The health and wellness benefits to escapist hobbies

7th October 2021

We have all had the same experience at least once – you start enjoying a particular activity or hobby so much that you lose track of everything else. Suddenly you look up and you realise that you have actually been reading, playing, or otherwise enjoying the activity so much that you did not even notice the passage of time.

Escapist hobbies are a great way to unwind, relax after a day of work or stress, and mellow out. So often in our everyday lives, we are focused on giving effort and attention to the activities which are profitable, or which have to be done, such as childcare. Prioritising escapist hobbies and activities can be a valid form of self-care and a way to take a well-deserved break.

How to truly enjoy an escapist hobby

In order to fully enjoy an escapist hobby, it is important to remember moderation. Without moderation, many people find themselves overdoing their escapist activities and losing focus of what was important to them. This can occur in ways both small and large, insignificant and meaningful.

For example, someone who is too focused on their video games may forget to play with their cats or exercise their dogs and leave their animals feeling agitated and upset. Another example is the parent who forgets to attend an important event in a child’s life because they are so engrossed in their sports show or reality television marathon. Although it can be fun to indulge deeply at times, moderation allows the hobbyist the space to continue to enjoy their hobby without accompanying feelings of guilt or resentment.

The ultimate escapist hobbies

The ultimate escapist hobbies have to be reading and watching good films. Although it sounds old fashioned, there is truly nothing like sitting down with a good book and allowing yourself to delve deep into the narrative. If you have not found an engrossing book recently, it might be time to change and try something new.

Escapism paired with excitement

Many escapist hobbies allow the hobbyist a momentary escape from the realities of everyday life into a more relaxed, diverting world. However, some escapist hobbies allow for a much more exciting, engaging activity that is both diverting and thrilling. One particular hobby which has grown in popularity over the last few years is that of online gambling and betting.

Over the course of the last year and a half, many people turned to online or digital hobbies while under lockdown or isolation public health measures. Brick and mortar casinos and betting shops were closed around the world as a result of the global health crisis and many regular gamblers could not visit their usual venue. Instead, many turned to online gambling for the first time and realised that it has the same element of excitement and thrill.

Similarly, many people who had never gambled before tried online gambling for the first time and realised that it can provide an escapist thrill from the convenience of a sofa or commuter train. One of the most exciting features of online gambling is the wagering bonus. What is a wagering bonus?

A wagering bonus is one of the many registration bonuses which online casinos utilise to stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of potential registrants. A wagering bonus allows gamblers to wager the bonus amount given a minimum amount of time before the bonus money is handed over.

Healthy escapist hobbies

Not all escapist hobbies are sedentary activities which can be enjoyed while watching television or sipping a beer – there are many escapist hobbies that are physically good for you as well. There are few better ways to let your mind wander and escape from the tedium of everyday worries and concerns than by going for a run. Out in nature with fresh air and in the elements, it is impossible to think about anything other than the moment you are in. If you are new to running, there are many different programs, such as Couch to 5k, which can help you build your running practice.

Another excellent and healthy way to enjoy escapism is through yoga. A yoga class, regardless of its length and whether it is in person or online, will help you to unwind, stretch, and focus on what is happening moment to moment. There are many different ways to begin a yoga practice and many millions of people have found it just as relaxing, rewarding, and enjoyable to use online formats to practice yoga such as the Yoga with Adriene channel on YouTube or the Nike Training Club App.