Passions can change our lives for the better. Not only psychologists say it, but the experience of millions of people shows it. And if some have common hobbies such as reading, traveling or sports others fall into this category… sleep or weather satellites
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Passions that help Romanians
“I’m curious to know what hobbies have influenced you the most for the better — whether they’ve made you calmer, more disciplined, or simply brought you joy” is the open thread of conversation on the Reddit forum that has generated a lot of comments.
Reading and various sports were mentioned most often. Others, however, have also come up with innovative approaches.
“Sleeping more has definitely made me a calmer and happier person! Since I gave up the gym in favor of sleep, I don’t hate my life so much anymore.” someone wrote.
Someone else mentioned: ,,Satellite communications, especially weather satellites. From here we reached two sub-branches – 1. DIY – sometimes you need to make your own receiving antennas and 2. Propagation of radio signals, Doppler correction, modulations. Well, the second is also related to radio amateurism, another hobby”.
Another user talks about the benefits of video games:
“Video games. They are still a taboo subject here, but I think it is the most useful hobby that can prepare you for life. Critical thinking, reflexes, attention, decision-making ability under stress, micro and macro management, discipline and patience.
They were a refuge for me during my most stressful time and I continue to play when I’m stressed because it distracts me and clears my mind.”
Plant care is also mentioned:
Bonsai. I checked all three: calmer, more disciplined, it brought me joy.”
As well as the photo area: ,,For a relatively short time I’ve been reconditioning old photos with visible signs of wear (from mold spots to missing pieces of images), and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the results. I honestly didn’t expect people to be so receptive to what I’m doing — I got a lot of encouragement and positive reactions that I didn’t expect.”
In a funnier tone, someone else writes: “Latin dances. This is how I chose my wife”.
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Why it’s important to have passions and how to cultivate them
“When a person paints, sings, gardens or cooks, he experiences a form of active relaxation: the mind disengages from daily worries, but remains involved in a positive experience. It’s basically a form of natural emotional self-regulation—one of the healthiest. In adult life, the focus often falls on productivity. Hobbies reconnect us with the playful dimension, with the pure joy of doing something ‘aimless’ – which brings relaxation and authenticity.” explains psychologist Dorina Stamate.
Passions are not necessarily innate, they are formed. And even if sometimes it seemed to us that we don’t have enough time, energy or joy, with small steps we can reach a more beautiful life.
“Passions can be cultivated, just as you cultivate a relationship, a plant or a state of well-being. It is not something you are born with, but an energy that is ignited by repeated contact with something that gives you meaning, joy or curiosity. Passion is a process, not a given. Passions are born out of curiosity, not a desire for performance—from simple questions like “what would it be like to paint once?”. They grow through small, repeated steps, through the joy of discovering seemingly mundane activities — a walk in nature, a successful photograph, a plant coming to life in a pot.” says the psychologist.
But first we have to allow ourselves to be beginners and make mistakes.
“Notice the moments when you forget about yourself and time — when you draw, when you cook, when you fix something — that’s where the genuine energy of passion hides. And if you feed it daily, even for ten minutes, it becomes your living space, the place where you find yourself.” recommends Dorina Stamate.
What happens when a hobby becomes a job?
A lot of singers, writers or actors talk about the joy of turning their passion into a job. However, things are not always that simple.
“When a hobby becomes a job, the joy does not automatically disappear, but a subtle risk appears: that the activity that was a source of energy and freedom becomes a new source of stress and evaluation. n hobby can remain a hobby even when it becomes a job, if the person manages to keep the playful essence, freedom and inner joy that gave birth to it. It is important that there is also a space for passion <
