Read time 5 minutes
This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
They weren’t an escape from reality!
Post-diagnosis, when nothing seemed better than the quiet walls of my room, I turned to my fainted passions for help. I got involved in exploring something interesting.
Conversations flow naturally when we discuss something we love, isn’t it?
My hobbies helped rebuild images. They represented my lost identity and rediscovered the deepest parts during tough moments.
This blog post shares helpful advice on how igniting interest in hobbies grants mental escape. It gives life meaning and happiness and promotes constructive involvement.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.
In my experience engaging in hobbies was not only health-transformative but also an opportunity for relationship-building and finding support:
In the quiet galleries of my hospital, where the doctors and nurses move with their footsteps soaked in rubber-soled shoes, it was my room no 208 that buzzed with streaming laughter and some hurried conversations.
Instead of lying still with my face engraved with pain, I found my solace taking up an old hobby of watching stand-up comedy shows.
I love watching Russell Peters (a stand-up comedian) as a pastime.
With no curtains drawn, my room became an open studio, inviting people to swing by and leave with a smile. Our laugh cut across the walls, drawing in medical staff and caregivers. I found that it was the best medicine for all our pain, and none of us remained strangers to each other.
The positive impact of the smiling faces was recognized even by the floor manager.
My health remained challenging, but the relationships built through shared passions made me a happy man. Those moments and my room number became a constant reminder that even in the face of illness, we can find our joy. Common interests and hobbies can build meaningful connections and support services.
Hobbies are great tools to recoup and reduce sensations of chronic symptoms, especially physical pain.
My hobby-full journey through Sow and Play
I ventured out for recreation, and they were so relaxing. They filled me with life-giving energy.
I had no idea that I would find happiness digging about 2 inches of mud; a simple act of planting a mango tree. It had a profound and lasting impact, an act symbolizing hope and growth. It generated a sense of accomplishment. It boosted my cognitive health, reduced stress, and proved a great physical activity.
I also dusted my table tennis racket carrying stories of countless games. It was an effort as my muscles had frayed memories of playing with friends. However, with time it slowly felt a release and gathered pace. It reminded me of many old stories and generated a sense of excitement in the pursuit of what I loved.
Often, I felt the need to work on my healing, however, an optimistic outlook, and taking things easy did the trick.
These hobbies became the doorway to positive distraction, not leaving me consumed by my chronic symptoms. My body fought the disease yet there existed a sense of unexplored happiness. Slowly, time spent being happy absorbed fears and boundaries.
If you find yourself amid turmoil, seek your refuge. It is advisable to offer your time to causes that interest you. Trying things, you’ve never thought of before. Hobbies can improve mental health and well-being.
Finding Meaning and Happiness and Promoting Constructive Involvement
Engaging in hobbies can be powerful.
Hobbies also serve as a form of self-development and self-expression. Whether it’s writing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies help people discover new skill sets. They can also foster social interactions which can provide support during any crisis.
Here are some tips that might help:
-
Health challenges for sure limit our abilities. Amid, we find things boring however this could be an opportunity to explore new realms in life.
-
Correlating hobbies with achievable goals could provide a sense of accomplishment. They can be great tools for boosting morale.
-
Build social connections and bond with like-minded enthusiasts.
-
Seeking inspiration in hobbies isn’t a bad idea; it can build determination.
Remember, hobbies are quite personal, and what works for one, may not work for another. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding your happiness.
Building a Support System Through Hobbies
Conversations flow naturally when we discuss something we love.
Connecting with enthusiasts who share similar passions and hobbies can be extremely positive. It can improve the quality of life and be a vital source of inspiration. Exchanging experiences, and ideas of passion can release positive hormones, dopamine.
Engaging and sharing hobbies during challenging times can be a wonderful source of joy and comfort. It creates a beautiful aspect of human connection, bonding, and ever-lasting memories. It can cut down on loneliness and act as a stressbuster.
My Hobbies became much more than just being mere pastime
1) Physical movement and independence:
Sports helped me improve my focus and physical reflexes. They pushed my endurance limits.
2) Engaged my brain constructively:
Writing articles to create awareness of rare diseases was a self-healing experience. The exercise helped soften my mood swings and rebuild my self-confidence.
3) Improved my knowledge:
The process of writing to create awareness also helped in building my knowledge base. I happen to discover a lot about myself.
4) A bond with my family:
Hobbies bridged and brought me closer to my family.
To conclude, taking up hobbies during tough moments was therapeutic and made me a better person.
Conclusion
Engaging in hobbies has deeper links and benefits for people dealing with chronic symptoms. It increases the sense of happiness and control. It enhances social connections which positively impacts mental health. Also, regular participation in hobbies makes the person physically active and mentally creative. It is a great source of cognitive stimulation which distracts from stress.
Exploring different hobbies can hold a special place and help ease out tough moments. It is a wonderful way to personal growth and regain self-confidence. It can be a great mode of relaxation and a meditative practice that can prove therapeutic.
In summary, hobbies can be a valuable component of managing chronic symptoms supporting a better quality of life.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
