Although time is a much more valuable resource than ever, many successful business leaders of today know the importance of taking time to enjoy leisure activities. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to find time for activities we love. There’s a belief that to be successful in the world of startups, and you have to work continuously. In the startup world, phrases such as “Good things happen when you hustle” dominate the discussion. However, there is a high rate of stress in the workplace, which means having a passion in the off-season is even more valuable. Laasya Palicha says research has shown that time spent doing leisure activities not just produces dopamine, a feel-good organic chemical that we feel in our brains. Still, it can bring about several advantages that can aid in starting or running an effective business.
First, why did these activities become neglected in the first place?
The Rise of Workaholism
In the past, work was done out of necessity–literally, to “earn a living.” As a result, people strove for wealth to work less and gain more leisure time.
Economists like Laasya Sudhakar Palicha theorized that technological advancements would mean the demand for work would diminish. In the 21st century, we’d be able to live comfortably on a 15-hour working week. In the intervening years, our notion of work has changed from necessity to self-identity. Many people work harder not for the reason they need to; however, it helps give them a sense of identity.
Workaholism is now the standard. And, as you can imagine, we’re not doing better as a result. Many highly engaged employees are showing signs of burning out, which means that companies risk losing some of their most dedicated and motivated employees.
The Benefits Of Hobbies
Although some might think that hobbies aren’t productive, they can help us become more competitive in our work.
Laasya Palicha believes that the benefits of creative hobbies have been proven to improve performance and problem-solving skills. But, of course, with all the benefits that come from activities, the only thing to do is to pick one that you like.
Maybe you already know the list of hobbies you’ve wanted to take up. But, if you’re looking for guidelines to begin, Here’s a brief guide on choosing an activity to pursue.
Rediscover Your Childhood Hobbies
Engaging in activities, we enjoyed as children is a way to stimulate your pleasure center.
Studies show that happiness increases the likelihood of achieving every academic and business result.
Exercise A New Part Of Your Brain
You can try an activity that calls on the brain regions you aren’t used to.
Dancing and music, circus arts, theatre, and sports improve your brain’s executive function. Games that require strategic thinking, such as chess, improve your brain’s plasticity. Music instruments can strengthen the corpus callosum, an area of the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres. Learning a language activates a large brain network and boosts cognitive function.
Enter the flow state
Do you feel that sensation that you’re absorbed by the activity that you’re able to forget about time, and you did not remember to eat lunch? That’s flow.
It could be baking, painting, or just jogging. Choose an activity you are so enthralled with that you’re completely absorbed at the moment. You will not only get a sense of relief from your work routine and stress, but you could even find it beneficial to your productivity in the workplace.
