Having good or bad health is determined by your lifestyle. Would it surprise you to know that your hobbies can improve your health, whether physical or mental? What we consider the fun part of our lives have been shown to have a great impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
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Science has shown that some hobbies, like writing, can improve your mental health. In this article, we shall look into the top five hobbies that can improve our health.
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Dancing
A fun form of
exercise. This might sound unbelievable, but dancing helps in the contrasting of muscles which are very important for the free flow of blood within the body. In 94 studies done by Cochrane Review in 2011, 9,917 participants involved claimed that dancing at least three times a week can improve the nervous system among the elderly.
Moreover, in today’s exercise classes, dancing has been included as part of the routine. This is known as aerobics. It has been described as an excellent cardio workout, which helps in improving cardiovascular health, increase stamina and strengthen the muscles and bones.
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Gardening
The art of tending and caring for flowers can leave you healthier than ever. Ever heard of the smell of roses that can be perfect for your health? Nature has a huge impact on your well-being. Gardening has been identified as one of the ways to lower the risk of dementia. Being outdoors, especially among a body of flowers can reduce vitamin D deficiency in elderly people. In 2013, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, found out that gardening reduces the risk of a heart attack. Some flowers such as mint have healing particles.
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Music
Playing and listening to music can be of benefit to your musical and physical health. According to Medical News Today, music can lower stress levels. Studies show that music can decrease anxiety levels among patients awaiting surgery, and has been proven to be more effective than prescription drugs. Listening to music lowers the stress hormone cortisol. In fact, a 2011 study, stated that music, just like food and sex, stimulates the pleasure feelings in humans, because it allows for the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
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Writing
Writing has been described by writers as a way to keep their mental health balanced and functional. This has also been echoed by medical practitioners too. Writing is a panacea for many health and physical problems because it helps in boosting memory, improve sleeping disorders and reduce stress. It’s a wonder for wound healing. A study at the University of Auckland in New Zealand reported that writing can increase the speed at which emotional wounds heal. Writing has helped millions to overcome trauma.
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Pets
Owning a pet like a dog, a cat, a horse or a rabbit can improve your
mental health. Ordinarily, owning a pet keeps us cheerful. They make wonderful companions and they can help to be more healthy in countless ways. Most often they’re social agents that help us take longer walks, exercise for a longer period of time and do general outdoor activities. As a matter of fact, a study done by the Centre For Disease Control stated that pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness.
Sources:
Sarah Glynn. Pets May Reduce Risk Of Heart Disease.
Medical News Today. May 10, 2013.
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This article was first published on 29th August 2021
nnaemeka-emmanuel
Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.
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