"Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart." - Elizabeth Gilbert in "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear"

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take care of ourselves. But self-care isn't just about bubble baths and massages; it's also about finding activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether you're interested in painting, writing, or gardening, follow your passions and see where they take you. 🎨📝🌷

"Creative entitlement simply means believing that you are allowed to be here, and that—merely by being here — you are allowed to have a voice and a vision of your own" - Elizabeth Gilbert in "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear"

The Neuroscience of Hobbies & Relaxation 🧠

That's where hobbies come in. Hobbies can provide a sense of purpose, accomplishment and satisfaction outside of work or other obligations, which in turn, boost self-esteem and confidence. It's not just a nice-to-have.

Research has shown that having a hobby can have numerous benefits for our brain and mental health; studies have shown that engaging in a hobby as part of relaxation and self-care can help reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve cognitive function (1). So, the next time you feel guilty about indulging in your hobby, remember that you're actually doing your brain a favor!

Wired For Novelty

According to neuroscience research, our brains are wired to seek novelty and new experiences. Hobbies can satisfy this need and stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that's associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine plays a key role in our motivation, learning, and decision-making processes, which can help us become more resilient and adaptable in life.

Curiosity is key to finding new hobbies that you'll love. The more you explore and try new things, the more likely you are to find something that truly sparks your passion. A curious nature allows one to discover new things and adapt to new situations quickly. It is also an important reminder that trying new hobbies and experiences is an essential part of personal growth and self-discovery. 🌟

A great book to inspire your hobbies is "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. Pressfield writes,

"Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do" (2).

In other words, fear is a natural part of the creative process. Instead of letting fear hold you back, use it as a motivator to push through and keep creating.

Approach your hobby with a sense of curiosity and openness. Don't worry about being perfect or producing something amazing - just enjoy the process and see where it takes you. Experiment with different techniques or styles, even if you don't think you're particularly skilled or talented and don't be afraid to make mistakes or try something new. It's all about practice and persistence.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great" - Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker

Consider to take time for your hobbies on a regular basis. Even if it's just for a few minutes a day, carving out time for your hobby can help reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. Make it a part of your routine, makes playtime a regular part of your life.

"The purpose of art is to make the invisible visible" - Paul Klee, artist

Kick-start Your Conscious Self-Care Journey

Now, let's meet Sassy Sally the Cat, the ultimate guru of self-care and relaxation. Sally is independent and social, and she wants to inspire you to focus on self-care and hobbies to rejuvenate your mind and body. Here are some simple ideas to kick-start your conscious self-care journey.

Flow and Fulfillment

A great book on the subject of hobbies and self-discovery is Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This book explores the concept of "flow," or the state of complete immersion in an activity that brings a sense of joy and fulfillment. Finding a hobby that allows you to enter a state of flow can be incredibly rewarding and can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. 🌊

Micro-Breaks and Movements

According to research published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, having pets in the workplace can help to reduce stress and boost job satisfaction. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a few minutes to play with your cat or take them for a walk outside. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way. 😌

Physical activity is an essential part of self-care. Whether you enjoy yoga, running, or dance, finding a physical hobby that you enjoy can help to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. 🏃‍♀️🧘‍♀️💃

Regular physical activity can improve brain function, increase creativity, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety - this is research published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, So, if you're feeling stuck or uninspired, a walk or some light exercise may help to clear your mind and spark your creativity. 💡

In conclusion, Sassy Sally highly advocates everyone to incorporate relaxation, physical activity, and curiosity and bring hobbies into our lives, so as to reduce stress, improve our overall well-being, and discover new passions and interests along the way. So, go ahead and pursue your playful purr-suits! 😸

😸 About Sassy Sally the Soothing Cat 😸

Sassy Sally the Soothing Cat is a (fictional) advocate of self-care and relaxation. Sally's superpowers include the power of relaxation, agility, and curiosity. Her ability to induce a state of deep relaxation in those around her soothes the soul. Studies have certainly shown that petting a cat can lower your blood pressure and decrease stress levels. 🐾

With her power of relaxation, take a cue from Sally to find ways to relax and recharge when you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

One of Sally's superpowers is also her agility, which allows her to move with incredible speed and precision. Imagine having a walk with her to experience this first-hand!

Her curiosity is what sparks her zest for living playfully and she hopes you will share the same zest as her. So follow her as she drips and drops you her self-care ideas.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on your self-care routines. Share in the comments on our Facebook and/or Instagram! And don't forget to like and share this post with your friends who might benefit .

(1) Loprinzi, P. D., & Edwards, M. K. (2018). Exercise and cognitive function: a randomized controlled trial examining acute exercise and free-living physical activity and sedentary effects. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(11), 1553-1560.

(2) Pressfield, S. (2012). The war of art: Break through the blocks and win your inner creative battles. Black Irish Entertainment LLC.