Not only that, but investing time into your hobbies can also help you enjoy what you do more. According to Kate, dedicating time to your hobbies will help you spot common themes in what you love doing and where your strengths lie, which you can then apply to your career. And, she says, “we know that when people focus on their strengths and what they love at work, productivity and engagement increases.”

Different types of hobbies

Not sure what hobby would be best for you? Samantha outlines three different types of hobbies that each offer their own unique benefits.

Slow-mo hobbies: “Slow motion or passive activities, such as listening to music or reading a book, allow us to switch off, wind down, and get lost in something else with little to no effort. When done regularly and consistently, this kind of intentional hobby can regulate our heartbeat and reduce stress and anxiety.”
Flow hobbies: “Including activities like going to the gym, sports, cooking, and creative or art-based projects, flow hobbies tend to be more focused and involve using or developing new skills. During hobbies like these, we swap being self-conscious and become so immersed in the activity that we lose sense of time. These hobbies can be a great stress-management tool.”
Grow hobbies: “Hobbies such as learning a new language, travelling, and community-based activities help to push and grow us. They give us a chance to meet new people, go outside of our comfort zone, and widen our social circles.”

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Hobbies: experts explain why they’re so good for our mental health and physical wellbeing