“Do you have any hobbies?” It’s a common question asked when dating, during job interviews, and occasionally when someone finds out you’ve been watching a lot of Netflix. It might seem like an obvious question but many people find there is little time for hobbies outside of work and managing their personal lives.

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Having a hobby is important, and can help your health and happiness in more ways than you imagine. Why should you get a hobby? Find out more below.

It helps you switch off

Whether you work in a demanding job or you’ve got a busy home life, your hobby can be your escape. Finding something fun to do with your free time will help you to switch off from the stresses of the day and allow you to do something for yourself. Discover hobbies that relax you and help take your mind off things to reduce stress in your life.

It helps improve your health

Hobbies that are more active can be a great way to improve your health and wellbeing. From taking up yoga to writing, there are plenty of hobbies that will improve your health. Many people see exercising as a hobby, and turning your fitness into something you enjoy will help you feel more motivated to do it. Consider joining a fitness class or start running as an enjoyable hobby that will also help you get into shape.

It can become much more than just a hobby

While hobbies might start out as a fun way to pass the time, they can develop into so much more than that. Some hobbies can even be turned into a career. A hobby with a goal, such as restoring an airplane from aircraft parts or putting together a classic car can give you a lot of joy, with a great end result. Hobbies help you to discover your passions, so you never know where yours could lead.

It can help you become more interesting

Having hobbies gives you interests that set you apart from other people, helping you to become a more interesting person. This can improve your social life, your dating life and more - giving you something to talk about and teach others.

It can help you meet new people

If you want to expand your social circle or make friends in a new town, then a hobby can be a great way to meet new people. Hobbies can take you to classes, projects and more where you can encounter people with similar interests. Social interactions and connections are essential for your happiness and wellbeing, so find hobbies that you out and about in your local community.

Finding hobbies that interest and excite you can have all kinds of benefits. Hobbies help you to keep learning as you get older, keeping your mind sharp and broadening your horizons. From meeting new people to helping you stay in shape, they can be a great way to give your health a boost. Could starting a new hobby benefit your life? Start something new today and find out.

You’re going about your life, minding your business when the phone buzzes. After answering it, everything changes. This is how it feels when a loved one has been in an accident. At first, it’s about ensuring they are okay and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Then, when the dust settles, it’s about adjusting to a new way of life. Their needs come first, but it’s essential for you to regroup too. After all, the mental impact it can have on a person is hard to explain.

Because it’s new and strange and full of emotion, it can be tough to find coping mechanisms. Below are four for the people that need inspiration.

As harsh as it sounds, it is easy to feel pity for someone who has been struck down in their prime. A loved one that now has to deal with a disability, permanent or temporary, is bound to be in a difficult place. As a result, you may feel as if the universe has been tough on him or her. This can impact your relationship. The key is to communicate. They may be sad, angry and more, yet they probably understand how they need to act to get better. A simple conversation can make you see the light, too.

Thoughts and emotions intensify when there are moments of clarity. Laid in bed at night with your brain running wild, the severity of the situation will hit home. In the beginning, this is a necessary part of the recovery process because it allows you to deal with your feelings. However, it can get in the way after a while. People that struggle with the emotions are crippled by sadness and grief. Staying busy is an effective way to prevent the brain from obsessing as there won’t be time to evaluate and analyze.

Accidents wreck lives. Therefore, the changes may be costly and not covered by the insurance. For example, a person with a disability will need constant medical attention. Although there is a stigma to it, there is nothing wrong with suing for compensation. The Abelson Law Firm points out family members need fairly compensating because the outcome wasn’t their fault. Plus, the behavior requires stopping as soon as possible to save lives and prevent accidents. A lawsuit causes individuals and companies to evaluate their processes and be better. Just because they’re injured doesn’t mean they can’t fight back.

And not the most recent ones where they are hurt and in pain. Concentrate on the good times when there were joy and happiness on their face. The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, focusing on the current memories will prolong the grieving process as it will intensify the emotions. Secondly, whether they are gone or aren’t the same, they can live on in your heart. If mental pictures aren’t enough, then print off real ones and start a scrapbook or frame them.

What method do you think is the best one for your journey?