Hobbies are not a waste of time. The main article of this month’s Reader’s Digest is “How Hobbies Help (and Heal) Us.” Here is a fact I gleaned from it that is supported by science and research: An enjoyable hobby releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals, and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. The results are lower blood pressure, less inflammation, better sleep, improved heart health, stronger immune system and more energy. On top of that, adopting a hobby sharpens our brain, helps us live longer, and makes us happy. Hobbies that involve other people help us thrive. An interesting statistic: “Chronic loneliness is worse for your health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”
So, who wouldn’t want a hobby or two or three?
My Hobbies
Reading this article made me examine my life for hobbies I had. As a child I collected pennies in cardboard holders made for that purpose. My piano teacher even saved her pennies for me.
My stamp collection hobby began in the fourth grade, the day we students were asked to bring something in for show-and-tell. My father gave me a couple stamps from the Philippines where he was during World War II. Soon I had a large Ambassador stamp album and took delight filling it in with stamps mostly purchased from stamp companies.
As an adult I collected the quarters minted in honor of the fifty states and in the order they became a state. I know, you can purchase complete sets, but that is not as much fun as searching through change to discover one you were missing.
My mother saw to it that we girls learned needlework: embroidery, crocheting, sewing, and darning socks! I still make baby blankets that my community sells at events like our Chicken Barbecue coming up September 29. These come in handy when one of my friends or relatives is expecting.
On a long bus ride, a Sister was creating something with her hands darting. Curious, I sat beside her on the way home, and she taught me how to tat. Lace-making with a shuttle, an art of ladies centuries ago. Some are holding shuttles in their portraits. I tatted cross bookmarks, edges for pillowcases, and tiny flowers for stationery. One year I made Advent wreaths pins for all the Sisters in my house.
Music
I learned how to play the piano as a child. I loved playing, and whenever I was upset, I would go to the piano and played to overcome my sadness or anger. Later, in the convent, I learned the guitar and was able to play at Mass. Although my guitar skills have vanished, along with my guitar, I still play the piano. In fact, every Sunday for the residents in Notre Dame Village where I live. One of our chefs asked I knew “Bohemian Rhapsody.” I didn’t, but I got a copy of the music and mastered it. In the video below you’ll hear it played by a pianist far better than I could ever play it.
Other Hobbies
Some people cook as a hobby, paint, swim, golf, or play pickleball. Not I! But any day now, maybe I’ll take up learning Spanish again—for the fourth time.
• What hobbies have you had or do you have? Why do you enjoy them?
Enjoy:
