Health Care in Canada: The Benefits of Hobbies

Hobbies offer more than just fun since activities for your body and mind are good for your health. How you fill your free time is up to you, and you just have to supply the interest and time to reap the benefits. During this month, why not spend some time making yourself happy, by starting or continuing a hobby that you enjoy? Here are a few ideas to get started.

Exercise for your body

Any physically active leisure pursuit is going to have positive health benefits
If time alone is what you need most, going for a bike ride or a swim or a walk are great ways of making a temporary escape
If solitude is the last thing you need you can find something you can do with others—a walking club, a tennis club, a class at the gym

Exercise for your mind

Staying mentally active may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
Doing anything stimulating—playing cards or board games, doing crossword puzzles, reading or going to the museum or art gallery may minimize age-related memory loss

Social Connections

We need the support of, and connection to, other people to maintain good health
Having social support and feeling included can influence whether we are healthy or not
Hobbies can help us feel connected
Hobbies can help make the transition from working life to retirement smooth and enjoyable
Thinking ahead, having different interests and being engaged with others are two important ways to age successfully

Remember…you can have more than one hobby!

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