Something to Pass the Time January is National Hobby Month, and the start of the year is a pretty good time to focus on hobbies. Science shows that hobbies are an important part of living a balanced life. If you have health-conscious New Year’s resolutions, consider these four popular hobbies scientifically proven to help you live better! Hiking Researchers from Stanford University found that people who walk for 90 minutes in nature were less likely to worry and ruminate about things. We could all stand to spend a bit more time in the sun, and hiking is the kind of hobby that manages to be both relaxing and physically healthy. Good news: There are tons of amazing hiking trails near Atlanta you can explore today! 4 Hobbies to Improve Your Health and Happiness
Gardening Though most people don’t need to grow their own food to survive anymore, gardening remains one of the most popular hobbies around the world. Whether you grow a vegetable garden outdoors or care for a family of succulents in your kitchen, this relaxing hobby has been shown to reduce stress. In fact, research from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Norway found that “therapeutic horticulture may decrease depression severity and improve perceived attentional capacity by engaging effortless attention and interrupting rumination.” Photography Thanks to the dawn of smartphones, anyone can be an amateur photographer. While you still will want to hire a professional to take wedding photos, photography is a great hobby that can really lift your mood. A survey from the Arts on Prescription Project found that individuals who take up photography as a hobby experience a 73% decrease in depression and a 76% increase in overall well-being.
Music Do you play an instrument? Sing? Collect vinyl records? Music is one of the most fulfilling hobbies we can enjoy. The American Music Therapy Association reports that music can increase self-esteem and motivation, decrease anxiety, and enhance interpersonal relationships. If you want to take up music as a hobby, consider learning a new instrument this year! Or you could listen to your favorite songs during your commute. There are plenty of ways to bring more music into your life. Don’t have time for a hobby? Think again. If you find yourself scrolling through social media for hours or watching reruns on TV, consider replacing that mindless time with fulfilling tasks. Let 2020 be the year you embrace your hobbies.
WORD SEARCH January
SIMPLE PANCAKES FROM SCRATCH
Everyone should be able to make pancakes without a boxed mix. This recipe is no-frills fantastic and can probably be made without so much as a trip to the grocery store.
Ingredients • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 tbsp sugar, optional
• 2 eggs • 1 3/4 cups milk • Unsalted butter or canola oil, to grease skillet
Directions 1. Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-low.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients (including sugar if you like a sweeter pancake). In a separate bowl, beat eggs into milk. Gently stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ones. Mix only until flour is moistened. Clumps are fine. 3. Add some butter or oil to the skillet. If the butter foams or oil shimmers, the temperature is correct. Pour in a pancake of any size, cooking until bubbles form, about 2–4 minutes. 4. Flip and cook other side for 2–4 minutes. Serve warm.
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