Burnout, depression, panic disorder, and various other mental illnesses continue to torment many modern people. Even if they are not severe mental illnesses, we are often slightly distressed by minor stresses in daily life. One common solution suggested by psychiatrists for these individuals is 'hobbies.'

 

Hobbies are the most effective way to relieve stress, which is the root of all illnesses. A hobby refers to an activity done for enjoyment rather than professionally. While activities like work and study are considered 'work' aimed at financial gain, hobbies are activities pursued solely for personal pleasure without regard for productivity. Dr. Kwangmin Lee, director of the Mind Lab Space Department of Mental Health, states, "When you become absorbed in work and social life, it becomes difficult to escape negative thoughts or stress."

Engaging in hobbies at this time allows us to divert our thoughts elsewhere and reduce stress. While participating in hobbies, we become fully immersed in the activity, which temporarily prevents negative thoughts. It helps to rest the brain, stabilize the nerves, and even assist in alleviating stress.

Hobbies provide an opportunity to shift one's thinking and also increase work efficiency. Director Lee Kwang-min said, "To handle work efficiently, it is important to use time effectively," and "If you want to increase work efficiency, it is better to even slightly reduce working hours and engage in hobbies." Including dedicated time for hobbies in daily life and doing them regularly is also a good method. Director Lee Kwang-min stated, "Hobbies are somewhat essential in our lives."

 

Many people start new hobbies but quickly lose interest and give up. Sports like golf and tennis, which have high barriers to entry and low accessibility, are particularly representative. Director Lee Kwang-min said, "Even simple hobbies like reading or watching movies can feel boring at first," and added, "For hobbies that are more difficult, it's not only hard to develop an interest, but if you feel they don't suit you, they can even cause stress." The key to hobby activities is to simply enjoy them. Therefore, rather than being overly ambitious, it is better to start with hobbies that are easily accessible and have low difficulty, such as walking or running, one by one.

 

Instead of setting goals and obsessing over winning, engaging in hobbies simply for enjoyment is beneficial for health. When we become overly immersed in hobbies and set unachievable goals, hobbies can turn into work. Director Lee Kwang-min said, "An example is when people focus excessively on muscle loss during weight training and feel stressed when taking rest," and added, "It is advisable to keep hobbies light enough to divert our attention elsewhere." Even hobbies can cause our brains to experience stress if they are tied to competition and achievement.

 

 

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Do you have any hobbies?

Before engaging in the community, at home

I made rice cake.

 

The red color in my nickname

This is a rice cake I made for my mom's birthday. Haha