There are literally thousands of
hobbies that a person can take up. Reading, writing, playing an
instrument, arts and crafts, hiking are a few. Establishing
collections of stamps, coins, trading cards, magazines, or paraphernalia
allows to interact with others who do the same. Woodworking,
building models, painting, gardening; the list goes on and on. These
are all ways to engage in leisure, but not the kind of leisure that
involves doing nothing at all. It is constructive leisure that one
can put their heart into. We exercise our bodies to maintain
physical health. Hobbies exercise our minds to maintain mental
health.
Take Time to Pray and Attend a Faith
Community
Keeping spiritually healthy is just
as important as maintaining our physical health. It helps to bring
balance into our lives. Studies have shown that people who take time
to pray or meditate have better overall health. People who are a
part of a faith community are generally less sick than those who
aren't. Being a part of a group of people who think and believe as
we do fosters a sense of security and acceptance. When trials come
along there is a system of support and others we can turn to for
assistance and guidance. It's like having an extended family.
Keep a Journal Regularly
This is an invaluable tool to help
release pent up emotions. With a journal we can let go of ourselves,
speak our minds and say what we would not be able to say outloud.
One woman combines prayer with journal writing. Instead of saying
her prayers out loud, she writes them down in a “prayer book.”
After pouring out our hearts we can leave it. Many choose not to
read their journals after they have completed them. They have a
sense of closure, so they don't feel a need to return.
Learn to Say No
We all have our limits. It would be
a great benefit to find out what they are. When we understand them,
we must learn to say no without feeling guilty. Saying no to others
in a polite way will prevent us from burning out. Others will
appreciate and respect us more because we are able to take on a
project or help solve a problem and give it our best effort. We are
better focussed when we don't feel overwhelmed. Learning to say no
will keep resentment from building up as well.