Find a hobby – live longer

Have you ever considered taking up a hobby? If you have, you are in good company. Millions of people worldwide spend their free time following their passions. Now, studies suggest, that having a hobby may have a beneficial effect on your health and wellbeing, perhaps even helping you to live longer. Keeping active is an essential part of staying fit and well. Whether it’s yoga, dance classes or walking in the countryside, exercise can help you to manage your weight, improve cardio health and keep bones and muscles strong. Studies have also shown that hobbies, which involve spending time outdoors, can boost vitamin D production and have a therapeutic effect on our mood.Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for our long-term health. Cooking and gardening are amongst our most popular hobbies and there is nothing better than enjoying a home cooked meal with family and friends, using fresh and healthy ingredients straight from the kitchen garden.Hobbies can also help in reducing anxiety and stress. Having an interest outside of the pressures of our daily lives, enables us to recharge our batteries and stimulate the little grey cells. Pursuing an interest or learning a new skill keeps our brains active as we get older, so why not take the opportunity to learn to weave a basket or brush up on your French.In the fast paced world we live in today, it is essential not to overlook our health and wellbeing. As well as getting a huge amount of enjoyment from our hobbies, it appears that they could also be helping us to stay healthier and live longer.