The psychological benefits of children's hobbies

The psychological benefits of children's hobbies

We analyze the psychological benefits of hobbies in children according to a scientific study that shows very clear benefits in child development.

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The psychological benefits of hobbies - entertainment or leisure activity that entails a small mental challenge - is supported by different studies. While they are very important in adults, they are still basic in children.

Remember that the child's ability to manage care is very limited. Over the years, "our central operating/executive system" is maturing and this control increases. On the other hand, we have the ability to reinforce or enhance these advances with different strategies.

In addition, as we get older, we can lose some fun capacity. Somehow, we internalize that non-productive time is a kind of a waste of time. Thus, we fall into a kind of obsession, for which we always have to carry out activities for the well-being of the future self, sacrificing the tastes and desires of the present self.

However, science shows that we are wrong to consider only the "serious" as more important, leaving the "fun" as something secondary and only focused on free time.

The psychological benefits of hobbies in children and adults

Pleasant activities are associated with good health. This hypothesis is defended by a study conducted and published by experts from the Universities of Texas, Pittsburgh, and Kansas. They found data that support the idea that they showed the hobbies are excellent for improving the psychological and physical state of children - just like that of adults.

To reach this conclusion, they established specific indicators in the young people who went through these tests to know their blood pressure, their body mass index, and their psychological functioning ... while taking measurements through a test to establish the level of participation in leisure activities.

This is how they found evidence that those people who had more fun with such idle activities were more likely to feel healthy, both physically and psychologically. Among the benefits, they discovered these.

Less risk of developing psychological problems

The hobbies, used in a habitual way, favor a reduction of the problems and a greater psychological balance. These factors lead to what is considered happiness. That's why hobbies are so important.

It sleeps more and better

Children, thanks to hobbies, can sleep better. In fact, according to the study cited, only those children who did not have much free time showed problems in conceiving the dream and enjoying a good rest.

Stress reduction

Also, the stress that can be caused to the child by the excess of tasks and obligations decreases with hobbies and free time dedicated to leisure. In fact, the same tendency is demonstrated in adults, but, in addition, the propensity to depression also decreases.

Improvement of the social circle

Child socialization is important from, above all, 6 or 7 years old, when their peers become basic figures of their development as individuals.

In this case, hobbies are excellent, especially when they consist of activities that require the participation of other people. Therefore, children develop their social circle and expand their friendships, since, during the time of entertainment, they are more receptive emotionally.

Contribution to happiness

In general, the aforementioned study and many experts conclude that hobbies are perfect instruments to generate greater happiness.

Thanks to these entertainments during free time, children fill their lives with meaning, achieving a more satisfactory development and a much fuller existence.

"It's never too late to have a happy childhood."

-Tom Robbins-

Promotion of higher school performance

Of course, thanks to free time and fun with the use of hobbies, children demonstrate a greater ability to concentrate, also increasing their productivity at the academic level.

The child, thanks to hobbies, is better recovered from school demands. In addition, he gains in motivation to learn new skills, develops a more positive creative ability and is more collaborative with the rest of the class and peers, teachers and monitors.

Considering all of the above, it seems to be proven that the psychological benefits of hobbies in children are clear and efficient. Therefore, they are activities worth promoting among the little ones.

Therefore, it would be positive to identify children's favorite hobbies and promote their use. We should never think that they are a way to waste time. In fact, these disconnections are fantastic activities that enhance the abilities of the boys and that have very clear rewards, as we have verified.