THREE WAYS TO GET A NEW HOBBY

 

Hobbies are simply anything you do that’s for fun. You aren’t getting paid to do it. It’s something you like to do with your free time that helps you decompress and connect with other people.

·   ENJOY SOMETHING? TRANSFORM THAT INTO A HOBBY: even if you don’t have something that you can call a hobby, there’s definitely some activity that you enjoy. There are chances that this can be converted into a hobby! According to an expert even things like ‘eating’ and ‘watching sports’ could easily be turned into hobbies such as ‘taking classes’ or ‘joining softball team.’

·    GO BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD INTERESTS: Think about the hobbies you used to enjoy before. Did you spend hours finger-painting master-pieces to hang on the fridge? If so, you might want to explore taking an art class. Were you constantly getting dressed in costume and putting on shows for your friends? Then maybe you can check out a local acting troupe.

· TAKE AN ASSESSMENT: People tend to enjoy hobbies that appeal to their own unique strengths, interests, and personality characteristics. Start thinking on these lines.

WHY HOBBIES ARE IMPORTANT

Hobbies often provide a creative outlet that you might not get in your everyday life. They allow you to do something that’s just for you, that can help you forget your daily problems, unwind after a hard day and give you lot of pleasure. If you can find like-minded connect with them digitally. It is great way to meet new people and experience new adventures, whether that’s taking on a new hobby online or attending an e-knitting convention.

DEPRESSION

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

You must have heard the word ‘depression’ zillion times. But how much do you know about this issue? To understand depression, its symptoms and other aspects, here is a lowdown on the mental health problem that affects million across the world, including young children and teenagers. We all have experienced low phases when we have felt sad. But sadness goes away in couple of days. Depression is a form of an illness in which a person feels sad, disinterested and de-motivated longer than two weeks or more.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a kind of mood disorder which is characterized by ‘persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by inability to carry out daily tasks and activities, for at least two weeks.

HOW CAN I KNOW IF ANY OF MY FRIENDS ARE DEPRESSED?

You will see that your friend:           

·       Looks very sad

·       He/she is not interested in watching TV or doing things which he enjoyed before

·       He/she will be at times found crying

·       The person might withdraw and may not be interested in socializing

·       At times, he/she may express death wishes

·       He/she may feel tired all the time despite little or no physical activity

IS DEPRESSION TREATABLE?

Yes, depression is treatable. If the affected person is brought to a mental health professional at the earliest, he/she will be treated with counseling or medication, if needed. Not all cases require medication- some can be managed with healthy changes in life style and regular counseling.

HOW CAN I HELP MY DEPRESSED FRIEND?

·       Be kind and supportive to your classmate/friend

·       Encourage him/her gently to take part in various extra-curricular activities in school

·       Help him/her to follow up with a doctor or counselor

·       Help him/her find solutions to his/her problems

·       Try to be non-judgmental and listen to the person to make him feel supported and cared for

·       Don’t alienate the person in parties, events, get-together

·       Get support from an elder who can be around your friend

Do #YOGA for your emotional well-being

The untimely death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was fighting depression, coupled with the rising cases of anxiety during these lock down times, have triggered a conversation on mental health. Experts say yoga helps in reducing our body’s stress level. On this Yoga day, let us take a pledge to utilize this ancient Indian Science’s benefits to gain psychological and emotional well being.

YOGA IS GREAT FOR STUDENTS:

Start yoga early in your life; this discipline will have positive effects on your physical and mental health all your life. A study published in the “Journal of developmental and behavioral Pediatrics” stated that yoga classes have positive psychological effects for high school students. Since mental health disorders usually develop in teenage years, yoga may serve as a preventive method for the adolescent mind, it added.

YOGA IS A MOOD BOOSTER

Many studies have shown that yoga asans help in reducing the secretion of cortisol- the stress hormone – and this creates balance in our body and mind, and regulates our mood and behavior. “Students will benefit and improve their happiness levels, if they do yoga for 20-30 minutes daily.” Yoga also helps in releasing negativity that wards off mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, persistent sadness and anger issues.

DEEP BREATHING HELPS COPE WITH STRESS

Yoga has simple breathing exercise that can be easily mastered even by primary school students. In fact, in this competitive world, deep breathing yoga exercise can help in coping with stress. Improved breathing can also help in building endurance, increase academic and work performance, and keep lungs healthy, just what we need during this pandemic.

FOR MIND BODY CONNECTION

Yoga engages both the body and mind, unlike other physical exercises that keep you in good shape but may not work deeply on your mind. By doing yoga, our mind connects with our body, thereby impacting our psychological health, which in turn empower us emotionally too.

SKILLS STUDENTS NEED IN THE FUTURE WORKFORCE

“Adaptability and cognitive flexibility are important skills needed in t he future workforce so that you are able to adjust the way you work when obstacles arise or business needs shift unexpectedly”

·    Digital Literacy: There is no doubt that technology is an important part of society today. From business to personal communication, it is essential for people to have skills that help them navigate technology to be successful. Some of these skills come from regular use of technology but other skills need to be learnt during your school days so you are prepared for the future workplace.

·      Emotional Intelligence: There is often a stereotype that people who are successful must be cold and emotionless, focusing only on business. However, emotions help make people who they are. Rather than cutting off, it is important for you to be able to confront and control emotions so they are expressed appropriately in a work setting. Start practicing today.

·   Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship requires innovation, a strong knowledge of the industry, and adaptability in business. These are skills for future jobs that are useful in any career path. In order to prepare ahead, it is necessary for you to understand entrepreneurship and the skills required.

·    Global Citizenship: Today’s society is a global society. Due to technological advancements, it is easy for companies to do business all over the world. As a result, the lines between nations and industries are blurred. In order to be successful in business, it is necessary for you to understand the role of globalization in society and approach your work from the perspective of global citizenship.

·    Curiosity: Today is and age of rapid advancement and technological innovation. Because of this, the strategies and tools used in offices are frequently changing. In order for you to adapt in the rapidly changing environment, you must have a sense of curiosity and a love for learning. Most careers require ongoing learning so that people can keep up with technology advances. If you don’t embrace curiosity, you’re likely to stay stuck.

·    Cognitive Flexibility: Even when people have detailed plans to handle situations and events, things can change and adaptations need to be made. Adaptability and cognitive flexibility are important skills needed in the future workforce so that you are able to adjust the way you work when obstacles arise or business needs shift unexpectedly.