Downtime is on the up. Here’s how some of you are getting your fun fix…
WORDS | Sophie Barton
Whether we’re juggling family with work, immersed in a demanding job or caring for elderly relatives, we often feel it’s indulgent to take time out for a hobby.
But regularly doing an activity you love is vital for our wellbeing. In fact, it can make us happier, healthier and more productive.
“In these excessively screen-focused times, focusing on a hobby brings you out of your overthinking mind,” says physiologist Dr Nerina Ramlakhan (drnerina.com) author of Finding Inner Safety -– The Key to Healing, Thriving and Preventing Burnout (£14.99, Capstone). “It doesn’t matter what you do, but ideally it would involve minimal interaction with electronic devices and have a fun element. Some hobbies might not always seem fun at the time – like a hard training session – but afterwards they leave you feeling energised, happy and physically and mentally restored.”
Hobbies are brilliant stress-busters too. That’s because when you’re absorbed in mastering an activity you enjoy, your mind stops whirring and enters a state called flow. “When were in flow state, we’re releasing a cocktail of pleasure chemicals,” says Dr Chatterjee, author of bestseller Happy Mind, Happy Life: 10 Simple Ways to Feel Great Every Day (Penguin, £16.99). “We’re literally in the moment. Flow is enjoyable, it reduces stress and it can help reduce your risk of burnout too.”
So, whether you fancy learning to paint, play the piano or paddle board, why not give a new hobby a go? Here seven readers tell us how it changed their lives…
“SINGING IS SUCH A BUZZ”
Natalie Arney, 39, is a SEO consultant from Brighton. She joined a local choir in January and hasn’t looked back.
“I love singing and at the start of this year, a friend encouraged me to go along to a taster session at her choir at a local church. I was nervous, because I had no real experience, but I instantly became hooked. I now go every week, and we sing a mix of pop songs, soul and gospel. I’ve learnt new skills, met fantastic people and in April we held a concert. Choir has been great for my mental health too. It breaks up the week, gives me something to look forward to and singing is such a buzz.”
“I BOX AWAY FRUSTRATIONS”
Wilma MacDonald, 43, is a nutritional therapist from Edinburgh. She has a son, aged five, and turns to boxing to boost her mood.
“I didn’t expect a bikini wax to change my life, but eight years ago my beauty therapist told me about her amateur boxing gym.
I’d enjoyed kickboxing in my early 20s, before partying took over, and decided to
