A Hobby Helps

Benefits of a Hobby

Relieve Stress: Having a hobby allows you to release stress when practiced regularly
Improve Mental Health: Some hobbies have been show to relieve tension, improve mood, and decrease depression
Increase Your Exercise: Physical hobbies such as gardening and sports increase levels of exercise without the perceived “chore” of working out
Protect Long-Term Brain Health: Certain hobbies can improve cognitive ability, protect memory, and improve reasoning skills
Better Sleep Quality: Being more active during the day helps create a more restful night’s sleep

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Bob Patel, CEO

Running and Basketball

“I’m an avid runner. On weekends I like to wake up early and get a run in before starting the day. I’ve found that running is a great way to get outside and enjoy nice weather, but if it’s too hot or raining, I run on a treadmill. On weekends, you can also find me playing basketball with my sons. I’ve always enjoyed playing basketball and played competitively when I was younger. Nowadays, I play with my teenage kids who are very tall and hard to beat. Aside from being fun, basketball allows me to spend time with them and get the heart rate going.”

Leo de Ruiter, IT Specialist II, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Tai Chi

“I have been practicing Tai Chi for almost 25 years now and I am still learning. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Practicing Tai Chi gives me many benefits in terms of health and stress management. “

Derek Milburn, Operations Supervisor, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA

Playing the Guitar

“I’ve been playing guitar since I was a child. My brother bought me my first guitar. I play on one now that my dad bought me as a teenager. I grew up watching people I admired play and I wanted to do that too.I lost parts of the fingers on my left hand in a work accident in my early twenties and I thought that I would never be able to play again. I was wrong…I play better now than I did before the accident!"

Charln Stewart, Occupational Health Manager, Houston, TX, USA

Carpentry

“I do carpentry because I like to see my ideas become reality. I want to bring together functionality and art. My father taught me carpentry skills and sometimes we work together on projects. It is nice to spend time with him, learning a skill and more about him and our family. The most important thing that I get out of my hobby is the feeling of accomplishment from a job well done!”

Ilaria Follegatti, Technical Assistant, Ferrara, Italy

Singing

“Singing – we all sing, don’t we? In the shower, in the car, when no one is listening, we sing. I have been singing for as long as I can remember. I have performed in bands, churches and everywhere that was possible to let my voice be heard. I had the pleasure to share the stage with perfect strangers (singers and musicians) and share our best especially when improvising. My hobby makes me happy and also brings joy to all my relatives and friends.”