Try it! BLUSH | L E I S U R E & L I F E S T Y L E
You may like it! Trying something new can lead to a new hobby
H
abits are wonderful to establish routine and structure and to ensure we make the absolute most of managing ourselves and our time – so that we can be and do the best for the people around us – but a change of scenery and activity can feel like a holiday! And holidays from the same old routine can do wonders to lift the spirit and keep us emotionally, physically and mentally healthy.
Increased confidence Once you try something new, the chances are it will build your confidence to explore different hobbies and learn more about the world around you – much as you did when you were a child. This helps you to break out of a rut, taking care to think about your needs and to make the most of your day and free time. It also helps you feel more capable to make decisions that feel right for you. New things get you out of roles or ‘pigeon holes’ you may have set for yourself and help you to nurture a more confident and adventurous side to your character.
Learn a new skill Trying something new can lead to a new hobby which can develop into a new skill – be it photography and software for fixing up photos for a family christening; or baking from new recipes; or paddle-
34
BLUSH | S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
boarding on your camping holiday.
Honing focus and attention
Sometimes we rule out activities before we’ve even tried them, or always do things in the same way, but when we learn a new skill or hobby, we have to pay full attention to instructions and that steers us away from scattered multitasking approaches and helps us focus our mind in one direction, which has many benefits for other areas of life. With regular effort to become good at our new skill we train our prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that deals with rational thinking and problem solving) to function more effectively and this has a wider effect on our ability to learn more, and to problem solve more effectively.
Develop an appreciation For the skill, and time, it takes to be able to do something. This helps you appreciate the skills other people supply – both at home and in the workplace. You’ll never say ‘can you quickly draw up this excel spreadsheet…’ again!
Get over fear and anxiety Sometimes we get so used to our own ideas of ourselves and our capabilities that we no longer test those assumptions. We rule out activities before we’ve even tried them, or always do things in the same way. We might find that we’re fretful up a ladder so we never give indoor climbing a try, putting our feelings down to a fear of
heights without considering how we may feel if we’re in a harness with a team of expert trainers to guide our way. Maybe it’s a fear of failing or getting it wrong that stops us. Trying a new activity is a great way to test ourselves and our ability, and to realise that we are more capable than we remember!
Use what you know to build on and get started Join in with the kids’ activities and regain a sense of mobility in your body but also make time to connect with them on their own level (rather than have them join in with the things you like to do). Or meet a friend and try out a new class – maybe something related to an activity that you are familiar with to build on existing strengths, for example if you enjoy swimming then why not try diving? Or if you’re no stranger to indoor climbing why not try abseiling or join an outdoor climbing session to get a taste of the real thing. If you fancy yourself as a hobby artist, why not swap out the paintbrush for a potter’s wheel and try your hand at ceramics. Loved roller-skating as a teenager, then how about checking out the local ice-rink with the kids. Test your boundaries and have fun with it. Read more about how trying something new positively affects our brain development throughout life: The Brain, by David Eagleman Author: A E Lee
sevenstarmedia.co.uk
