Riding the Hobby Horse: 4 Benefits of Starting a New Hobby

Published on: 09 April 2022 Last Updated on: 17 February 2025

Starting a new hobby may seem like an arduous undertaking, but the benefits make all the decision-making well worth the effort.

Not only are hobbies a fun way to take a break from the stresses of everyday life, but they can have tremendous benefits for both the mind and body. Read on to learn about some hobbies and the benefits that accompany them.

Hobbies that pull their weight

There are so many possibilities when it comes to finding the right new hobby. No matter how you usually fill your spare time, there’s a hobby for you.

For example, gardening might be an excellent new hobby for more outdoorsy folk. It is relaxing, healthy for the body, and yields a rewarding product in the form of beautiful flowers and food.

If you prefer the great indoors, scale model building is an excellent hands-on hobby that you can do from the comfort of your home.

Scale model hobbyists can also put their work on display for the world to see in a nice display case with battery-powered LED lights.

Cooking and reading are two more classic hobbies with notable mental and physical benefits. Those looking to engage their bodies and get closer to nature may decide to take horse riding as a hobby.

Some may decide that collecting things is the right new hobby for them, while others may choose to try learning a new language.

No matter your preferences, the world of pastimes has a spot waiting for you.

Benefits of starting a new hobby

Whatever the hobby may be, multiple benefits come with filling your time with something that makes you happy.

1. Health benefits

Hobbies have a wide array of health benefits. Not only do many activities engage the body to ensure that the hobbyist is meeting their exercise needs for the week, but all hobbies reduce stress.

When a person does not address stress, they can develop any of the following symptoms:

Aches/Pains
Low libido
Chest pains
High blood pressure
Digestive issues
Muscle cramping

By relieving stress, hobbies also lead to better quality sleep, which improves health significantly.

2. New challenges

New hobbies provide new challenges, allowing people to think in different and more creative ways. This novelty not only contributes to personal growth, but it can also help in terms of career.

Enhanced creative thinking and having an outlet to balance stress can lead to considerable improvements in a person’s work life.

3. Transitioning to retirement

When the time to retire rolls around, people with a new hobby will have an easier time adjusting to all of the newfound free time. As a hobbyist, filling that with something you enjoy will be easier than it is for someone who has only worked their lives.

Not to mention, some people become so skilled at their hobbies that they can receive a profit from providing others with their goods and services, allowing them to earn money from their favorite retirement activities.

4. Building relationships

Finding a hobby can aid in meeting new people and creating new relationships over a shared interest. In addition to this benefit, it can rekindle sparks in old relationships by giving two people a new pastime to learn alongside each other.

Final word

Hobbies are great for just about every aspect of life, from health to personal relationships, to careers. Not only are pastimes great for the body and soul, but there is such a long list of potential activities that there is undoubtedly a hobby out there for everyone.

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Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Fact or Fiction? 10 Intriguing Past Life Stories That Will Give You Goosebumps

There is something comforting about the idea of reincarnation. We like imagining our spirits will live on after death. We also like imagining the future lives we will lead. Will we return as a caterpillar, an eagle, a blade of grass, our favorite teacher, or even our current enemy? Who knows! Thinking about reincarnation from another angle begs different questions. What are the lives we have already lived? Where have we been, and when? Reading through this article is sure to give you goosebumps. The fact is, that in many cases, there have been verified sightings and tales of the supernatural. If you are someone that is worried about getting affected by such elements in a negative fashion, it is best that you invest and get for yourself some evp ghost hunting equipment. It is spooky to ask these questions because we are asking about our past lives. Past life stories are like ghost stories in which we are the ghosts. Whether you believe in past lives or any other form of the supernatural, these stories are as haunting as they are entertaining. You don't have to believe them to enjoy them. But if you spend enough time reading them, you may question everything you think you know about the beyond. Keep reading to learn 10 stories of past lives that will make your hair stand on end. What Is Past Life Regression? The field of exploration that attempts to answer questions about past lives is called past life regression. Practitioners range from amateurs with no third-party certification to licensed therapists with psychology degrees. Many practitioners see past life regression as the autobiography of the soul. By looking into your past, they can find out personal details from your lives in different times and places. These details, can help you better understand your purpose on Earth. Past life regression is different from past life readings. Past life regression is a process in which you actively participate, experiencing transitional states. On the other hand, a past life reading is a more passive process. It is kind of like receiving a book report on your soul's history instead of going on the field trip. People who have experienced past life regression claim many benefits from it. Some of these benefits include the following. Gaining a different understanding of personal relationships Getting in touch with talents and abilities they did not know they have Relief from physical ailments Processing and letting go of fears and anxieties that relate to traumas in the past lives Learn more about the benefits of past life regression for yourself. These are powerful benefits, but if you are skeptical, you will want evidence that past life regression works. 10 People with Incredible Past Life Stories: Here is the evidence we have found. Some of these stories may sound unbelievable. If you find that to be the case for you, just sit back and enjoy the thrill of them. However, you may find yourself unable to shake these stories. They have a way of sticking with you and reappearing in memory from time to time. They may even provide inspiration for you to seek out your own past life therapy. Whatever your motivation, we hope you enjoy these stories of real people throughout history who laid claim to past lives. 1. Jane Evans: Jane Evans is a pseudonym for a woman who was a patient of Arnall Bloxham. Bloxham was a British hypnotherapist in the middle of the 20th century. Evans was a 30-year-old Welsh housewife. Bloxham recorded Evans detailing six past lives. Some of these lives included a Roman tutor in the third century, the wife of a Jewish moneylender in the 12th century, an Egyptian servant woman, a lady in waiting to Catherine of Aragon, and a Catholic nun in Iowa. There is evidence of Evans' past lives. The evidence is primarily fictional. Some of her past lives appear in novels, and one appeared in a radio play. 2. Virginia Burns Tighe: Tighe was a woman from Colorado who recorded her past life regressions in the 1950s. She claimed to have lived a life as an Irish woman named Bridey Murphy. Tighe's case was convincing. She spoke in a thick Irish accent as Murphy, though she did not have an accent herself. She detailed Bridey Murphy's life from age 8 up until her death from a fall as an adult. Like in Evans' case, journalists found evidence for Tighe's past life. Again, the evidence was not historical. During Tighe's childhood, she grew up across the street from an Irish immigrant named Bridie Murphey Corkell. 3. James Leininger: James Leininger was a two-year-old boy from Louisiana. He played with toy airplanes, but his play had a disturbing quality. He would often crash his plane and yell, "Airplane crash on fire." James' father asked him about the airplane crash. James told him that he had been a pilot before and that he had flow off a boat. He said the boat was named "Natoma" and that he had a friend on the boat named Jack Larson. James' father did his research. He discovered there was an American aircraft carrier called the Natoma Bay where a plane crashed in the manner his son described. There was also a pilot on the Natoma Bay in the plane next to the plane that crashed. That pilot's name was Jack Larson. 4. Dorothy Eady: Dorothy Eady's past life memories led her to uproot her life in London. She moved to Egypt because she had memories of living in the temple of Kom el-Sultan near Abydos. She claimed her name was Bentreshyt in this past life. Dorothy adopted the name Om Seti, or Omm Sety, and she moved to Egypt with her Egyptian husband. They divorced after just two years, but Om Seti stayed there. 5. Shanti Devi: Shanti Devi was an Indian girl with one of the more compelling past life stories. It was so compelling because so many of the details were verifiable. Devi claimed she had lived in Mathura, not Delhi, where she was born. She spoke of dying from complications in childbirth. Keep in mind, this was a four-year-old girl. Devi described the physical details of her husband, who was still alive. When he met Devi, she recognized him and the son she claimed to have died giving birth to. 6. Ma Tin Aung Myo: Ma Tin Aung Myo was a Burmese girl who claimed to have been a Japanese soldier in a past life. Her story is less hair-raising because of any verified details and more for how convinced she became of this past life. As she grew older, Myo refused to cut her hair and stopped wearing women's clothing. She was afraid of airplanes and accurately described a plane the Allies used in Burma during World War II. Myo also described the soldier she used to be in great detail. She talked about the number of children he had (five) and even named the occupation of the oldest (army cook). 7. Laure Raynaud: Frenchwoman Raynaud rejected Catholicism outright. She claimed a belief in reincarnation instead. She began to feel stirrings of a past life while running a clinic in Paris. In this past life, Raynaud said she had a chest disease, and she developed a cough. Later in her life, she visited Genoa, Italy. There, she found the locations she remembered, and she even discovered her identity in the past life. An Italian woman named Giovanna Spontini had lived in the very house Raynaud claimed was hers. Spontini had died of a severe chill that came from a chronic illness. 8. The Pollock Sisters: The Pollock sisters were four girls. The first pair, Joanna and Jacqueline, died in a car crash at ages 11 and 6, respectively. Their parents then had twins, this time named Gillian and Jennifer. Jennifer shared several birthmarks with the deceased Jacqueline. Gillian did not. When the family moved to the area of Britain where the car crash happened, the twins demonstrated a familiarity with the place that only their sisters could have had. Gillian and Jennifer also developed a huge fear of cars because they were afraid of a crash. The twins lost the memories of these past lives at age 5, so the mystery of their possible reincarnation was never solved. 9. Patrick Christenson: Here's another sibling story. Patrick Christenson was born in Michigan in 1991. Twelve years earlier, an older brother of his named Kevin had died from cancer. Patrick had a birthmark on his neck in the same place Kevin had his chemotherapy scar. As he grew up, Patrick asked his mom to go back to his orange and brown house, which were the colors of the house where Kevin lived. 10. Arthur Flowerdew: We saved one of the most verifiable stories for last. It is also the one with the best-named subject. Arthur Flowerdew had memories of a desert city since his birth in 1906. In his elderly years, he watched a BBC documentary on the ancient city of Petra and knew it was the one. He contacted the BBC, and they flew him to Petra to film another documentary. When they quizzed him on major landmarks and other identifying features of the city, he passed with flying colors. People still point to this as one of the most convincing arguments for past lives. What's Past Is Present: We hope these past life stories have made your eyes bug out as much as they have made you think. It never hurts to question your assumptions, even if those questions lead in mystical directions. If you are interested more in the here-and-now than the Great Beyond, check out our other lifestyle stories. Read Also: Understanding New Age Spirituality Forever Young: Natural Ways To Live A Longer Life

5 Must-Visit Historic Sites For A True Georgia Living Experience

Georgia, affectionately known as the Peach State, has a wealth of history and culture. Beyond its storied past, the state is famed for its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes ranging from the majestic Appalachian Mountains to sun-kissed beaches, and a burgeoning arts scene in cities like Atlanta. Its rich culinary traditions, rooted in southern comfort foods, have also put it on the map as a foodie destination. Festivals, music, and dance are integral to Georgia's identity, drawing visitors eager to revel in the rhythms of blues, country, and soul. Rich in American history, civil rights movements, and southern charm, Georgia offers a plethora of historic sites that showcase its unique heritage. If you're planning a visit and want to experience authentic Georgia living, here are five must-visit historic sites: 1. Savannah Historic District Stepping into Savannah's Historic District is like being transported back in time. Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, the district served as Georgia's first colonial capital. As the city grew, its unique grid pattern became home to a myriad of historic buildings, churches, and homes, some of which date back to the 18th century. Its pivotal role during the Civil War and its preservation efforts in the 20th century have cemented its place in American history. Its cobblestone streets, beautiful squares, and antebellum architecture make it one of the most picturesque places in the South. The district is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. Take a stroll and immerse yourself in the tales of the past, and don't forget to explore the city's waterfront for added charm. 2. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Situated in Atlanta, this site pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in American history. The park includes several locations, such as Dr. King's childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he and his father preached, and his final resting place. It offers an in-depth look at the civil rights leader's life and his monumental role in American history. 3. Andersonville National Historic Site Located in southwest Georgia, the Andersonville National Historic Site stands as a somber reminder of the darkest days of the Civil War. Established in 1864, the prison, officially named Camp Sumter, was built to hold Union captives. Within just 14 months of its operation, it incarcerated over 45,000 Union soldiers, of which almost 13,000 perished due to disease, malnutrition, and overcrowding. The prison's commander, Captain Henry Wirz, was later tried and executed for war crimes, becoming one of the only Civil War officials to face such a fate. Today, the site commemorates the thousands of Union prisoners of war who suffered and died in the notorious Confederate military prison. The site also houses the National Prisoner of War Museum, which honors all American prisoners of war. 4. St. Simons Island Lighthouse A testament to Georgia's maritime history, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse is one of only five surviving light towers in the state. Climb its 129 steps for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Golden Isles. The nearby Keeper's Dwelling has been transformed into a museum that showcases the island's rich history. 5. Ocmulgee National Monument Located near Macon, this site preserves traces of over 10,000 years of Southeastern Native American culture. From ancient earthworks to ceremonial mounds, Ocmulgee offers a deep dive into the region's prehistoric times. 6. A Modern Twist To Your Georgia Visit Now, while you're soaking in the history and culture of Georgia, it's worth noting that the state has taken progressive steps in modern times as well. If you're a patient looking for medical cannabis, for instance, the process of acquiring it in Georgia has become simpler than ever before. Thanks to third-party online tools like Veriheal, patients can easily connect with certified cannabis doctors and navigate their way through the approval process without a hitch. It's a testament to how Georgia beautifully blends its rich past with forward-looking initiatives. In Conclusion Georgia promises an enchanting blend of the old and the new. Its historic sites offer a deep dive into America's rich tapestry, while modern amenities ensure a comfortable and enriching visit. Whether you're a history buff or someone just looking for a true Southern experience, Georgia will not disappoint. Read also: Your Federal Disability Attorney and Lawyers How To Get Child Visitation Rights? Don’t Battle It All Alone: 5 Reasons Why You Need an Adoption Attorney

The Most Popular Cannabis Strains And Where They Came From

In the U.S., the Federal Government’s continued prohibition of psychoactive cannabis ensures that each state has its own discrete cannabis industry, with its own cannabis growers and its own dispensaries utterly disparate from those in other states. Yet, even so, you can walk into any pot shop — from a Nevada dispensary to a Michigan provisioning center — and find strains of the same name. What gives? Some strains are so popular that they have spread to all corners of the world, despite prohibitions and bans. Here are a few of those strains and the stories behind them. OG Kush One of the most legendary strains to come out of the West at the end of the 20th century, OG Kush was created when a Florida grower found a California strain and crossed it with some fascinating genetics from around the world, to include a Thai sativa, an Afghan landrace and a few legendary American strains straight out of the ‘60s. OG Kush continues to promise a high THC content, which is why so many breeders continue to use its genetics to breed new strains today. Wedding Cake Wedding Cake is one of those strain names that seems to be attributed to many different strains, which has resulted in quite a bit of confusion regarding its flavors and effects. The original Wedding Cake comes from Los Angeles, where breeders crossed a couple random strains and to create something brand new, with pink and purple coloration and a strong vanilla aroma. Because Wedding Cake has relatively unique observable traits, breeders often incorporate its genetics into new strains they are developing. Durban Poison Despite being one of the oldest sativa strains, Durban Poison remains among the most popular. According to legend, Durban Poison was first bred in South Africa, in the populous city of Durban. In the 1970s, Holland cannabis collectors took the strain’s seeds back home and crossed them with local varieties of skunk. The result is a strain that most everyone enjoys and which you can find traces of in many strains in most dispensaries. Jack Herer Once known as the Emperor of Hemp, Jack Herer was one of the most important cannabis rights activists in the 20th century. Accordingly, one of the most beloved sativa strains was named in his honor by Dutch growers in the mid-1990s. At the time, the strain was easily the most richly complex cannabis of its kind, with layers of flavors and aromas to tantalize the senses, and it has inspired a new generation of growers to create similarly delectable strains. Chemdawg Like so many tales of cannabis culture in the U.S., the story of Chemdawg is closely tied with the rise of the Grateful Dead. During an early ‘90s tour, a group of Colorado cannabis aficionados brought their bud along for the journey, sharing it with fellow Dead Heads along the way. Though the strain didn’t have a name at the start of the tour, it did by the end thanks to its chemical-diesel aroma and taste. Since then, this beloved strain has spread around the world, lending its genes to a handful of other iconic strains, to include OG Kush. Blue Dream Blue Dream is one of the first medical cannabis strains ever created, and it remains a favorite amongst MMJ patients. Initially called Azure Haze, Blue Dream began life as a product of breeding Silver Haze and Blueberry. Despite its name, the strain strikes a near perfect balance between indica and sativa, alleviating pain and relaxing muscles without fogging the mind. G13 The story goes that G13 is the product of a government cannabis breeding program to develop the dankest weed for legally dubious experimentation — a la MK-Ultra. However, the truth is much more banal: In the 1960s, the government confiscated weed from a prolific cannabis breeder, and G13 was one of the strains taken in the raid. From there, someone smuggled G13 back out to the public, where it gained a wild and memorable reputation thanks to exceedingly high THC content. Northern Lights There is an almost uncountable number of varieties of Northern Lights. The very first Northern Lights comes rather mysteriously from the Seattle area, allegedly on one of the San Juan Islands, where breeders placed 11 sprouts in the ground and culled them until they found the best. As it turns out, the fifth sprout was favored, so Northern Lights #5 was named. Like so many other famous strains, Northern Lights made its way to Holland, where its genetics blurred with local strains. Northern Lights #5 remains a fan favorite, though other Northern Lights strains might be worth trying. Read Also: Where Can I Buy CBD Oral Drops? How Does CBD Affect Your Drug Tests? 3 Reasons To Fall In Love With CBD And Yoga

Riding the Hobby Horse: 4 Benefits of Starting a New Hobby

Hobbies that pull their weight