Most of think of hobbies as fun things we do to pass the time when we’re not at school or work. But did you know that having a hobby can help you become more productive, as well as build other important skills? From cooking to hiking, painting to gardening, there are heaps of hobbies out there that can help you develop mindfulness, patience, motor skills, improve your focus and mental health, all while being a ton of fun at the same time. Check out some of the most productive hobbies and how they can help you.
Cooking
Some people might consider this more of a chore than a hobby, but cooking is a really valuable skill you’ll need throughout your whole life. After all, you can’t live on instant noodles forever. Besides the obvious nutritional benefits, cooking helps you learn how to follow instructions effectively, develop patience, and can even teach you how to start planning ahead (think meal plans and prep).
Painting
Even if you’re not particularly artistic, picking up a paintbrush and just going for it can be highly rewarding. You’ll learn how to think creatively, as well as relieve some stress and maybe even find some inspiration.
Running
Other than being great for your physical health, running is excellent for your mental health as well. It’s a hobby that will teach you a lot of discipline, resilience, and grit. You might even like to try a goal setting exercise, and see how much your fitness improves over time.
Reading
Whether it’s a good old-fashioned paperback or through your screen, reading is a great way to spend your time. You can learn a ton of new and interesting things, be exposed to points of view you might not have considered before, and build your language skills, all at the same time.
Gardening
Gardening isn’t just a great way to keep your hands and mind busy. It also teaches some valuable skills, like patience and resilience, and is also incredibly rewarding. It’s also a great way to learn about caring for things, and our environmental impact.
Video games
Surprised to see this one on the list? There are lots of valuable skills to be learned from playing video games: determination, resilience, teamwork and cooperation, and communication are just some examples. Just remember to keep it in moderation!
Find out more
You can read more about building valuable life skills and looking after your wellbeing on our website here.
