Find A Hobby That Excites You!

January is National Hobby Month, it's the perfect time of year to learn a new hobby, or to pick up an old one that you haven’t thought about in a while. Did you know that almost 40% of Americans are more anxious than they were at this time last year, according to a poll by the APA (American Psychiatric Association)?  Furthermore, a TIME Magazine article I read recently stated that “approximately 40 million American adults — roughly 18% of the population — have an anxiety disorder.” While these stats are staggering, sadly, I wasn’t surprised by them given  today’s pressures. So, since it’s the time of year when we declare our New Year's resolutions and because it is National Hobby Month, I might encourage you to reduce your anxiety by picking up a new hobby.

The great thing about having a hobby is that it can take your mind off the pressures of work, family commitments and other daily stresses. So sit down and think about what you really love to do. What are you passionate about in life? What sparks your interest the most? What are you curious about? What are your goals? Finding a good hobby and giving yourself time to take part in it on a daily or weekly basis is sure to make you happier, and maybe even healthier.

Here is a list of some healthy activities to get you thinking:

• Take an art class.
• Learn to Knit, crochet, macrame or sew.
• Make your own jewelry.
• Take up Photography.
• Learn to play an instrument.
• Go to the Gym.
• Try Gardening.
• Trace your Ancestry.
• Learn to Cook.
• Learn to Woodwork or Stain glass.
• Learn to Swim, Snorkel or Dive.
• Learn to Sail or get your Captain’s license.
• Kayak, Ski, take up Golf, Yoga, Hiking ...
• Go Geo-caching.
• Volunteer.
• Rescue a pet.
• Give Reading and/or Writing a try.
• Solve puzzles.
• Go Bowling.
• Skate.
• Fishing.
• Or, my favorite - Travel!

Whatever you choose, we hope you explore what excites you!

Happy New Year!

Chris and The Piper and Dune Family

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