As work pressures build up and lives become more hectic, hobbies become a great respite. Helping us break away from monotony and stress, they emerge as a medium for us to channel all our energies and thoughts, resulting in a creative, relaxed, and improved perspective. As Dr Blossom Kochhar enjoys playing drums, golf, and photography, Vidhi Arya from Professional Beauty India finds out her take on the role of hobbies in a fulfilling life.
What role do hobbies play in our lives, according to you?
I think it’s very, very important. I’ll tell you how. When I first started, it was just work and work. And when you have so much to do, you cannot really relax easily. You have to deliberately get away from work, you have to blank out your mind. And, that’s where hobbies play a part. You can take up any hobby you want, it’s just important you take up at least one.
We often associate hobbies with age. But according to you, is there an age to start? What is your mantra?
There is no age to start. I started just 4 or 5 years ago with drumming. I also started with photography a few years ago. Golf is the only thing that I did right from the beginning. Hobbies have no age limit. There is no right time to start, it’s only important to start.
Beauty is a creative field and hobbies also have a lot to do with creativity. Do you think hobbies are also helpful to our professional lives?
With hobbies, things get much easier in your profession too. If you’re in the creative field, you can take up a creative hobby. Hobbies around creating with your hands will give you a lot more confidence in your daily lives. Another thing is rhythm, we all have a natural rhythm. So dancing, creating music, etc., give you coordination and enhance your natural rhythm too. And, of course, it gives you fun and you feel younger and more confident.
Many people use their workaholic nature as an excuse for not pursuing hobbies. What’s your take on that?
I must tell you. I used to be a little bit of a workaholic.But then I stopped because you will find when you go away from your work to a hobby for some time, for an hour or two, you come back refreshed, with a different and a new perspective. It is like meditation, which is amazing. So, you’ll see what took two hours to do, you’ll be able to do it in about 20 minutes. So, no matter how much work you have on your plate, always take some time off and come back rejuvenated to feel better and perform better.
What do you think about the role of hobbies in striking a work-life balance?
I think striking a work-life balance is very important. It’s essential to remember that you’ve got a family and you’ve got yourself to take care of first. It can’t just be work-work-work. Of course, if your work is your passion, that’s a different thing, But, even then, you have to start balancing between your work and your home and your relationships and everything else. So it is a very important thing.
And like I always say, fit in at least 10 minutes of something. If you are working, go for a walk or go to a market. Do something. Just take your mind off work for a bit, and hobbies can be instrumental in that. That gives you the balance in life.
Any suggestions for your colleagues to encourage them to pick up a hobby?
I really think they should. They should at least try. Very often, I hear people say things like ‘You know when I was young I wanted to dance, I wanted to do Kathak, I wanted to do Bharatnatyam’. I would just say, you’re still not old. Take it up now and start. And you can do it. Some people have a thing for singing. Do it. You’re never too old to do anything. Do what you want and you’ll see you’ll have the greatest fun in life. Find a hobby that brings you joy and make it a part of your routine. You’ll see the difference it makes in your overall well-being and happiness.