How Hobbies Boost Teen Resilience
As a mum and a teacher if I had to say there was something more important than any other trait kids need to develop today it would be Resilience. Teenagers which is what both my kids are now and the age that I teach are faced with constant challenges from workloads within school, sports teams, friendships, social media and online activities the list is endless. To cope and thrive with these on top of all the changes they are undergoing resilience is one of the things that they need to develop.
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Be Resilient Be You is a brand-new book, published by Collins, and written by well-being author and psychotherapist Becky Goddard-Hill.
The book provides guidance and support to teens enable them to feel stronger and develop the coping strategies they will need to handle the often-turbulent teen years.
We are delighted to be part of the Be Resilient Be You book tour launch and welcome Becky here to day to share an extract from her book with us about why and how hobbies can greatly benefit teens.
The benefits of hobbies
In the teen years, the pressures of school and an increasing desire to spend time with friends (or online) may mean that your teen has less space in their lives for outside hobbies and interests. Hobbies bring so many benefits that it is important to make time for them.
Hobbies allow a break from the pressures of school, family and friends and let your teen indulge in their unique interests. You will find some interests may be the same as their friends but others may be unique to them.
Flow
In doing something that they truly enjoy; they will often get into a state of flow and really ‘be in the moment’ rather than worrying about the past or what’s happening next. Being ‘in the moment’ fully focussed on what they are doing is a brilliant way to reduce their worries and give their mind a break.
Nearly all hobbies help to develop skills that enable you to feel more capable knowledgeable or accomplished the more you practice. This is great for self-esteem and helps you feel stronger.
Hobbies may feel like fun, but they continually help you to grow and develop.
The science bit
Hobbies are good for you, studies found that people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed. They even found that peoples heart rates are literally lower when they engage in their hobbies.
Follow your own interests
Sometimes it may feel easier for your teen to just do the same hobbies as their friends. But try to encourage your teen to explore their own interests and to find what they love. It may feel scary to try something new on their own but if it’s something they love support them and encourage them to give it a go.
Hobbies can be social
Social hobbies like tennis or drama sometimes bring new relationships Shared interests make bonding with others easier. And this can be a blessing if school friendships or home life go through testing times.
Hobbies can be solitary
It is healthy to spend time by yourself, whether reading, playing your guitar or sketching. The wonderful thing about solitary hobbies are that that you rely on yourself to make them happen. You don’t need to wait for anyone else to be available or for scheduled times for it to happen.
Solitary hobbies give you a complete break from other people which everyone needs from time to time.
Hobbies are brilliant! Encourage your teen support their interests and you never know you may end up enjoying their hobbies with them.
Be Resilient Be You … is out now and available to purchase on Amazon.