47 like 0 dislike
in General Factchecking by Apprentice (1.3k points)
The article claims that having multiple focus areas and hobbies makes an individual happy and improves ones mental health.
by Newbie (400 points)
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I agree with this claim presented in the statement above. After investigating the article from the link provided and reflecting on personal experiences, I believe the claim to be true. One point in the article that stood out to me was when the author mentioned that having hobbies "are satisfying, make you feel like a contributor, build your sense of self-worth." I think about all of my favorite hobbies and this is exactly how they make me feel when I do them. I always feel more productive when I get myself up and moving, rather than when I am just sitting on the couch doing nothing. An article I also found from WebMD which discussed the health benefits of hobbies pointed out "that participating in activities that bring out your creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for you in the long term." Both the article used in support of this claim and the one I researched shared similar takeaways and reasonings.

source: https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-hobbies
by Novice (970 points)
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I agree with this claim heavily. I think every human on earth has a hobby whether big impact or small. I like the article you included it has good backing. I think hobbies are essential to creating happiness and even the economy as most jobs in the market are hobbies of the people employed in them.
ago by (100 points)
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Yes i completely agree, someone with many hobbies is going to be much happier than someone with no hobbies. Hobbies are meant for us to find a creative outlet that we ourselves find entertaining and enjoyable. These give us boosts of serotonin and something to do. Often times when people are bored they become angrier, stressed out, and sometimes a little crazy. During times in my life where I didn't have much going on to entertain myself, i found myself feeling more down. But when I have something or multiple hobbies im doing at the moment that i am able to focus on, I am much happier and have something to work on thats going to keep my brain busy. So I think everyone would greatly benefit from finding a hobby or hobbies to motivate themselves.
ago by (100 points)
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I believe that having multiple hobbies makes a person happier, I have noticed that the people around me as well as myself seem to be a lot happier when doing things we enjoy. This article does a good job explaining why it is important for people to have hobbies.
ago by Newbie (270 points)
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This article claims that "Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing." which supports the claim that "Having hobbies makes an individual happier." The article sited uses research and studies to back up their reasoning. For example research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to experience stress and depression. And hobbies that include group activities such as team sports improve your relationship with others. The article itself is published on the Head to Health website which looks to be under the Department of Health and Aged Care for the Australian Government, a reliable source.
https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity#:~:text=Spending%20time%20on%20an%20activity,feel%20happier%20and%20more%20relaxed
Furthermore, there are plenty more reliable articles out there with similar claims and that have conducted research resulting in similar results. For example, Harvard Health Publishing released a very similar article. In their writing they found matching results through studies across 16 different countries. They looked at both people who do, and people who don't have hobbies and found that compared to people who do not have hobbies, people who do are reported to have better health and more happiness. They go into detail on how this is likely because hobbies require engagement, relaxation, self expression, and can keep you more connected, which are all things linked to positive well-being.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being#:~:text=Compared%20with%20people%20who%20didn,to%20be%20healthy%20and%20happy.
And once again an article by Life + Health Network once again dives into the evidence that people who engage in hobbies enjoy better moods, have less stress, and even lower heart rates. This article even goes into the importance of finding the right hobby for you so you too can enjoy the benefits of having a hobby that makes one happier.
https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html

34 Answers

0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (310 points)

Yes, I agree. Someone who keeps themself busy is going to be happier and have a better mindset than someone who doesn't do anything. Spending time doing activities can improve your mental health, and people who have fun enjoyable hobbies may be less likely to experience stress and depression. Head to Health tells us that "participating or viewing artistic activities can enhance your mental health and provide personal meaning.1 This could be anything from music, dance, expressive writing or visual arts." There is some kind of hobby for everyone and by doing a hobby it keeps people busy and happier. https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity#:~:text=Spending%20time%20on%20an%20activity,feel%20happier%20and%20more%20relaxed.

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0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (310 points)

This claim is true. The article that the user used states: "Research shows that participating or viewing artistic activities can enhance your mental health and provide personal meaning."

Another article by WebMd reads that it can reduce stress, and can lead to a desire to improve your skills. Not only is it good for your mental health but if your hobby includes a physical activity it can lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Hobbies can also help you find like-minded people. Doing group activities can enhance your skills and build relationships with others. This article was reviewed by Melinda Ratini who has a Medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. 

https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-hobbies

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0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)

Hobbies and recreational pursuits are linked to greater happiness and well-being. According to research, engaging in pleasurable pastimes like sports, hobbies, and socializing might enhance mental well-being and general life satisfaction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2863117/

Participating in hobbies was associated with improved mental and self-reported health in persons 65 and older, as well as increased life expectancy and national happiness levels, according to a meta-analysis of longitudinal research conducted in 16 different nations.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10504079/

Furthermore, engaging in hobbies and other social activities may reduce the incidence of health issues including dementia and heart disease, according to the National Institute on Aging.
True
0 like 0 dislike
ago by Newbie (300 points)

This claim is easy to find as true according to the article provided, along with additional sources I have found and my own personal experience. 

The article provided, states that "Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. In fact, people with hobbies may be less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression" (Head to Health). While this article is brief, they use research to back up their reasoning. 

An additional article called "Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being" on Harvard Health Publishing, discusses how engaging in hobbies can lead to better health along with fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction. Furthermore, there are plenty of reliable articles that support this claim. 

It is evident that doing something that you enjoy and or promotes you to have a purpose contributes to overall life satisfaction. For example, one of my hobbies is surfing, and the act of going out for a surf session heavily decreases my stress, which is tied to research on lowered heart rates when engaging in a hobby. 

Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being - Harvard Health

Purposeful activity | Head to Health

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