Happy Monday! Why is creativity important?

Hobbies are VITAL!


I had a great weekend working on projects that inspire me.  One was rather crafty and seasonal, a fall wreath for my front door and the others were of course sewing projects.
I will be showing the sewing projects in later blog posts this week.
I reflect today on what made this such a great weekend?
It was therapeutic for me because I was able to work on projects that made me happy and I realize the value of my creative pursuits.  
I wish for everyone to have pursuits outside of work and family responsibilities and although not scientific, these are the reasons I believe that having a hobby or creative pursuit is important:
1) Creative hobbies are great ways to take a break from your busy life while still having a sense of purpose. You are still getting something done.
2) It promotes Eustress. Eustress: This is the type of ‘positive’ stress that keeps us vital and excited about life. For example, the excitement of a roller-coaster ride or making something new or reading a pattern, there may be challenges with it, but it is part of being alive and it's not negative.
3)Hobbies offer a new challenge. Hobbies break up routine and challenge you in new ways. They are not like work related challenges, they are more positive!
​4)Hobbies allow you to be united with others.  If you attend a guild or events related to your creative outlet like I did with the Waterloo County Quilters Guild - you meet friends who share common interests.
5)Hobbies provide an outlet for stress- so if you work, get in your sewing room and you will find that your work related stress is soon forgotten or the stress fades.
6)Hobbies promote staying present- when you are sewing or quilting you are focused, not worrying about the past or the future but undeniably in the present.  It also keeps you up to date and current about trends. This is great because if you love your craft your mind is active, enthusiastic and responsive.
7)Hobbies have physical health benefits-Ok here comes the Social Worker in me!!!  Happiness is correlated to hobbies. Studies have found that being involved in enjoyable activities are associated with lowered blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference and body mass index and that it can lower levels of depression and negative affect.  Hobbies are good for your mind and body!  (that is if you stay away from the treats at Guild Meetings!) Check out this article from Shape Magazine.
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 So I encourage everyone to have a hobby or creative outlet and If you don't know where to start, ask a friend what they do as a hobby or google something you think might interest you. When I worked outside of the home in the past, it saved me from sinking down the stressed out rabbit hole!

Happy Monday!----- and please make this week count on your happiness meter!

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