How adults rediscover their hobbies: tips for more leisure fun
How adults rediscover their hobbies: tips for more leisure fun
Hamburg (dpa/tmn) - hobbies have a special meaning in our lives. While children often try out different leisure activities with enthusiasm, many adults struggle to discover or maintain their passion for a hobby. Ulrich Reinhardt, leisure researcher and scientific director of the BAT Foundation for future questions, discusses in an interview, what makes hobbies so important and which steps can take adults to make their free time more sensible.
hobbies act as a refuge that allow us to escape everyday life. In adults, however, various factors can lead to hardly spending time or motivation for a hobby. Often the commitments that the job and the family bring with them are the main reason. The time that remains for relaxation and personal interests is becoming increasingly scarce in contrast to child's carefree.
The influence of everyday life on leisure activities
Reinhardt notes that another reason for the lack of hobbies is increasing optimization in all areas of life. "We live in a time when everything is to be designed as effective as possible - from work to nutrition," he explains. This way of thinking can lead to people who only consider their free time to be something that needs to be used efficiently. This makes it difficult to create the space for senseless hobbies that are practiced solely for joy and pleasure.
It is important to remember in this context that hobbies should be "the little piece of happiness". Reinhardt believes that practicing a hobby not only serves to relax, but also increases general well -being. "It is completely okay if you use your time to relax on the sofa, but hobbies could bring more joy and should therefore be considered a positive addition," he adds.
How to find a hobby or rediscovered
If you have the feeling that your own leisure activities could be enriched, according to Reinhardt, there are various ways to find a hobby or to rediscover an existing hobby. The first step is often the return to previous interests. "What really enjoyed them as a child or teenager? Maybe it was making music or sport," said Reinhardt.
It is also helpful to look for like -minded people. The exchange with friends or the search for local groups that pursue similar interests can make it easier to get started. "Many people are afraid to try something new because they are afraid of failure. The motto should be: Trying is about studying," advises Reinhardt. He encourages to try out different activities without putting himself under pressure. If a hobby no longer gives joy, you shouldn't hesitate to exchange it for a new passion.
Reinhardt himself practices a very personal hobby: "I like to play flipper. For me, this is one way of just feeling good - without purpose and without pressure." According to Reinhardt, this "purpose -free" aspect is crucial for the definition of a hobby. It should be an area in which you can develop freely without it being about results or performance.
The pleasure of leisure
hobbies should offer ultimately joy in everyday life and not be perceived as an additional obligation. Because people are encouraged to redefine their freedom and discover the fun of trying it out for themselves, these activities can make a valuable contribution to a fulfilling leisure activities. The breaking of the idea that leisure time must inevitably be optimized could lead to more satisfaction in adult life.
The role of hobbies in mental health
hobbies not only have a positive impact on general well -being, but also play a crucial role in mental health. Studies have shown that practicing a hobby can reduce stress and reduce anxiety. An investigation by the University of Oxford showed that people who regularly pursue their hobbies often show fewer symptoms of depression and feel happier overall. Dealing with creative or physical activities can also promote the production of endorphins that make you feel good.
In addition, a hobby can act as a valve for emotions. Whether it is painting, making music or sport, the opportunity to express yourself creatively or to reduce physical energy helps to reduce the emotional stress of everyday life. According to a survey by the German Society for Psychology, the engagement in hobbies can help to maintain social contacts, which in turn reduces social isolation and loneliness.
Examples of popular hobbies and their positive effects
There are many different hobbies that can practice adults, and each has its own advantages. The most common hobbies include:
- Creative writing: strengthens the communication skills and offers a way to express personal thoughts and feelings.
- gardening: promotes physical activity and enables contact with nature, which has been shown to lower the stress level.
- Sport: improves physical fitness and can help combat depression.
- Music: improves cognitive skills and is demonstrably therapeutic for the brain.
These activities not only offer leisure activity, but can also help to develop skills and to promote a sense of community. Whether in a sports club or an art course, the exchange with like -minded people reinforces the social ties.
challenges in hobby finding
Despite the many advantages, many adults find it difficult to find a hobby or motivate themselves. This can often be attributed to several factors. Lack of time is often the greatest obstacle. The modern lifestyles, shaped by work, family and other obligations, often leave little space for personal interests. Even the concern not to be good in a new hobby or not find the right environment can also have a deterrent.
Another aspect is the social pressure, which partially leads adults to make their leisure activities into competitive projects. Instead of enjoying free time, this can lead to hobbies being perceived as additional mandatory tasks. Studies show that such demands can reduce the joy of leisure activities and thus reduce motivation to exercise a hobby.