What do you like to do for fun?
How many times have we been asked this question and how often has sleep, watch TV, or surf the net, become our immediate response? Is that really how we define “enjoyment” nowadays?Other common replies include photography, gardening, and listening to music. They’re undoubtedly fun, help us pass the time, and give us something to do. But there’s more to hobbies than just flipping through channels, alternating websites, and catching up on sleep.
Here are a few inexpensive yet creative hobbies are
1. BOARD GAMES, PUZZLES
Board games are the most common brain stimulator among adults. You don’t even have to buy the physical sets to enjoy this pastime activity. You can find crossword and Sudoku puzzles in your daily newspaper, or download digital, free versions on your phones and gadgets.
Games like chess, Battleship, and Monopoly boost your strategy-making skills and bring out the child in you. You can also choose from word games like Scrabble, Pictionary and Taboo.
2. EXERCISE
According to a study done by the University of Illinois, college students’ ability to quickly and accurately process information improved after just 20 minutes of doing yoga.
Ronald Duman Ph. D. from Yale University also adds that regular aerobic exercise can stimulate neurogenesis (new neuron growth) which is beneficial in battling chronic stress, anxiety and depression.
For those who are time restricted, making your routine walks to work or the bus stop brisker than usual can get your heart pumping faster without losing valuable time. In fact, this can even cut down your commute period.Remember to take care of your feet by wearing the appropriate shoes for your physical activities as well. Who would’ve thought sweating it out did as much good to our bodies as it does our brains?
3. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) CRAFTS
Here’s one way to do the Earth some good.
You declutter, recycle and personalize at the same time, depending on your project of choice. Grew out of your favorite shirt? Cut out its patterns and designs then use it as a patch to cover up the hole in your backpack. With just a bit of cutting and knotting you can also upcycle it into a tote bag.Not only do you revamp something old, you can also add personal touches to your projects to make it more “you”. Create a sense of ownership without indicating your name anywhere.
4. MUSIC CLASSES/PLAY AN INSTRUMENT
Aside from sports, this is another way to practice your hand-eye coordination. Reading notes while plucking on strings or pressing down on piano keys are harder than they look. Making your own music is the perfect outlet for releasing stress.
The researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital conclude that children and adults with extensive musical training show enhanced executive function when compared to non-musicians, especially for cognitive flexibility, working memory, and processing speed.
5. WRITING/KEEPING A JOURNAL/READING
Your writing doesn’t have to be made public. Just write. As you go on, you will develop and discover skills you didn’t even know you had. Imagine the amusement when you read back on your journal entries five to ten years from now.Remember a time you read a book and DIDN’T learn something? I thought so. Whether it is a novel, a magazine or an article, reading will always teach you a trivia or two.
6. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Apps in the mobile market like Duolingo make bilingualism an easy feat. There’s always the good ‘ol Google Translate for more specific word translations. You don’t necessarily have to travel to be able to use your newly acquired accent and Italian skills. It’ll come in handy when you come across tourists in your town. Being a flexible linguist makes you a great conversationalist as well.Plus, how great would it feel to finally not utilize the subtitles feature of a foreign film? Two tongues, I mean thumbs, up!
7. SEWING/KNITTING/CROCHET
Handling a needle and thread or yarn requires total concentration. One wrong knot or loop and your “flow” is ruined. This will help you practice your precision skills, develop better focus and improve your attention span, especially if you’re a professional multi-tasker. It’s also a form of hand-eye coordination on a much smaller scale.It’s a beautiful feeling, witnessing those little knots and threads finally come together to form one big picture. Endless possibilities are just waiting to be unraveled from a few balls of thread and yarn.
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