Having hobbies makes an individual happier

Question

The article claims that having multiple focus areas and hobbies makes an individual happy and improves ones mental health.

Comments

This is a good explanation but it would be stronger if you actually cited your source instead of just saying it's from Harvard.

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I agree with this statement that keeping yourself busy throughout the day with work and hobbies, having a nice balance can help a person's wellbeing. Having hobbies is a distraction from reality and allowing you to relax. However, this doesn't guarantee for all individuals since hobbies tend to be temporary for many people or doesn't help them enough to have a happy healthy lifestyle. This claim needs a bit more research and have more evidence to support the statement as this does have potential just needs more work.

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You make a good point, but I think there’s more to consider. The article says that having multiple hobbies can improve mental health, but it doesn't show that having more hobbies is always better. Some studies suggest that focusing on one passion can provide deeper fulfillment. Also, not everyone will feel happier with many activities—people with anxiety, for example, might feel stressed by too many. It could help to mention how personal preferences or mental health affect this. You did well pulling from a solid source, but adding more nuance could make your point stronger.

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This article is very interesting and has a lot of strong information. Having hobbies gives people a distraction from the stress of everyday life and allows for needed relaxation that is important for overall health.

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I agree with your claim. Personally, whenever I have a new hobby that I like to do, I tend to be more excited and happy each day. While this may depend on the person, having a hobby could help improve happiness. I also found an article that might have more detail about this topic than the one you cited.
https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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

Answer 3

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.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

Based on the information provided and the additional research I did, this claim is mostly true. The claim that hobbies improve mental health is widely supported in psychology and medical research, from studies like Harvard Health, who stated that engaging in hobbies can reduce stress and improve mental health. Alongside multiple other articles from reliable sources. Overall, it can improve mental health, but the impact of it depends on the individual and their lifestyle and environment. This claim is a true statement with multiple strong pieces of evidence.

Answer 6

This claim is true, having hobbies does increase happiness. The article linked in the original claim is an official Australian Government website that states that research shows people with hobbies, who spend time doing activities they enjoy, or participate in or view artistic activities experience less stress, more happiness, and overall better mental health. Harvard Health did a large study and states that, "Compared with people who didn't have hobbies, those who did reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction." However, they did say that the study doesn't prove that hobbies are what's causing happiness, but that hobbies are good for cognitive stimulation and sensory engagement which are linked to good mental health, (Harvard Health).

Sources:

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity#:~:text=Spending%20time%20on%20an%20activity,feel%20happier%20and%20more%20relaxed.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being

Answer 7

This claim is true. 

According to Harvard Health, "Researchers combed through five large studies involving more than 93,000 people across 16 countries (including the United States, Japan, China, and a dozen European countries). Participants were all ages 65 or older, and more than 60% had longstanding mental or physical health conditions". Those who had hobbies had a "higher life satisfaction" due to all the benefits. Being involved in hobbies also creates less isolation, as many hobbies include socializing or socializing with those who have similar interests. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being 

Answer 8

The article claims that having hobbies can increase your happiness and decrease stress. They claim, "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." Additionally, according to Harvard Health Publishing, "The study is observational and doesn't prove that hobbies caused people to be healthy and happy. But the researchers say hobbies — such as arts and crafts, games, gardening, volunteering, or participating in clubs — involve creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation, which are linked to good mental health and well-being. Plus, taking part in hobby groups keeps you socially connected, which helps reduce loneliness and isolation." Based on these two sources, it seems that having hobbies doesn't necessarily cause happiness, but it is a variable for developing better mental health and well-being. Doing something you enjoy can take your mind off of anxious or depressing thoughts, and can connect you to people who also enjoy similar activities. In addition to the previous sources, Birch Psychology also claims, "Having a hobby along these lines boosts our self-esteem, as we feel good at something, and give us the “success” hormones of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, which make us happier. They reduce our stress, give us a sense of purpose, and give us pride." According to them, having a hobby that ends with a created product can increase hormones that make us feel good.

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity#:~:text=Spending%20time%20on%20an%20activity,feel%20happier%20and%20more%20relaxed.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being

https://www.birchpsychology.com/birchs-blog/2023/4/30/hobbies-for-happiness

Answer 9

This claim that having hobbies makes an individual happier is true. Being able to do something you are passionate about brings joy and a sense of relaxation. A study from headtohealth.gov.au says, “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.” Another study from Harvard Health had a similar claim, “studies suggest that having a hobby is good for your health, mood, and more.”

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity#:~:text=Spending%20time%20on%20an%20activity,feel%20happier%20and%20more%20relaxed.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being

Comments

I like that your response is clear and concise, and that you used more than one source to verify it. To make it stronger and more credible you could analyze the original source and discuss its credibility as well as saying why you trusted the two sources you did use. Otherwise this is great!!

Answer 10

I feel it it’s commonly known that having hobbies can make someone happier. Having hobbies can be motivating and inspiring to someone. When participating in a hobby, you are doing it for nothing but yourself. You do it because it brings you joy and maybe even pride in yourself. I myself have experienced some bad times that hobbies brought me out of, so I am a very strong believer that hobbies can bring you happiness. The article provided is trustworthy and informative. The link below further strengthens the claim that hobbies make you happier. 

https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html