Anthony P. Orlich is a multi-talented enthusiast who finds joy in a diverse array of hobbies and passions. Family is at the heart of Anthony’s world, and spending quality time with his loved ones is a cherished priority. This sentiment extends beyond his personal life, as he actively extends his compassion and care to those in need. During his university days, Anthony dedicated his time to volunteering at soup kitchens, making a difference in the lives of the homeless by providing sustenance and a friendly face. In the following article, Anthony Orlich explains how pursuing diverse interests can enhance a person’s well-being.
From painting to cycling to scrapbooking to fishing and more, the ways to entertain oneself during downtime are endless. But did you know that the pursuit of a wide variety of interests can actually have a huge positive impact on one’s physical wellness and state of mind? Making hobbies an everyday activity, just taking a few minutes a day for oneself, is a smart, healthy way to enjoy extra time.
Anthony P. Orlich on What Constitutes a Hobby
A hobby is something one does for fun – an activity pursued simply for pleasure and leisure rather than for monetary or professional gain. It can be a sport or a game, or a creative or academic pursuit. It doesn’t necessarily mean something specific, although it could – like tennis or ceramics or reading up on World War II history – but could also be more general like enjoying time in nature, visiting friends, or playing with pets. There is no right or wrong answer in choosing a hobby – pick whatever speaks to you!
How Pastimes Enhance Well-Being
Anthony P. Orlich says that taking time to pursue interests can have an amazing impact on one’s overall well-being. Just a few minutes a day devoted to a passion project can significantly boost a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Increased Positivity
Participating in a hobby is fun and playful and can also provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. All these aspects can contribute to a generally more positive outlook on life.
Improved Mental Health
Anthony P. Orlich says that the relaxing effect of hobbies can help declutter one’s mind and leave one open to creating brand new ideas and solutions (yes, even at work!). Forcing oneself to focus on a pastime can help clear out any lingering stressful thoughts from the workday or interpersonal relationships, leading to better overall mental health.
The stress reduction and social connection that result from leisure activities also directly correlated to an improved psychological and spiritual well-being, including a decrease in depression and anxiety.
Better Physical Health
Anthony P. Orlich explains that physical hobbies like team sports or individual pursuits like hiking are climbing are a wonderful way to stay in shape. Even gentler activities like gardening or yoga can sharpen the mind and increase energy levels and stamina. And it’s much more fun than simply going to the gym!
Enhanced Worldview
Hobbies can provide one with an entirely new outlook on the world or expose one to a brand-new culture. They can satisfy one’s curiosity, and help one learn how to take on new challenges and explore new ideas.
Improved Social Connection
Anthony P. Orlich says that participating in a hobby can have a hugely positive effect on one’s social life! Exploring a common interest is one of the best ways to meet new people, since it’s easier to start a conversation with someone who has something in common with you. Whether it’s at a team sporting event or practice, a meetup, a class, or a convention, improved social connection is an important benefit of fun pastimes. And social connection is key to a healthy, more balanced life.
Reduced Stress
Certain hobbies can provide a sense of play – and that kind of fun is the perfect stress-busting antidote! Others, like reading, writing, or learning something new, might be fun but feel a little like work, and that’s OK – having a sense of purpose and accomplishment can still help reduce stress, especially when other aspects of life may seem like they are out of one’s control.
Providing a Career Boost
Anthony P. Orlich says that it might seem counterintuitive as hobbies are the opposite of work, but hobbies can actually help boost your career! Having a passion project helps show employers that you can manage stress effectively, think creatively, and are multi-talented. Some of the best leaders are people who carve out time to pursue hobbies as it helps them stay organized, have complex thoughts, and relate well to others.
And who knows, Anthony P. Orlich notes that a side project might turn into a side hustle that could one day become a full-time job!
In Conclusion
Hobbies are an important part of life – it doesn’t have to be all work, all the time. It’s important to carve out a little time to do something one enjoys, to pull oneself out of “autopilot,” and explore one’s interests to boost health and well-being.
