WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A HOBBY

Have your days become more dull and predictable? It's time to do what makes you happy again...

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In the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy to lose touch with our inner passions and interests. As we juggle work, family and countless other responsibilities, we often find ourselves wishing for a brief escape, a creative outlet or a way to connect with like-minded individuals. This is where the magic of hobbies and social clubs comes into play, offering benefits that can reignite your zest for life.

WHAT WOULD YOU GAIN?
Hobbies provide an excellent way to unwind and relieve stress. Engaging in an activity you love can be a therapeutic, mood-boosting escape from the daily grind. There are a few additional benefits that can improve your overall well-being, including:

Creative expression
Hobbies feed your imagination and self-expression. Painting, for example, allows you to convey your emotions on canvas, while cooking or baking lets you experiment with flavours and presentation.

Learning and growth
Hobbies can be a gateway to continuous learning that could have a long-lasting effect on your life. You can develop and practise new skills (which gives you a sense of accomplishment), expand your knowledge and challenge yourself, which builds confidence.

Time for yourself
In a world that often pulls us in many directions, hobbies offer dedicated ‘me-time’ to focus fully on your interests and what gives you joy.

SIGN ME UP!
While solo hobbies are undeniably fulfilling, group gatherings add a layer of extra support and social connection. If you’re lonely in a new area and seeking social connection, group activities can be a game-changer for your lifestyle. They offer an opportunity to meet people who share your interests, a chance to form lasting friendships and build a support network. Interacting with diverse individuals also has the ability to expand your mindset.

Being part of a club provides structure and accountability. Regular meetings or events keep you motivated to stay engaged in your hobby. Above all, clubs are about having fun. They inject excitement into your life and provide a sense of belonging – which we all yearn for.

WHILE SOLO HOBBIES ARE UNDENIABLY FULFILLING, GROUP GATHERINGS ADD A LAYER OF EXTRA SUPPORT AND SOCIAL CONNECTION

GETTING STARTED
There are different ways you could get back into the hobby game. You may have heard of the ‘Paint and Sip’ parties that have become very popular in South Africa. These events allow you to explore your artistic side in a relaxed atmosphere, even without any art training or experience.

Antoinette Lassen, of Antoinette’s Art, hosts art parties in Cape Town and recommends adding an activity like ‘Paint and Sip’ to any adult gathering as it “brings another dimension” to the occasion. “It’s about just being able to relax, unwind and let your mind wander, while still having loads of laughs, chats and – let’s not forget – cocktails or wine with your friends,” she says.

“There is nothing better for the soul than laughing with friends while creating something beautiful,” Antoinette adds. “It’s not only fun – art is known to alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. It’s also a huge self-esteem booster. So many of my workshop participants have sat back at the end of the evening and been so proud that they created a painting from a blank canvas.”

Cooking and supper clubs
If you love food, initiate a regular ‘dinner party night’ with friends or join a cooking club, which brings fellow foodies together to share culinary experiences. You can discover new recipes, exchange cooking tips, enjoy delicious meals and make new friends who share your passion.

Book clubs
An oldie but still a goodie. Engaging in discussions about literature can open your mind to new perspectives, enhance your critical thinking, and provide a platform for meaningful personal conversations. You could also swap book night for movie or music nights, if you prefer.

Social sports clubs
If you battle to exercise daily but you’re not keen on going to a gym, consider joining a hiking or cycling club. You could also sign up for something interesting like indoor cricket, dragon-boat racing, padel, roller derby, swimming, karate or frisbee. Parkrun is another great option – it brings runners and walkers of all ages and abilities together all over South Africa. Joining a sports club is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy, hone your teamwork skills and make new connections.

There are many other ideas – knitting, pottery, photography, salsa dancing, cake decorating, origami, eco activities like beach clean-ups or alien-plant clearing... If you have a special interest, there’s bound to be other people out there who share your passion.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to lose touch with our true passions and interests. By embracing hobbies and the enriching experiences offered by group activities, you can find your way back to what truly makes your heart sing. So, saddle up, explore your interests, and embark on an adventure that can transform your lifestyle for the better.

By: Chandre Emma Kippie
Text courtesy of Club Magazine
Photos: Getty Images