Find a Hobby at Hobby Lobby

Rick and I recently went to Hobby Lobby. It was my first time and Rick's second.  We strolled the aisles looking at all the resources for people with a hobby.  We laughed that if you didn't have a hobby when you walked in, you probably would when you left.  Unfortunately, many retirees don't have hobbies or interests.  We receive emails frequently from readers who lament the absence of a hobby or an interest in their life.  They report that time drags. They are envious of their friends who can spend hours on end with their hobbies.  The envy isn't misplaced.  There are tremendous benefits to having a hobby: physical and mental.  

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal authored by Beth DeCarbo entitled
Why Hobbies Are So Important in Retirement highlights the benefits of having a hobby including improving the risks of cardiovascular disease, creating a new sense of identity, improved cognitive performance, creating a buffer against depression, and enhancing the feelings of productivity which leads to joy. Beth has interviewed numerous people who are examples of improving their lives through hobby.

It doesn't matter if you collect stamps, coins, old cars, matchbook covers or rare books. Travel, sport, cooking, etc. all fit the bill. They don't have to be expensive to be fun and fulfilling.  What's important is the intention to be engaged in something that interests you and expands your thinking at this life stage. If you are having trouble finding a hobby, stroll Hobby Lobby or any other hobby emporium. Talk to others about their hobbies. There is plenty of information on the internet to get you thinking.  As one reader said, "A new hobby made my life so much more enjoyable.  I jump out of bed and look forward to the day."  That's what we refer to as a REWIRED future!

Using Your Brain

Using the brain never stops. We have blogged about this frequently because it is so important.  Incredulously, we still receive comments from readers indicating that retirement signals the end of learning.  We were stunned to hear that intelligent people were viewing learning as having an end date. They were saying when I retire I can put my brain on permanent pause.  In fact, continuous learning is one of life’s great joys. What most people aren’t aware of is the extreme positive impact that learning new things, getting new things(yes getting new things), seeing new sights, and experiencing new activities have on the brain.  It can slow memory loss, the onset of dementia, and keep individuals functioning a high level well into later life and old age.  A recent article in Buffer.com that focuses on this topic should be mandatory reading for everyone not just retirees.  If you want to be a REWIREE, not just a retiree, read the article.

Learning, whether in a formal setting, taking an online course, or simply Googling something you didn’t know before stimulates part of the brain called the substantia nigra/ventral segmental area or SN/VTA.  It triggers the motivation center of the brain.  We learn and we get motivated.  We frequently meet retirees who are taking courses or embarking on travel learning.  They seem to be happy, engaged in life, have a broader social network, and a motivation to learn more.  Longevity is not a curse for them. It is a gift of time that permits these individuals to keep on learning and having more energy that stimulates and motivates them.  It is a fabulous cycle of learn, be motivated, learn more new things, be happy, etc.  

 

Learning doesn’t have to be just academics.  You might want to learn a new sport, a new hobby, how to cook a different type of cuisine, how to sail, engage in a new fitness program, or learn how to finally master some of the programs installed on your computer.  You can acquire new things. For example, a boat or a car you can work on or show off.  How about buying furniture you need to assemble yourself?  You pick it. 

 

Keep learning, experiencing, and REWIRING.  Remember you can REWIRE as often as you want. You and those who love you will be glad you did.