Hobbies have been scientifically proven to boost happiness, increase attention spans, raise intelligence and decrease stress. An interesting 74% of Americans claim that they have a hobby and find it important. 

Partaking in a hobby can range from collecting items and trinkets to learning a new language or instrument. For example, picking up an instrument can teach patience, and help develop other skills like critical thinking and encourage creativity. To focus on learning an instrument, studies have shown that studying music and instruments can lead to improved reading comprehension, concentration, discipline and even social skills. Even listening to music can have a significant role in slowing or preventing the spread of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Learning an instrument is not the only music-related hobby that has a positive impact on the body, though.

 Another growing hobby related to music is the collection of CDs, cassettes and especially vinyl records. Collecting in general is a huge hobby. A sum of 39% of hobbyists claim to be collectors and say that collecting promotes a sense of happiness and fulfillment. 

Collecting can be seen in a more physical way, like collecting CDs, or more abstract ways, like collecting new languages. The hobby of learning and practicing a foreign language is one of the more popular hobbies with 43% of people being bilingual, meaning they have learned the ability to speak two or more languages. Learning a new language can provoke and improve critical thinking skills, memory capabilities and social interaction skills. Learning a new language is definitely a hobby that will truly help some people out in life.

Hobbies do not have to be about music, learning something new or even collecting anything. That is the beauty of them. A hobby could be a sport, reading, gaming, research, fitness and so much more. In a hobby’s truest form, it’s a look into a person’s personal life, their interests and desires. A hobby will cure boredom, give a sense of self-respect and triumph and provide talking points for conversation.