As you navigate through adolescence, remember that academics and sports aren’t the only way to grow.
Exploring interests outside of school and sports can be a great way to build confidence, learn new skills and discover passions that last a lifetime.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of exploring interests not related to academics and sports and the confidence building power of hobbies.
Are hobbies important?
Hobbies are great and can also help you discover your passions and areas of greatest interest, which could ultimately influence your job decision.
A hobby may also enhance your life in a lot of other ways.
For example, if your pastime involves social interaction, like attending lessons in a certain field or playing a team sport, it might help you meet new people. Hobbies also help you become a more fascinating person, which opens up additional social opportunities.
Because of the diversity of humans, everyone has their own definition of what a hobby is. You would find it dull if I spent the entire day walking instead of watching a cricket match. There are many things that can be called hobbies.
Many of the benefits of hobbies have more to do with the act of doing them than with the activity itself. First of all, doing something pleasurable activates the brain’s reward system. You do something enjoyable, feel good, chemicals are released, and there you have your reward.
Besides instant gratification, hobbies can also help you reduce stress. Finding your passion is a long term investment in yourself and now that you have some free time, this is the perfect time to make that kind of investment.
Luckily, a 2021 study tried to find out how hobbies improve our health and wellbeing. The authors came up with over 600 ways. They looked at previous studies on various leisure activities, including volunteering and gaming and categorized all the health benefits of hobbies into four groups. In short, they found you can experience behavioural, social, biological and psychological effects depending on the activity. Meanwhile, several hobbies give you plenty of social benefits, like better social skills and overcoming loneliness.
No hobby? Don’t worry
Not having hobbies is not a bad thing, this just gives you the chance to try out new things. I’ll suggest some activities you can try out and hopefully you’ll like them
Artistic Expression
Artistic pursuits like drawing, painting, or sculpting are a great way to express yourself and be creative. With an art supply set ($100), you can try out different mediums and techniques, unlock your imagination, and bring your ideas to life.
Musical Exploration
Music is a universal language that can evoke emotions, spark creativity, and connect you with others. Learning to play a musical instrument, like a beginner musical instrument ($120), can be a great experience that builds confidence and discipline.
Culinary Delights
Cooking classes are a fun and interactive way to learn a new skill, try out new flavors, and create something tangible. A cooking class gift card ($110) can give you the chance to try out your culinary side and share your creations with others.
Exploring interests outside of academics
In the teenage years, academics and, at times, sports are often the main focus. Much emphasis is placed on education; however, it is equally important to explore your interests and develop skills not entirely related to academics. Partaking in different activities can enhance your growth, self-esteem and overall wellbeing as a teenager significantly.
Exploring different interests allows you to find your passions and strengths. This exploration can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, giving you a break from academics and sports pressure. Interest exploration also helps foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, all of which are vital skills to possess.
There are several benefits to developing personal interests outside academics and sports; they include but are not limited to;
- Enhanced self-esteem: Engaging in activities you enjoy will give your confidence the boost it needs. Success in your area of interest provides a full sense of accomplishment, which in turn makes you believe more in yourself and your abilities.
- Improved social skills: Participating in group activities will help you develop communication and teamwork skills, which I think are essential to possess from a young age. These skills will definitely help you in the long run. Participating in group activities also provides opportunities to make new friends and build social networks.
- Stress relief: Hobbies and interests can serve as a healthy outlet for stress. They offer a way to relax and recharge, which in turn helps your mental health.
- Helpful discoveries: Exploring different activities you’re interested in will expose you to new experiences and perspectives. You get to know new things, have different views on certain situations, all while having fun. Exploring different interests gives you a chance to step out of your comfort zone and explore new territories.
- Individuality: Pursuing your own hobbies helps you feel unique and allows you to live your own life free from external pressures to conform to the wishes of others.
- Developed resilience: You don’t necessarily need to be good at the activities you’re interested in, hobbies are the things we enjoy, not what we're good at. As long as you're interested in any activity and keep it up, with time you’ll improve on it.
- Sense of purpose: By exploring personal interests, you can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life and develop a sense of passion and excitement that can affect other areas of your life.
Interests outside academics will help you relax and improve your quality of life. You need to explore new interests and use them as part of your normal schedule to take advantage of the rewards they offer. Doing this may be the first step toward a healthier life. Go ahead and start exploring new interests today.
Confidence building power of hobbies
Not only can hobbies be great, but they can also help you explore your interests and passions, which may end up being your career choice as well.
Hobbies can build up your self esteem and reduce stress. For instance, developing a hobby during hard times can help build you back up by giving you a sense of accomplishment every time you make progress on that certain hobby, thus giving you something to feel good about.
What hobbies can boost your confidence?
Doing certain hobbies can indeed boost your confidence by giving you a sense of accomplishment, mastery and personal growth. Here are some hobbies that can increase your confidence:
Physical activities
Engaging in physical activities like yoga, weightlifting, running, martial arts or dancing can improve your physical fitness, which in turn can boost your self esteem and confidence.
Creative pursuits
Creative hobbies like painting, drawing, writing, playing a musical instrument or crafting can help you express yourself and feel a sense of achievement as you see your skills improve over time.
Public speaking
Joining a public speaking club or taking public speaking classes can help you develop communication skills and boost your confidence in speaking in front of others.
Cooking or baking
Learning new recipes can give you a sense of accomplishment and mastery in the kitchen and boost your confidence in the kitchen.
Gardening
Taking care of plants and seeing them grow can be a rewarding hobby that can boost your confidence as you see the results of your effort in the form of a beautiful garden.
Learning a new language
Studying a new language can be tough but rewarding and as you make progress in your language skills, you may find your confidence growing along with your proficiency.
Volunteering
Giving back to your community through volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can in turn boost your self esteem and confidence.
Outdoor activities
Activities like hiking, camping or rock climbing can challenge you physically and mentally and help you build confidence as you overcome obstacles and push your limits.
Just remember to choose activities you like and that suit your interests and strengths. Consistency and setting achievable goals can help you see progress and build confidence over time.
Conclusion
Engaging in hobbies can help people stay young. Those who continue to engage in enjoyable activities well into old age find that their happiness lasts well beyond retirement since they have daily pursuits that give them purpose.
As a teen, finding your passion and hobbies can be a life-changing experience. By exploring your interests and developing skills outside of academics and athletics, you can build up your confidence, develop new talents, and discover a sense of purpose.
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