Hobbies provide a slice of work-free and responsibility-free time in your schedule. This can be especially welcome for people who feel overwhelmed by all that they have to do, and need to recharge their batteries by doing something they enjoy. For those who feel overwhelmed by responsibility, it may be difficult to find the time or give themselves permission to take a break from a busy schedule and just sit and relax.
Engaging in hobbies, however, can provide a break with a purpose, which can help people feel that they’re not just ‘sitting around’, but are using their down time for something productive. Either way, hobbies provide a nice break in a busy week.
Many hobbies lend themselves to group activities: golfing rotations, knitting circles, and creative writing groups are good examples.
Hobbies that connect you with others can bring the added benefit of social support, which can bring stress relief and meaning to life in a fun way. The friends you have fun with can become some of your best friends, so hobbies that bring you closer with others are well worth your time.
From: http://stress.about.com
