Develop Hobbies to Increase Creativity

Have you ever caught yourself thinking about how nice it would be to devote more time to a hobby? This thought crossed my mind a few times this week. The first time was when I was browsing in in Redondo Beach—I was surrounded by artsy gifts that inspired my imagination.

I had another inspirational moment while on my one of my weekend runs in Palos Verdes. As I passed Malaga Cove Plaza, I noticed the outdoor art exhibit. I was amazed at the display of artwork. I often enjoy walking through small art shows and discovering a connection with the artist's technique, inspiration and sometimes his or her story.

I also found myself intrigued with a conversation between friend and me this week. She confided to me that she had never painted or drawn anything and was certain she didn't have that talent in her. Nevertheless, she surprised herself through a Painting in Oils class with Linda Gauthier that she took at the in Redondo Beach.

I could see the newfound confidence; her new self-discovery sparkled within her. The news my friend shared with me made for a very insightful conversation. I was pleased about her newfound activities, which were also an added confirmation of what I share with many of my clients. Making time to explore new hobbies and authentic interests bring us fulfillment, fun and meaning to our otherwise mundane lives. 

While spending time with family and friends is important for social interaction, so is making some time for yourself. It can be hard to develop passions outside of work and family when we are so busy, but carving out just 15-20 minutes per day for a hobby can add up to several hours per week.

Adopting a hobby can do wonders for our health on many different levels.

How can hobbies be good for our mind, body and soul? The heightened state of concentration stimulates the neurotransmitters in our brains. When our brain chemicals of endorphins, norepinephrine and dopamine levels are heightened, we feel focused and in the moment. Basically, when we are interested in what we are doing in the moment, this feels good to us.

Have you ever felt more inspired and energized after engaging in a fulfilling and fun activity?

In addition to benefiting our mind, body and soul, hobbies can boost our self-esteem. When we associate ourselves with a fun activity, we gain confidence; however, when we allow our job to be our only identity, we can become exhausted or experience feelings of anxiety as we try to maintain the one role throughout life. It is important to evaluate our self-worth beyond our work performance. Choosing an outside interest allows us to have a healthy perception of ourselves and hone skills that we don't use in our jobs. This can increase our self-esteem and confidence.

Have you ever noticed how hobbies often offer a therapeutic way of working through an issue or problem weighing on your mind? When we engage in a hobby, we can focus on exactly what we are doing at the moment, taking our mind off of what is troubling us.

If you want to be more productive, allow yourself more time to spend on hobbies. You could learn how to play an instrument, try a new sport or read about a new culture. Some of us may find drawing, painting or gardening is our new passion. We may notice how much more revived and motivated we feel after we’ve taken time to relax with a hobby, helping us refocus and become more productive.

Hobbies have so many benefits, ranging from helping us think more clearly to stimulating our creativity to sharpening our focus. Engaging in a hobby after a long day of work can help relax our mind and help us unwind—which can make for a great night sleep.

Whatever hobby you choose, make sure it is something you enjoy. Don't be surprised if one of your passionate hobbies turns into a profitable business!