercise a lot, and read about psychology and spirituality. I like to garden, too. Now I have my own blog.

    It's a great way to focus and clear the mind of worrisome thoughts.

    Lisa Spinelli

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  40. I definitely agree with you. I also collected stamps before but I stopped...gave mine to my sister who is a collector too.
    Now I collect things with my kids...we have collections of paper bills and coins, frames, fridge magnets, snow globes and shotglasses from different countries,we also collect sand from different beaches and my latest was the starbucks city mug series.

    It is very rewarding...I really enjoy doing this things with my kids. I become more excited because they're excited.

    Reflexes

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  41. As a therapist I encourage all of my clients to develop a new hobby as part of counselling homework. Self development and improvement is often about sampling life and hobbies are a great way to sample life that a person may not have other wised tried.

    Although I use scrapbooking as a therapy tool (scrapathy) I do it in my private life as a hobby - an expensive one!

    Blogging is more than a hobby for me though - I use blogging as an extension of my job and as a consciousness raising tool.

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  42. I totally agree with this. When I was little I collected rocks. Wherever we went I always came back home with a pile of rocks to add to my collection each rock labled as to where it came from. I also collected cat figurines as a teen and did the same with them as I did the rocks.
    Today though I blog. It's my solitude and how I get thoughts out of my brain. I also read books for a hobby too! My memory is pretty darn good considering I can recall today where each of my rocks and cats came from and for the most part what books I have read too!

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  43. One hobby I used to have was playing Dungeons and Dragons. Although the "It's the Devil's game" crowd would scold me for such things, I found it to be extremely useful to my education. I don't think anyone realizes how much reading and math goes into playing the pen and paper version. Not to mention the writing. It was an education outside of school.

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  44. Does drinking beer count as a hobby? Oh wait - video games! Blogging! Driving my wife crazy! Geez - I guess collecting hobbies is my hobby.

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  45. I love hobbies. I love getting my creative brains cells moving and playing. I think that allowing yourself time to play in this way also allows you to figure out more complex problems and issues in life.

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  46. Hobbies are therapeutic. Besides, they cause you divert your mind from other pressing issues in life.

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  47. When I started selling jewelry full time, I made my hobby into my job. My Step-daughter asked me the other day if it was still fun...it is, and Im delighted to say that hobby as job is a good thing so far!

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  48. Hobbies can also turn into money-making opportunities. :)

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  49. I'm too busy working to have hobbies these days. But one thing I know about hobbies is once you turn them into profit-making, they are at risk of losing some of the "fun" power.

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  50. This is why I always enjoyed grinding in MMOs. It is repetitive and elicits the relaxation response. Now I have a little more info regarding WHY I always enjoyed it over questing. :)

    -Cambios
    Blogging about Online Gaming and Virtual Worlds:
    http://www.muckbeast.com

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  51. Blogging started out as a hobby for me, now it has taken over my life and I need a hobby to get away from the blogging... :)

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  52. My offline hobby is coin collecting or coin exchange

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  53. It's hard to find a hobbies now a days..when you've spent 8 to 10 hours per day on your time surfing the net looking only good knows what..

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  54. I become obsessed with my hobbies and then lose interest.

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  55. great post buddy..i dint know playing board games or cards decrease risks of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia in the elderly.. relaxed now... hahaha

    Hobbies are really stress busters.. i play pool..that's my hobby... and when i am playing pool i cant think of anything..when i am sad, angry or disappointed i play alone if i don't find a company and after playing pool i am so relaxed and calm..

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  56. My former hobby was collecting Disney movies. Of course I collected them on VHS. This was before I had children. Now, they have taken over my collection. I've found myself repurchasing movies on DVD that we already own on VHS so the kids can watch them in the vehicle...if I'd have known then what I know now. It was fun finding the ones I needed at yard sales, etc. Now my children are my hobby! :)

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  57. I have to have a hobby it seems. It used to be gardening, then it was scrapbooking, and now it's photography and blogging.

    I try to spend a few minutes every day on my hobbies. They are the most relaxing things I've found!

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  58. Hobbies?
    To me "hobbies" is a synonym for life. Add some family and friends, remove work and you enter the sweet life zone.

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  59. Excellent article. Hobbies are a great way to pass time, improve yourself, and have a great time. Blogging is definitely a hobby, one that can be used to make income as well.

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  60. Sometime I think I have too many hobbies, the boxes filled with collectibles scattered about. It is very nice to take an interest in something though.

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  61. I think blogging is a very positive hobby, it can give us pleasure of writing, sharing opinion and "speaking" to public. I used to be a very introvert person, so few weeks ago I started blogging, and it helps me a lot to give new perspective to me.

    But we also need outdoor activity, such as playing football, fishing, or just having barbeque with friends. I'd like to start it one day.

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  62. I had no idea that reading could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's- that is amazing!

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  63. I used to collect stamps too. I love gardening, playing with my puppy, caring for my chickens and reading. Since my dad has Alzheimer's I am glad I read a lot!!!

    I like to look at life as a hobby!

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  64. Blogging is my hobby...and yet it starts to be more of an obsession. It does help as my outlet. My new outdoor hobby is Kayaking. :)

    Great post on an important reminder that we need to take time for ourselves. :)

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  65. My hobby is learning how to program in different languages. Right now I'm making video games and releasing the source code on my site to other who are eager to learn!

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  66. i do believe that hobbies keep a person occupied and creative. taking on a hobby that interests you is one sure way to help you focus on one thing, make good use of your time and be happier because it will make you realize that you are capable of doing other good things!
    what i do like about hobbies is that you can be a little bit more adventurous and try out new things...

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  67. I use my writing in this case more as a therapy rather than a hobby. In both cases it is a valuable outlet for anyone, especially in the process of understanding oneself. Both can be a release.

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  68. yea hobbies, really work wonders, and in my list i've got an endless hobby listing and blogging also is a part of my hobby now :) haha. will add to technorati faves and stumble soon

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  69. Internet is my hobbies.

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  70. I wish I had more time for my hobbies - I love to read, crochet, and of course blogging, I also collect Tarot cards.

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  71. I used to collect stamps too, thought it's been many years ago. Collecting stamps and coins can be an investment option, since the value usually increases.

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  72. Hobbies are a wonderful thing because one CHOOSES it. It is not like Having to do it.
    People are so structured at an early age that if it is something they are told to do...it is not really fun because it is not of their choosing.
    One's hobby should be a positive escape. Some people choose alcohol, drugs or watching television for their escapes. I consider these negative hobbies. I think positive hobbies are a much more intellectual stimulating choice. Definitely positive hobbies are a good thing.
    Thank you so much for this stimulating topic.
    It is amazing how blogging has become a very positive thing. As it stimulates our minds on certain topics that may never have crossed it.
    Have a very positive day!
    ~D~ www.womensselfesteem.com

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  73. I like the post and your blog setup. Came through Comment rush at E-card.

    I sometimes drive my wife crazy with all the hobbies I have had. Funny, my wife hardly has any.

    Beamer

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  74. My hobbies take too much time after school T..T It takes about 80% of my free time. But then Hobbies are fun

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  75. Whenever I am feeling really stressed, I realize that it's been awhile since I've carved out some me-time to work on a hobby. Hobbies are great for making you feel rejuvenated.

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  76. I've come to realize that if I don't take some "Me Time", my health suffers. If I do find the time to lock myself away in my studio and create some new jewelry, a new T-shirt design, sewing a new purse or doing some paper art. Anytime I spend that me time and lose myself in my creativity, I always come away feeling better.

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  77. Hobbies are really good to spend time and keep negative energy away. Also some good hobbies like playing sports etc is very good for health. Blogging is also good to get in touch with your topics of interest and also like minded people from across the globe

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  78. I think the health benefits of hobbies can't be stressed enough. The older people I know that actively participate in hobbies such as card making, scrap booking or even the daily crossword seem more engaged and more enthusiastic about life.

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  79. Yup, i agree that you need a hobby in order to relax, enjoy and live an happy life.

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  80. I used to cross-stitch and really enjoyed it. Now I work too many hours to have time to enjoy a hobby. I do enjoy blogging and working on websites and since those aren't my normal profession I do consider them to be my hobby. I find both relaxing!

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  81. My hobby is my work and I can say My work is my hobby. I love web development and that is what I work on.

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  82. I couldn't manage without my hobbies: blogging, reading, collecting postcards, photography, walking. It's surprising I have time for other life. I find they take away the stresses of the day.

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  83. Well, this past 6 months, i think i could say that my new hobby is making a theme/design (Multiply theme).. maybe for blogger too, in time,when i get to learn all the codes for blogger.. i'm still new at blogging and still learning.Great post btw, and i also agree that hobby is not only 'pleasurable but also therapeutic'.. have a great week :)

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  84. I think hobbies are great, but must be done in moderation. I'm a chronic dilettante-- I pick up a hobby, play with it obsessively until I get overwhelmed, then ignore it for 6-12 months.

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  85. I agree, when I was going through some of my lowest lows in life, it was drawing that happened to help me out of my depression and distract my mind from all my troubles. Great article!

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  86. Great post!

    My hobbies are my me time and as a bonus something gets made as a bonus, either for me or my family, or as a gift for someone else!

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  87. Hobbies is very important in our life. Some get addicted too much on work and it has become their hobby as well. My hobby is blogging and gym workout. I think I'm doing it full time now because I like it most.

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  88. While hobbies can be a great way to relieve stress while exerting some creative energy, I see too many get overwhelmed by their hobby and either get horribly in debt for it or are so compulsive about it, they lose sight of the other important things in their lives.

    A hobby should never be THE passion of your life, just A passion in it.

    ĂŞ¿ĂŞ

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  89. There have been many recent studies that show that individuals gain more satisfaction from intrinsically motived activities than from activities that are rewarded externally (extrinsic). A hobby vs. a job is the perfect example of this behavior.

    When people are motivated to do something extrinsically they approach it and often learn they are interested in it after experiencing it, then they become intrinsically motivated to pursue it for their own personal rewards. In my mind, this is often how a blogger becomes born...

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  90. Hobbies are cool. Mom has about 6! And they keep her happy and upbeat! S
    Her newest one is blogging! She loves how you can reach people from all over the world and then find many different places and things to see! Also she likes that she can connect with people who love cats and learn from them and share with them. Thanks for sharing your Hobby post with us!
    Your FL furieinds,
    and Mom C

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  91. Very informative post.
    Didnt knew that hobbies have so much benefits.
    Well blogging is on my list of hobbies too.
    I think hobbies like painting, blogging, photography(my hobbies) etc. are not only good for the person whose having that hobby, but for the other people also...
    who see the art work


    Shiva
    CrAzYbLoG
    v.CoL

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  92. My hobby is to drill my blog to the top of the world as I write about pagerank and do follow.I give away the love,then I go for a nice long bike ride seems to be working great :)
    Thanks

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  93. During school holidays children need hobbies that are educative and communal.

    Too often they sit alone, playing computer games.

    During my youth there were no computers and I went out to play in the streets and fields and learnt life skills.

    What does a child learn on their own playing monotonous computer games?

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  94. My onlyproblem with hobbies is I get bored. I get really into something, for a couple months or so, and then I get really into something else. I just switch back and forth when the mood hits me. I like to bead, knit, scrap, I'll try anything!

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  95. Hobbies are good.
    Making money from hobbies is better!

    I wish I had more time to devote to my non-income producing hobbies. My dear daughter-in-law has been waiting for almost a year for the housewarming cross-stitch set I've been working on. They're almost done!

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  96. Hobbies are what keep me sane. It keeps me creative and helps with a lot of things mentally.

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  97. This is good news! It's nice to know time spent on doing things I enjoy such as playing games, reading and blogging is not a total waste of time but actually has some benefit! Thanks for the informative post!

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  98. I think it's important to have a diversity of hobbies, some for the body, some for the mind. Just make sure it keeps you relaxed and in balance. As soon as your hobbies require so much time that they become a stress factor you should think about quitting. I had that problem with blogging, but managed to gain control again ;)

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  99. I like hobbies because they take me out of myself and my everyday worries. I get so engrossed in the moment, and I think that's healthy.

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  100. Woo hoo! Good to hear that blogging does not mean that i'm insane after all! I do play the Violin when I can though and also enjoy playing cards etc. Another hobby that I enjoy but might cause a little too much stress at times is flying my R/C airplane(s). It is great fun until you crash, then it is quite stressful.

    It's a good thing i'm not a real pilot, with all the crashes i've done in my plane the FAA would be out for my head by now!

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  101. Hey there. Hobbies are the escape that we all need from this world. If we didn't have em, all we would do is work and worry. That's not the life I'd like to live.

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  102. Great post thanx alot

    always good to have a bit of "me" time away from everything

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  103. I can't really think of a negative aspect of hobbies (except possible addiction), but just imagine loving doing something so much you felt addicted to it! Isn't that better than feeling no interest in anything?

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  104. I've never got time for hobbies, I work on stuff too much. But at least most of it is stuff I love to do, so I guess it could really all be considered my hobbies.

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  105. Susan above said, I like to look at life as a hobby! I agree! I collect life experiences :)

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  106. I turned my hobby (fitness) into a my profession, so I know how beneficial it is to have outside interests. My hobbies are now languages, puzzles, blogging and travel.
    And beer pong. Well....only once in a while, that one! ;)

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  107. Here's my issue.... I have too many hobbies and don't do any well! :(

    Okay, blogging is a hobby. OH and my digital pics, photography, meditating! Hey, I do have some!

    :)

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  108. I agree, hobbies are wonderful, and have many health benefits.

    Sadly, with constantly rising prices, and paychecks not rising to meet them, hobbies are becomming expensive.

    I like to cross stitch, but can't afford the threads half the time. I like to make ATCs, but can't buy all the lovely embellishments most people use.

    My cheapest hobbie is blogging, and since I have a good digital camera that I don't have to buy film for, photography is pretty cheap for me right now.

    It makes me wonder though, if having a hobby is as good for you if you constantly stress over how you're going to afford the items you need to do your hobby?

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  109. I have have had various hobbies throughout my life and do believe that they are very therapeutic. I once tried knitting and used to fall asleep with it ;O)

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  110. I have loads of hobbies, but I try and use them as a means of profit too. Like my photography sold on Etsy, taken to art shows, doing podcasts for a big corporation, placing ads on the site in exchange for working so hard, and just doing artwork. I LOVE collecting stamps too!

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  111. I have several hobbies and I find that they recharge my batteries, so to speak. When I read a book, do a crossword puzzle, cook something or write something, I come away feeling refreshed.

    I think we need hobbies as adults the way kids need play.

    All the best,
    Eb

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  112. Blogging is my main hobby now but still build Gunplas (Gundam Model kits) from time to time. I also build and tweak my PC on several occasions and I treat it as a hobby.

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  113. I think hobby is very important for live
    its can made live more wonderful

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  114. I am one of those people that ends up having work related hobbies. In the military, I was into fitness. Fitness goes with my history - I played football & basketball in high school, snow skiied, water skiied professionally, raced bikes and more.

    I am also an avid reader. Always have been. these days I find myself reading work books and not the latest novel - I never read the last Harry Potter, for example, but I have read all the latest on NLP and Customer Driven Business

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  115. I have always loved producing music as my hobby, so much so that it takes up the majority of my time, but I LURVE it.

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  116. nice post.Hobbies provides balance to once life.Without this, i think life will be boring.

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  117. i love stamps, i still collect them. there's the thrill in searching for a piece to fit into the theme i collect. they make traveling more exciting as well as i hop from one obscure to another, engaged in that hunt still. and of course, at the back of my mind, that these stamps may cost a fortune someday and i'd enjoy a windfall in the future is a motivation as well...

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  118. I like to sing.. and it always make my day when i get into singing.. !

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  119. hey i lik this article i think it's true cas it sounds true to me

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  120. What a informative post. I dabbled in a many different hobbies when I was younger, from stamp collecting to miniature Barbie Doll collecting. Now writing is my favorite hobby, interesting how time changes things.

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  121. I used to have hobbies ... but then I had children. :p

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  122. hobbies ease tension or lessen the monotony in life. blogging can be a hobby but for me it's more of a way to express one's self, or in short an outlet.

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  123. Hobbies are great but it's really a thin line between that and an obsession.

    Sometimes it's tricky to maintain a balance.

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  124. I need to get myself an outdoor hobby.

    All my free time seems to involve activities that involve a large amount of sitting.

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  125. The last hobby I ever had was gluing plastic model cars together. Ah, memories.

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  126. I think having an enjoyable hobby helps me recharge my creative self, and gives me a break from my regular chores. I've been told that making time for myself helps me do a better job of taking care of my other responsibilities. :-) I love playing the piano, making jewelry, working on crochet, and baking cookies!

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  127. So true. My sis and I used to enjoy creating accessories (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) using glass beads and stones. We would sometimes end up sleeping late as we were so focused on what we're doing. It's a therapeutic and relaxing activity that never fails to awaken our creativity.

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  128. Hobbies are important, its fill the time from waste it.

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  129. I do agree that a hobby is beneficial. It keeps the mind active and a hobby gives one much pleasure. I'm all for warding off dementia if at all possible. Well written post. Have a great day. :)

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  130. Hobbies are the best when you can share them with others!

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  131. Great article that reminds us that hobbies are also important part of our lives.
    Hobbies find me new friends too.

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  132. I've always enjoyed a hobby myself..takes a lot of stress of unnecessary things going on in my mind. My favourite pass time is just getting stuck with some of my favourite comics.. and another is painting.. hehe or creating something artistic.

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  133. hmmm i dunno if my comment went through but I was trying to say that I enjoy hobbies just as much :) They take a load of stress of my brain, my fav past times are reading my fav comics or just painting :)

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  134. I love to sketch, love to draw different faces aside from blogging. But I'm still looking for a new hobby like badminton or something :)

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  135. I do think that hobbies relief you from stress situation. Hobbies helps to relax.

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  136. Like yourself with collecting stamps, I have been collecting keyrings from as young as seven or eight. Although the rate at which my collection grows has been significantly reduced, it is always great to take a look and reminice about how each piece was aquired.

    I believe that for many people reading this article, blogging will be their ultimate hobby and they will devote a large proportion of their daily time to researching and writing about the next 'big thing'.

    Whatever hobbies you have, stick with them, what you collect as a child, will no doubt be a great investment for the future.

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  137. I do blogging for a hobby. I like interacting, and I'm loving it!

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  138. I couldnt imagine a word without hobbies! For one I wouldnt have a website to run!

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  139. when I was in my bachelor days, I see to it that every week I can manage to work on my hobby, and now at present I am working 7 days a week and having a hobby relieves most of the work related stress

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  140. Everyone, no matter how minute, or how enormous, has a hobby. A hobby is anything that takes your mind off of what you do through monotonous pattern and puts it into a creative pattern. It is a way of interacting with your imagination. Hobbies are a healthy way of enjoying who you are as a person and discovering new things about you with the variables that you present yourself within a set of guidelines for experimentation. The great thing about hobbies, is that, they are in your control, and once they become monotonous, you can broaden your perspective for new guidelines or rules, if you think you have maxed out your variables.

    One of my hobbies is blogging. It started out like a crossword puzzle to take my mind of the monotonous in life, then it grew into other things.

    Regards, Matt

    Making Money Online One Step at a Time

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  141. hobbies are great to have mine is playing a musical instrument.

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  142. Good article! I have too many hobbies, but it's important to have a variety of interests to clear your mind!

    Ali

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  143. A very interesting post, different perspective but still catchy and informative. Overall its very nicely put, I haven't seen very much quality work on public blogs.

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  144. hey i lik this article i think it's true coz it sounds true to me

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  145. I have too many hobbies, but it's important to have a variety of interests to clear your mind!

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