An article written for clozette.co on the benefits of starting a new hobby during this pandemic. Full article can be found HERE:
US and UK-trained psychologist and Singapore-based counsellor Dr. Maria Micha shared that starting a new hobby helps “create a different mindset” no matter what its nature or calibre is. This is due to human nature’s natural craving to “seek changes in our daily routines, be it big or small”, especially when trying times are at hand.
She further explained that “it is important for people to identify and engage in such activities” because “immersing one’s self holistically” in such hobbies allows us to “disengage from our current situation” to the point that we “no longer ‘catastrophise’ or worry too much” about what is happening.
“When you find a hobby you truly like and that hobby brings you joy, it makes it easier to detach from depressive feelings, stress, obsessiveness, or just dark thoughts in general,” she added. She also expressed that when these hobbies become activities that inspire anticipation or excitement, it also alleviates one’s sense of hopefulness and optimism — which, honestly, is something we all need a dose of, this time and beyond.
The importance of ‘intent’
“There should be an intent to continue to engage in these hobbies, intent to continuously connect with the joy and contentment these activities bring, and intent to draw up a plan where these hobbies are now included in what will become our ‘new’ normal routines,” said Dr. Micha, when asked about how we can maintain such hobbies after the pandemic season.
She also explained that in order for this intent to reach its fruition, we must also strive to practise it for “40 days straight after the quarantine is over” for it to reach “stability” in our routines and transform it from hobby to habit. Otherwise, we’re likely to neglect or forget about it all over again.
© Maria Micha. All Rights Reserved. All articles and content belong to Maria Micha and may not be reproduced or used without express permission.
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