Positive Impacts that Your Hobby Has on Your Life: Guest Blog Written by Amanda Lasater

Image by Janko Ferlic on Pexels.com ​

Reading has been a powerful part of our lives for hundreds of years and has changed and evolved across the ages. From scrolls to books to kindles, we have found new ways to immerse ourselves in stories and information through the medium of written words on a page. 

​Reading has been special in my life, not only because I enjoy it, but because having such a healthy hobby has had a very positive impact on my life. Here are some ways it can benefit you.

Hobbies boost confidence.

Having something to be passionate about helps boost our confidence and make us feel better about ourselves. We want to be interested in something, and we want to make sure that we are pursuing things that align with our larger vision of ourselves. 

Reading is one of those hobbies that can make you smarter, more imaginative, and helps your brain process information better. In today’s world, many of us feel most confident when we are being productive. When we feel a sense of achievement and progress, we are able to feel good about ourselves. Reading is a healthy way to both relax and disconnect, while also training your mind and being productive. 

Hobbies give you a social outlet. 

Having a community where you can relax and enjoy yourself while experiencing acceptance and inclusion is important to the mental health of any person. Not all of us are lucky enough to have something this great at our jobs, but many people find it through their hobbies. 

Whether it’s a sports team, a group of friends who play cards, or a book club, social groups can help people feel more connected. Reading is one of my favorite ways to do this. It’s a great way to connect with other people and do something you love. 

Hobbies can help you sleep better. 

A healthy lifestyle is all about routine. Having a consistent work, play, and socialization schedule can help your brain regulate the release of hormones that decide when you have energy and when you’re ready for bed. 

Building a hobby like reading into your day is a great way to establish this consistency and help your brain operate the way you want it to. It can also have the added benefit of making you tired before bed. Studies have shown that reading before bed can actual tire out your mind and help prepare it for sleep. However, it’s better to read a physical book instead of an e-book, as the blue light from the screen can trick your brain into thinking it is still daytime. 

Conclusion. 

​Having a hobby can do a lot to help you live a happier and better life. You can feel more confident, more well-rested, and more connected to the people around you. If you’re looking for a new hobby to pick up, I humbly suggest you get yourself a good book and a friend to read it with. The benefits of reading are well documented, as is the great sense of wonder and excitement that can come from a good read. 


Amanda Lasater is a writer and sleep researcher for Mattress Adviser, one of the leading sites on sleep, health, and products.