Arts & Leisure (A&L) is the ninth wellness domain that is part of the acronym MY SCORECARD we use in the MENTOR program. A&L is as simple as enjoying an activity you love, like painting or drawing, reading a good book, playing a game like chess (or even a video game!), collecting things like stamps or coins, or spending time outside fishing or birdwatching – the possibilities are endless!

A&L activities are a great creative outlet, and they can significantly reduce negative thought patterns. There is even science explaining the importance of A&L activities. These hobbies stimulate neural pathways in the brain, which can help reduce the risk of long-term dementia and depression.

Leisure can be like exercise, but it is not the same thing! Leisure is more passive and can include activities like watching sports, cooking shows or documentaries. Choosing leisure activities that promote learning and social interaction – like art classes, book clubs or following a favorite team – can help you connect with others and enrich your social life. A&L combats isolation and provides a powerful outlet for personal expression and creativity.

Simply put, finding something to look forward to on a daily or weekly basis enhances our enjoyment of life.

Finding Your A&L Passion

Here are some A&L activities to explore:

• Cooking: Learning to cook new dishes can be both enjoyable and educational. Experimenting with exotic spices and healthier ingredients can turn cooking into a fulfilling hobby. Cooking can also lead to a greater appreciation of what you eat because of the work that goes into making it. Here are some recipes to try from our YouTube channel.
• Art: Art is a universal form of self-expression accessible to everyone. It allows individuals to convey their inner feelings and is valuable regardless of skill level. Your work can be just as important as anyone else’s because it’s your own creative expression.
• Arts and Crafts: The internet offers numerous resources for arts and crafts. Activities like quilting and knitting have become popular online, with substantial markets supporting these crafts. Exploring both online and local options can provide a well-rounded experience.
• Journaling: Journaling is an excellent way to discover and understand your inner self. Journaling can help process emotions, boost self-confidence and improve other areas of our health. Positive journaling, which focuses on finding something good each day, can enhance mental clarity and problem-solving abilities.
• Reading: Reading provides a sense of stillness and reduces mental noise, leading to a better quality of life. Unlike the distraction of television, reading promotes solitude and strengthens inner resolve. Online book clubs can offer additional social engagement and intellectual stimulation.

The Science Behind A&L

While exercise and diet are well-known for improving health, A&L plays a unique role in enhancing joy and optimism. Research shows that spending time on leisure activities can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and stress, and improve overall psychological and physical functioning [1]. Engaging in hobbies activates brain centers associated with enjoyment and fulfillment. Learning new skills, especially complex ones like painting or playing an instrument can increase brain plasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease [2].

A 2015 study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that pursuing hobbies can lower stress by 34 percent and sadness by 18 percent during and after the activity. This suggests that enjoying a hobby not only boosts immediate happiness but also contributes to long-term well-being [3].

Overcoming Barriers to New Activities

One common barrier to trying new A&L activities is the fear of not being good at them. Many people avoid new hobbies due to self-judgment and fear of inadequacy. It’s important to focus on the process of engaging in an activity rather than the outcome. Emphasizing the mental and physical health benefits of starting a new A&L activity can help overcome this resistance.

Summary

It’s important to remember that participating in Arts and Leisure activities is more about doing the activity and enjoying yourself instead of feeling like you have to achieve in the activity. Creativity and expressing your inner self in your activities can lead to positive outcomes. Leisure activities can improve your mental health through connecting to others or experiencing joy in hobbies that bring you comfort. Participate in arts and leisure and find new ways to express yourself!

References

1. Pressman, Sarah D., Karen A. Matthews, Sheldon Cohen, Lynn M. Martire, Michael Scheier, Andrew Baum, and Richard Schulz. “Association of Enjoyable Leisure Activities With Psychological and Physical Well-Being.” Psychosomatic Medicine 71, no. 7 (September 1, 2009): 725–32. https://doi.org/10.1097/psy.0b013e3181ad7978.
2. Wan, Catherine Y., and Gottfried Schlaug. “Music Making as a Tool for Promoting Brain Plasticity Across the Life Span.” The Neuroscientist 16, no. 5 (October 1, 2010): 566–77. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858410377805.
3. Zawadzki, Matthew J, Joshua M Smyth, and Heather J Costigan. “Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being.” Annals of Behavioral Medicine 49, no. 4 (February 28, 2015): 605–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-015-9694-3.