The Mental Health Benefits of Hobbies

Many people joke that their favorite hobby is their “therapy.” While activities like fishing or crocheting a cozy blanket can’t replace professional therapy, they do offer meaningful mental health benefits. For seniors or individuals receiving companion care at home services, engaging in hobbies they love not only boosts mental well-being but also promotes a sense of purpose and joy in daily life.

Hobbies can be a wonderful way to stay mentally sharp, reduce stress, and foster meaningful connections with companion care at home caregivers or loved ones.

 

Five Mental Health Benefits Received from Hobbies

#1 – Increased mental acuity

Even if a hobby that is done so often feels like a habit (such as knitting or coloring), it keeps the brain activity engaged and sharp. Hobbies provide mental stimulation that keeps synapses sparking as the brain keeps up with what the body is doing to participate in the activity.

If a hobby is more mentally engaging, such as playing trivia or working on puzzles, then the brain uses multiple functions, increasing its overall health.

 

#2 – Emotional well-being

Activities can help a person struggling with stress, depression, or anxiety by providing both a diversion from those feelings and a safe place to let those emotions out. Many artists let their emotions direct which way their art piece goes by allowing feelings like anger, sadness, and even joy to guide their artistic endeavor.

 

#3 – Feelings of purpose

As people age, many feel as though they have lost their purpose or their place in the world. Their jobs, their families, and perhaps even their health have changed, and they can no longer do what they once felt was a significant part of who they were and what their purpose was.

Art can help your elderly loved one discover a new purpose and passion.

 

#4 – A sense of pride

There’s nothing better for a boost in self-esteem than finishing a project or completing a task. This is why even video games can be a good hobby. Reaching that next level in the game provides a sense of accomplishment and a boost in endorphins.

So long as there is a goal that can be reached, your loved one can feel that sense of pride when he reaches it.

 

#5 – Increased empathy

Learning a new hobby can be challenging, but it can also foster empathy in your loved one when they witness others struggling. Hobbies can also introduce a person to others who would normally be outside his circle, exposing him to other cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles.

 

Hobbies for Seniors With Limited Mobility

Just because your loved one cannot get out and join a new pickleball community, he can still find hobbies to participate in at home that’ll broaden his horizons and bring him joy. A companion care at home provider can be a great resource when your loved one wants to try a new hobby that needs a partner.

Learning a new game with a companion care at home provider can help him keep his brain sharp and provide a new source of entertainment. Discovering a new hobby that can be enjoyed on his property, such as gardening or bird watching, can provide a healthy activity without overexertion. A companion care at home provider can step in and help him with any physical tasks he might struggle with.

Of course, your senior can also learn a new hobby that he can do on his own at home as well such as art, cooking, or crafting, but if he finds a hobby he can share with his companion care at home provider, he’ll also be engaging socially which can help him feel less lonely and isolated.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Annandale, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484