YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO PICK UP A NEW HOBBY. IT'S ACTUALLY EASIER AS AN ADULT
During summer vacations, all of us would get so excited about camps and activity clubs. From swimming to painting to dancing, each vacation used to be about picking a new hobby.
However, as we leave behind school and those much-loved vacation days for the hustle and bustle of life, we forget how important it is to have a hobby.
Well, looks like you are never too old to pick a new hobby.
Meera Fernandes, a music teacher from Mumbai's Bandra West, agrees with this. She tells India Today that she has taught many adults throughout her life. During Covid, she even got to teach the trumpet to a 78-year-old man.
According to Fernandes, adult students are never stubborn; sometimes they lack confidence in their ability and need a lot of coaxing and encouragement.
"Sometimes they have a very singular goal in mind and only want to work towards that, and sometimes they realise that the goal is much harder than they initially thought, and they get discouraged," she adds.
She shares that adults always tend to be learning because they want to be there; they're not being forced by parents or schools, so in general, working with them is pretty easy.
What picking a hobby says about your behaviour
Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist Dr Sarthak Dave explains that adults try new hobbies for different reasons, showing how people behave in various ways.
Some want to relax, others want to learn, and many want to make friends.
Hobbies also give a sense of purpose and help people feel good. Overall, trying new hobbies shows how adults like to express themselves, grow, and connect with others.
Adding to this, psychiatrist Dr Austin Fernandes from Mumbai's Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital says, "Human beings are naturally curious and can adapt and learn new things throughout their life. So, age doesn't matter; what matters is how keen a learner you are to try out and pick new things."
He adds that adults opt for a new hobby because they try to escape from stressful situations and find something to help them relax and cheer them up from the inside.
It can have a positive effect on you mentally
Experts believe that picking a hobby can have several positive effects on your mental well-being.
- "Engaging in a hobby that brings joy and fulfilment can reduce stress and anxiety levels by providing a healthy outlet for relaxation and self-expression," says Dr Dave.
- Hobbies also offer opportunities for mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus their attention on the present moment and temporarily escape from worries or negative thoughts.
- Additionally, mastering new skills or pursuing interests can boost self-esteem and confidence, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
- Picking a hobby can contribute to improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and overall mental resilience.
Meanwhile, Dr Fernandes shares, "It makes them feel good from the inside. It's like trying a new way to have fun and express yourself. It's like finding a happy place in your mind where you can forget all your worries and spend time for a few hours."
Take a break from 'I am too busy for a hobby'
Having a hobby is important for several reasons:
- Firstly, hobbies provide a break from the routine of daily life, offering a chance to relax and unwind.
- Hobbies also offer opportunities for personal growth and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore new interests, develop skills, and pursue passions outside of work or other obligations.
- Additionally, hobbies can foster social connections by bringing people together with shared interests, leading to new friendships and a sense of community.
- Having a hobby contributes to a balanced and fulfilling life, promoting happiness, creativity, and overall well-being.
Having a hobby is like experiencing little adventures daily. It's like taking a mini vacation from all the worries and workload.
While trying something new, remember...
- Embrace discomfort: Stepping out of the comfort zone fosters growth and opens doors to new experiences. It might feel a little strange, but it's the first step towards growth.
- Start small: Set manageable goals to gradually build skills and confidence. But do not forget to have fun every day. After all, it's all about bringing joy and fulfilment into your life.
- Explore personal interests: Look for various options until you find the one that relaxes your mood and excites you to do more.
- Persistence is important: Persevere through setbacks. Always remember that long-term dedication pays off.
- Find a supportive community: Connect with friends who share the same interests. Having companionship or social circles makes your hobby even more exciting and enjoyable to work on.
- Remain open-minded: Be willing to experiment and discover unexpected passions.
- Enjoy the process: Focus on personal fulfilment rather than perfection, savouring the journey of learning and exploration.
- Don't give up: When you face any challenges, don't give up easily. Trying new things will come up with obstacles also, so stay consistent and dedicated, and celebrate every piece of progress you make.