Can Hobbies Help With Mental Health?

It can be challenging to set time aside for ourselves to indulge in the activities we love. Pursuing a new hobby is a great way to unwind and spend your spare time and benefit your mental health. Dr. Joel Kuppersmith is a psychologist in Huntington NY that specializes in individual therapy to help patients improve their mental wellbeing. Continue reading to learn more about how pursuing a hobby can help you. 

Hobbies and Mental Health

Many people think of hobbies as activities for people who lead relaxed lives. People that lead busy or stressful lives may need hobbies more than the average person. Spending time on activities you enjoy doing can improve your health and wellbeing and bring forward benefits that make them worth the time they require. Here are some of the several advantages of having hobbies and how they enrich your life:

Boosts Creativity

Several hobbies are inherently creative. Whether you’re writing, painting, cooking, or playing music, you’re engaging the creative network of your brain. Engaging in these creative activities has been shown to increase positive moods, and expanding the creative network of your brain has been linked to the release of dopamine. Spending a couple of hours a week on a creative task you enjoy can help you lead a more positive life. 

Reduce Stress

After a stressful or busy day, hobbies can be a great way to distract yourself and take time for yourself to release the buildup of stress. It can be challenging to take time out of your busy schedule to spend time on a hobby, but it can be a great stress relief outlet. 

Improved Social Connections

There are several hobbies that lend themselves to group activities. Hobbies that allow you to connect with others can bring on the benefit of social support and provide stress relief. Picking up a new activity can be a great way to establish friendships, even if it’s virtual. Shared experiences help us feel less isolated and can even enhance our enjoyment of activities. 

If you are struggling with your mental health or feelings of isolation, know that you are not alone. Our psychologist in Huntington NY can help you find out which activities enrich your life and provide you with the necessary resources and support to improve your mental health. 

Contact Dr. Joel Kuppersmith

The primary purpose of a hobby is that it provides the opportunity for self-expression and is relaxing at the same time. Dr. Joel Kuppersmith is a psychologist in Huntington NY that is available to help you manage and improve your mental health, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.