One of the first entry points into therapy with a new client is checking in on the individual's "protective factors". How are they sleeping? Are they getting adequate nutrition and activity? Do they have a couple of people in their life whom they love and trust? What are their coping mechanisms? And, lastly, are they engaged in hobbies and/or play? It's important to manage these protective factors as we do work together, because without adequate protective factors, it is much easier to become dysregulated and much harder to heal.
Today, I want to talk about the fifth protective factor, which also seems to be the most neglected: hobbies and play. The importance of engaging in enjoyable activities extends far beyond childhood. Here are some top reasons why we should embrace a sense of play as adults just as much as we should embrace proper nutrition and activity levels:
1. Stress Relief and Relaxation:
Have you ever had one of those days, or maybe an extended stretch of time, where the weight of responsibilities, deadlines, and obligations has never felt heavier? And you wonder if you will ever have fun again? In those moments, it can be almost unfathomable to engage in a sense of fun - but, as it turns out, that is probably exactly what you need in order to show up for your responsibilities and loved ones as best as you can.
Engaging in activities we enjoy activates the relaxation response in our bodies, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm. This will help you manage your mental and physical health, as well as your ability to be at the top of your game in both your professional and personal life. Whether it's painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or participating in sports, immersing ourselves in hobbies helps to recharge and rejuvenate our minds, allowing us to return to our responsibilities with a refreshed perspective.
2. Building Social Connections
Participating in hobbies and play not only brings us personal enjoyment but also opens doors to connect with others who share similar interests. Joining clubs, groups, or online communities centered around our hobbies allows us to bond with like-minded individuals, forming meaningful connections and expanding our social support network. These relationships provide a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation while boosting overall mental well-being.
3. Promoting Work-Life Balance
Hobbies and play serve as a reminder that life is more than just work. Engaging in activities we love helps create a healthy work-life balance. By setting aside dedicated time for hobbies and play, we prioritize self-care, preventing burnout, and maintaining our mental resilience. Hobbies offer a counterbalance to the demands of work, allowing us to recharge, find joy in our personal lives, and return to our professional responsibilities with increased focus and productivity.
4. Building skills and confidence
True confidence doesn't develop from already being an expert at something; confidence develops from being okay to try something new regardless of the result. The best thing about having a hobby for the sake of having a hobby is the permission you can give yourself to mess up and be a beginner. There are so many aspects of our lives where lacking attention to detail can come with great costs, but hobbies and play aren't like that. Ironically, this sense of being a beginner and not taking yourself too seriously is a recipe for greater self-confidence. When we step outside our comfort zones and venture into uncharted territory, we challenge ourselves to not just acquire new skills but to give ourselves permission to look like a fool, fail miserably, or simply not get the hang of something. Each attempt, whether successful or not, builds resilience and determination and teaches us the power of not taking ourselves too seriously. We should all give ourselves permission to have at least one area in our life that is just for the fun of it, regardless of the result. And hey, you will inevitably build new skill sets along the way - but that is the cherry on top.
So, ask yourself, do you have a hobby? If the answer is no, that is completely okay! The beautiful thing about hobbies and play is that the stakes are low! The emphasis should be on the activity itself, as opposed to the end result (this doesn't mean you can't enjoy the end result, but it just shouldn't be a necessary condition for enjoying the activity), meaning that being a beginner can be just as fun as being experienced in something. You can pick up a new hobby today and start seeing these benefits immediately. If you made it to the end of this blog, take this as a sign that it might be time to indulge in a new hobby and start prioritizing PLAY.
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