| Everyone knows that stress can take a heavy | | | | often underused service of public libraries. A |
| toll on your mind and body, but one simple | | | | knowledgeable librarian can also help you find |
| activity can not only prevent the harmful effects | | | | magazines and newsletters about your area of |
| of stress but also make your life richer and more | | | | interest. |
| rewarding. | | | | 3. Pick something you're passionate about. |
| Hobbies have been around since ancient times, | | | | What one person finds captivating, another may |
| yet few people use them as an effective tool to | | | | think is silly or boring. Remember that you don't |
| beat stress. The secret is in choosing a hobby | | | | have to satisfy or impress anyone else with your |
| that not only picques your interest, but that you | | | | hobby. This is for you. Pursue something that gets |
| find mentally engaging as well. A major | | | | you excited. Don't be discouraged if you try |
| component of stress is worry. A fascinating | | | | several different pastimes before you succeed. |
| hobby crowds out worry thoughts by replacing | | | | You'll know you've found the right hobby when |
| them with positive ideas and study. | | | | you look forward to doing it, when you're happy |
| Watching television or listening to music might be | | | | during your hobby time, and when it leaves you |
| classified as hobbies; however, they rarely provide | | | | feeling relaxed and positive. |
| the mental stimulation needed to leave you feeling | | | | 4. Pick a hobby that's affordable. |
| refreshed and satisfied afterward. A worthwhile | | | | Many people don't consider this aspect, but it's |
| hobby will make you a more rounded, interesting | | | | better to do something that doesn't run up debt, |
| person. It will give you an outlet to explore your | | | | tie up a lot of your money, or make you |
| creativity. It will also bring you in contact with | | | | frustrated because you later find it's out of your |
| fascinating people, which can relieve loneliness. | | | | reach financially. A hobby doesn't have to be |
| If you have a hobby that you've lost interest in, | | | | expensive to be fulfilling. Again, remember that |
| or you're looking for a new hobby, check out | | | | the object of a hobby is not to impress people, |
| these tips for exploring the endless possibilities | | | | but to do something that's fun and appealing to |
| before you. | | | | you. |
| 1. Your hobby should interest you. | | | | 5. Pick a hobby that is challenging. |
| Don't get into a hobby just because a friend or | | | | Some collectible items are rare or hard to find. |
| relative enjoys it. You'll soon tire of it if that's | | | | The pursuit of them is part of the excitement. |
| your only motivation. No, your hobby should be an | | | | Some hobbies, like painting, playing a musical |
| activity that you enjoy. And unless you're truly | | | | instrument, or baking, have no limits. Today, |
| interested in it, don't take over someone else's | | | | instructional videos or DVDs are available that can |
| collection and add to it. Pick something you like. Be | | | | teach you almost anything. Be realistic and don't |
| original! | | | | expect to master your new interest right away. |
| 2. Explore what the world has to offer. | | | | You have the rest of your life to develop your |
| If you get an idea for a hobby, the Internet is the | | | | skills. Soon you'll experience a great sense of |
| best place to research it. Whether it's collecting, | | | | personal satisfaction as you become more and |
| art, crafts, or reading about a specific topic, you | | | | more accomplished. |
| can find thousands of web sites, clubs, and user | | | | A captivating hobby is a positive, healthy way to |
| groups to give you more information. If your | | | | escape, if only for an hour at a time. As you |
| public library doesn't have books on the hobby | | | | grow in your hobby, you'll feel more contented as |
| you're researching, ask a librarian to order them | | | | a person and less vulnerable to the stress of your |
| for you through interlibrary loan. This is a free but | | | | job and everyday life. |