Finding a balanced lifestyle is essential to our overall wellbeing.
Physical activities such as aerobics or tennis can concentrate the mind and
help to reduce the outward symptoms of stress, while hobbies such as painting
can provide emotional calm.
Taking up new hobbies
Choose an activity that you really enjoy doing to beat stress. The
right pastime can be so absorbing that it helps you to switch off from
everything else; so engrossing that it becomes as refreshing as sleep. A hobby
also helps boost self-esteem. After a day at the office when nothing seemed to
go right, you can head for your hobby and lose yourself in your skill. Some
people’s hobbies have even become their livelihoods. Accountants have become
keen beekeepers; lawyers have turned to furniture restoration. Hobbies can be
portable – many people are able to combine their hobbies with holidays,
such as a cycling trip in the US, for example, golfing in Portugal, or perhaps
a guided tour of the flora and fauna of Central America.
Relaxing with a new hobby
Remember that a hobby is meant to be a pleasure, not a chore
– go out and paint only when you feel like it. If you cannot find the
time to finish that art course, do not worry. Do the best you can, and squeeze
enjoyment out of it.
Taking more exercise
Exercise is widely recognized as beneficial in reducing anxiety and
improving sleep. However, take care, since those who exercise vigorously while
highly stressed are prone to injury. Remember to start gradually and build up
to a regular exercise regime. When planning your sporting activities, build in
the time that it takes to travel, change, and shower. Some sports, such as
tennis and golf, combine physical exercise with social activity – which
is in itself a stress minimizer. Brisk walking, swimming, and aerobics classes
are all effective in improving the cardiovascular system. The charthere shows the effects of different sports on stamina, flexibility, and
strength. Use it to choose one or more sports activities that would suit
you.
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Join an evening class every year, and start to learn something
new.
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Ask your company to take corporate membership of a nearby sports
club.
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Take a holiday that allows you to pursue a hobby.
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When taking up a new form of exercise, start with some lessons
from a qualified instructor.
