Every year, it's the same story: we make a list of ambitious resolutions like quitting smoking, losing weight, or cutting back on spending. But let's be honest, these commitments, while laudable, are often perceived as constraints. Result? A large majority of these resolutions are abandoned before the end of January.
What if this year you made a different resolution? A positive, rewarding and, above all, fun resolution : discover a new hobby. Whether it’s to reduce stress, stimulate your creativity or simply bring a little more joy into your daily life, incorporating an exciting activity into your routine can transform your life.
Discovering a hobby also means getting closer to your Ikigai , this Japanese concept that represents the reason for being, happiness in the present moment. So, are you ready to start the year off on the right foot and find your Ikigai?
1. The Limits of Traditional Resolutions
Every year, millions of people around the world set New Year's resolutions. Some of the most popular include quitting smoking, losing weight, and cutting back on spending. However, despite their best intentions, about the majority of these resolutions fail before mid-February ( source : Forbes ). Did you know that Sunday, January 19th is "Quitter's Day"? The Strava site analyzed that out of 800 million users, this is the day when fitness resolutions slow down for the majority of new users.
Why this failure rate? These resolutions, while important, are often perceived as obligations or renunciations . They require discipline, deprivation, and a constant effort to combat deeply ingrained habits. As a result, they quickly become a source of stress and frustration, instead of bringing the desired satisfaction.
In addition, these goals are often too ambitious or poorly defined. For example, deciding to "do more sport" without specifying the frequency or type of activity can lead to giving up due to a lack of clear direction. Or we set ourselves extreme goals like running a marathon in 6 months, when we have never run more than 10 minutes. These resolutions do not always take into account the importance of pleasure and immediate well-being, two essential elements for maintaining motivation.
So why not change your perspective this year? Rather than focusing on what you need to stop or cut back on, consider a resolution that adds something positive and fun to your life . Taking up a hobby, for example, can be a much more enjoyable way to start the year while also contributing to your personal growth.
2. Ikigai: finding meaning and pleasure in your daily life
Ikigai, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is much more than just a tool for personal development. Contrary to the often simplified Western interpretation focused on financial gain, Ikigai is not about money or career. It is above all about finding balance in one's daily life, by identifying what provides a sense of meaning, joy and personal satisfaction .
The word "Ikigai" can be translated as "reason for being" or "what makes you want to get up in the morning." In Japanese culture, this reason for being does not have to be grandiose or related to professional goals. It can be simple things, such as taking care of a garden, sharing moments with loved ones, or even practicing a hobby that brings pleasure.
According to Ken Mogi, Japanese neuroscientist and author of The Little Book of Ikigai , the concept is based on five pillars:
- Start small : focus on small daily actions.
- Freeing oneself from oneself : engaging in activities that transcend the ego.
- Harmony and sustainability : seeking balance rather than excess.
- Joy of small things : appreciating simple pleasures.
- Being in the present : living fully in the moment.
Incorporating a hobby into your daily life can be a great way to get closer to your Ikigai. A creative activity, like bonsai or temari making, embodies these principles by providing an opportunity to connect with the present moment, express yourself, and find a sense of accomplishment without external pressure.
To deepen your understanding of Ikigai and discover authentic stories, you can explore reliable resources like the Ikigai Tribe podcast, which sheds light on the true roots of this Japanese concept.
3. The benefits of hobbies on well-being
Taking up a hobby offers many benefits for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here is a list of these benefits, each supported by reliable sources:
1. Stress reduction
Immersing yourself in a craft or artistic activity, such as bonsai or DIY, helps reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A study published in Vogue found that just 45 minutes of artistic activity can significantly reduce stress.
2. Improved mental health
Hobbies help distract the mind from everyday concerns, promoting a state of " flow " – that moment when one is totally absorbed in an activity. According to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this flow is directly linked to an increase in happiness and personal satisfaction. (source: RTBF )
3. Stimulation of creativity
Practicing a hobby stimulates the mind and encourages creative thinking. Whether learning to paint, sew or exploring other forms of crafts, these activities build self-confidence and provide immediate satisfaction in seeing the fruits of one's labor. (Source: Echosciences Nantes Métropole )
4. Strengthening social ties
Some hobbies, such as gardening or music, can be shared with loved ones, creating moments of complicity. Giving a handmade gift or sharing your creations on social media can also strengthen social interactions and feelings of belonging.
5. Personal achievement
A hobby is an opportunity to learn new skills and take on challenges, which contributes to a sense of accomplishment. It is a way to cultivate one's Ikigai, finding an activity that brings joy and fulfillment to daily life.
Incorporating a hobby into your daily routine can transform your well-being, reducing stress, improving your mental health and enriching your social relationships. Why not make this resolution a first step towards your Ikigai?
4. Integrate a new hobby into your daily routine and share it with your loved ones
Taking up a hobby can seem daunting at first, but it's all about enjoying yourself and finding balance. By gradually integrating it into your daily life and involving your loved ones, you can turn a simple activity into a real source of shared happiness.
Finding the right moment
Start by identifying a time in your day or week when you can dedicate time to your new hobby. Whether it’s after work, during a lunch break, or on the weekend, the important thing is to choose a slot that fits easily into your schedule. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes a day on an enjoyable activity can significantly reduce stress and increase well-being.
Making the hobby accessible
Choose a hobby that doesn’t require a big initial investment or a steep learning curve. For example, bonsai or painting are great for beginners: they allow you to create something beautiful without having to be an expert. A ready-made kit, like those offered by Ikigai Box, can simplify your first steps. Discover the Bonsai Box !
Share to strengthen ties
Involving your loved ones in your hobby can make it even more rewarding. Invite your friends or family to join in with you, or show them your accomplishments. It could be a change from the discussions of who married who and who makes how much!
Create rituals around your hobby
Turn your hobby into a weekly or monthly ritual. For example, you could organize a DIY evening with your friends or a creative workshop with your family. These moments then become precious memories that strengthen your relationships while nourishing your well-being.
By taking up a new hobby and sharing it, you are not only cultivating your own Ikigai, but you are also planting seeds of joy and connection in those around you. So why not start today?
Conclusion: Make your hobby a source of happiness and connection
This New Year, why not make discovering a hobby one of your resolutions? By integrating a pleasant activity into your daily life, you not only reduce stress or improve your well-being, you also open the door to lasting personal development. Whether it's growing a bonsai, making DIY creations, learning music, dancing, or exploring new passions, each moment spent nourishing your Ikigai brings you a little closer to serenity and the joy of living.
Don't wait any longer to get started! Choose a hobby that suits you and start integrating it into your routine today. Share your discoveries with your loved ones and create lasting memories.
To accompany you in this adventure, Ikigai Box offers you kits specially designed to help you discover the art of Bonsai, order your Bonsai Box today. 🌱
Share with us in the comments your resolutions and the hobbies you have decided to discover this year!
