Having hobbies makes an individual happier

Question

The article claims that having multiple focus areas and hobbies makes an individual happy and improves ones mental health.

Comments

This is a good explanation but it would be stronger if you actually cited your source instead of just saying it's from Harvard.

---

I agree with this statement that keeping yourself busy throughout the day with work and hobbies, having a nice balance can help a person's wellbeing. Having hobbies is a distraction from reality and allowing you to relax. However, this doesn't guarantee for all individuals since hobbies tend to be temporary for many people or doesn't help them enough to have a happy healthy lifestyle. This claim needs a bit more research and have more evidence to support the statement as this does have potential just needs more work.

---

You make a good point, but I think there’s more to consider. The article says that having multiple hobbies can improve mental health, but it doesn't show that having more hobbies is always better. Some studies suggest that focusing on one passion can provide deeper fulfillment. Also, not everyone will feel happier with many activities—people with anxiety, for example, might feel stressed by too many. It could help to mention how personal preferences or mental health affect this. You did well pulling from a solid source, but adding more nuance could make your point stronger.

---

This article is very interesting and has a lot of strong information. Having hobbies gives people a distraction from the stress of everyday life and allows for needed relaxation that is important for overall health.

---

I agree with your claim. Personally, whenever I have a new hobby that I like to do, I tend to be more excited and happy each day. While this may depend on the person, having a hobby could help improve happiness. I also found an article that might have more detail about this topic than the one you cited.
https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html

Answer 1

Yes, this is true. 

According to Realsimple.com, Tomeka McGee-Holloway and Bethany Cook, both Doctors of Psychology, claim that having one or more hobbies can improve a person’s mental health, and have an increasing number of benefits when self-confidence is gained through the hobbies. 

Tomeka McGee-Holloway believes that engaging in activities can reduce cortisol that causes stress, and it is encouraging self-care and self-love. Furthermore, Bethany Cook also points out that having hobbies brings people joy and maintains good mental health. 

Research studies conducted by Utah State University also state that the benefits of having hobbies are to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance well-being, and improve mental health. Hobbies during spare time, such as doing something creative or enjoyable like sports, arts, or traveling, can be meaningful to people. Having hobbies has lots of benefits to people. 

Having Hobbies Can Boost Your Mental Health, Here's How (realsimple.com)

How Hobbies Improve Mental Health | USU

Comments

This is a fantastic fact-check. It's more impactful due to the multiple sources, some being named doctors and others being institutions. This creates a well-rounded, trust-worthy perspective for sure. You didn't just cite the sources but expanded upon how the information found continues to prove this claim. Well done!!

---

This fact check was very well done. The source was credible and the research being from Utah State helps make your claim credible and stronger! Having multiple doctors included as well creates a better outlook of your claim, showing you used reliable research! Super well done factcheck!

---

This fact-check has a lot of strong information and is well thought out. You offer a lot of helpful information and back it up with two reliable sources which is very important.

---

I liked your fact check but the main source you used is relatively unknown. It would boost your argument if you used more credible sources, as well as had more sources.

---

I like your source and the fact check and your anwser was well researched and had alot of good information.

Answer 2

This is true.

According to the Choate News article, author Amelia Sipkin writes "Psychologists have found a positive correlation between hobbies and happiness; people who make time for their hobbies can live longer, have decreased risk for certain diseases, and achieve happier lives overall" (Sipkin).

She would later go on to also state, "I baked a lot. It was my hobby...I simply baked because I enjoyed playing with all the shiny metal tools, dumping around flours and sugars, and watching my creations magically transform through the oven window" (Sipkin). This is evidence that the baking hobby made her happy in elementary school.

I can also add to this. I am a sports fan and a train spotter. I watch sports and film trains as much as possible, and they both make me very happy.

https://thechoatenews.choate.edu/2023/01/30/hobbies-and-happiness-a-recipe-for-happiness%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC%EF%BF%BC/#:~:text=Psychologists%20have%20found%20a%20positive,and%20achieve%20happier%20lives%20overall.

Comments

I think it was well done to include a direct quote from the author of the source. I think having additional sources would help to support why this claim is assumed to be true. As well as adding statistical data would help show why the claim is assumed to be true because it represents how the claim has actually made an impact.

---

This is a strong fact check. By using a reliable source in your response, you clarify the conclusion you came to, and have information to prove why. I also think quoting a psychiatrist is a strong thing to do while fact checking something about happiness.

---

While I agree with the claim, and think that anecdotal evidence is stronger for something based on emotion, I do also think that a student newspaper might not be the most reliable source for scientific data without a mention of where their information came from.

---

Thank you for your research and personal experiences regarding the correlation between hobbies and happiness. It's nice to hear how engaging in activities you enjoy, such as being a sports fan and a train spotter, brings you joy and fulfillment. Keep embracing your passions and finding happiness in the things that bring you joy.

---

Both your insight using fact based evidence and sources and personal experience made your fact check strong, and felt credible and pleasantly laid out for readers to understand. I would say one more article to support your fact check would be beneficial though.

Answer 3

This is true.

According to WebMD, "A study in New Zealand found that participating in activities that bring out your creative side leads to an increased sense of well-being that is good for you in the long term. The people who were involved in the study felt a sense of positivity and upliftment after a few days of creative activity." Additionally, the article specifies that "when you take time to do activities that make you happy, it helps improve mental health. Giving quality time to activities that you enjoy also helps your performance in your professional life. It improves your creative problem-solving abilities and helps you build better relationships with your coworkers and makes you more empathetic."

Source: https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-hobbies#1-3

Comments

Good work on finding the most relevant parts of the article and delivering them in a clear and concise manner.

---

Good factcheck! Is there a reason you chose WebMD over a different source that could be more reliable?

---

Though your answer is true, I think you could have found a better source than WebMD such as a medical journal or article. WebMD is a good place to begin your research as a means of finding other reliable sources, but using it as your sole resource is a little tricky because it isn't always reliable. It's like Wikipedia for medical problems. I think your fact check could benefit from another article or two written by credible sources.

---

Great quotes from WebMD to support the argument! However, is there a reason you chose this as your sole source? I'm not sure WebMD is very reliable.

---

Good Work on finding a credible source. I also choose WebMD as a source. I'm curious: was WebMD your first go-to? or did you look at other sources first

---

I agree with this comment. Personally, I know that when I am out doings things I am way happier mentally than when I do nothing during the day. Being able to have something consistent that can add substance to ones life is good for mental health.

---

The way you highlighted the connection between creativity and well-being is very well done. The study from New Zealand provides strong evidence that engaging in creative activities can have long-term benefits for mental health. The idea of empathy and better problem-solving skills is very interesting because it shows that creativity isn’t just about personal enjoyment, it also helps in everyday interactions and work environments.

---

I agree with this comment. Dedicating quality time to what makes you happy will improve your overall well-being. Another important part of the article claims, "It improves your creative problem-solving abilities and helps you build better relationships with your coworkers and makes you more empathetic."

Answer 4

This is true!

Studies suggest that having hobbies can lead to increased mental-health well-being and are less likely to experience anxiety, stress, and depression---feeling more content with their daily lives.

Life and Health Network says, "There’s evidence that fun diversions contribute to good health." I went on to write about how embracing a new hobby sharpens your ability to take on problems in other areas of life and build new skills.  

Harvard Business Review Home covered a study published in March 2020 that discovered how hobbies were connected to a 30% lower risk of depression. People who engage in hobbies experience fewer negative emotions.

Utah State University Mental Health Education Extension also found a study in New Zealand found that creative activities can lead to a long-lasting sense of well-being. And reduce loneliness and mortality risk by up to 50%.

https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html#:~:text=There's%20evidence%20that%20fun%20diversions,hours%20after%20the%20recreation%20time.  

https://hbr.org/2021/10/can-hobbies-actually-make-you-a-better-person#:~:text=One%20study%20from%20the%20Society,we%20engage%20in%20our%20hobbies.

https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health#:~:text=Enhanced%20well%2Dbeing:%20a%20study,engaged%20in%20a%20creative%20activity.

Comments

I like that your response was very straight to the point. It definitely makes it an easier read.

---

I like that you found so many academic sources to prove the claim is accurate.

---

The fact that you had 3  sources, 2 of which being .org links and one of which being a .edu link is fantastic. This was not only a thorough fact check just based on the sources, but a quality one based on the credibility of the sources you provided.

---

I like how you had an array of different sources, and they all lead into your one point. Your fact check was very straightforward and done very well!

---

I found your factcheck to be very helpful. I like how you used multiple sources to show the validity of this claim. Using three different sources that all show the same response truly proves that this claim is correct and you definitely showed that through your work.

---

I enjoyed that your fact check was clear and precise. You added sufficient articles to back up your claims that are very trustworthy.

Answer 5

This claim is true because in the source provided it talks about now having a activity you’re interested in improves your well being and a quote from the text is, “Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. In fact, people with hobbies may be less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression.” That it is good to find something you’re interested in will keep you occupied and be an escape from stress you’re dealing with. 

In this source from connect health it is proven that hobbies are a great stress reducer and betters mental health. 

Here it says, “It provides you with the opportunity to have some “me” time, and gives you an outlet for releasing stress built up from the day.” We can infer that having a distract that brings happiness and interest can be a destresser and that is already a good result of becoming more happpy.  

 https://connecthealth.org.au/enews/pursuing-a-hobby-can-improve-your-mental-health/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20people%20with,yourself%20after%20a%20busy%20day.

Comments

I feel another important thing to mention is that hobbies can be a gateway into meeting new people! By using hobbies as a socialization skill you can both do something you enjoy but also connect with people who already have a common interest which would make a lot of people happier- having someone to talk to about something you enjoy.

Answer 6

This fact is true, but hobbies can also do a lot of different things for individuals besides just making them happy. According to the Harvard Business Review, different hobbies can do different things to a person. Walking and hiking can help with stress, coloring can lead people to be more creative, and gratitude journaling can lead to happiness. There is a lot of research from psychologists, and scientists that prove that having hobbies is a very good thing.

According to another article from the Wall Street Journal, there is a mental health center for teens that uses cooking lessons to help with mental health and addiction. Cooking is just one hobby, but psychologists say that it is rewarding and leads to a sense of accomplishments.

https://hbr.org/2021/10/can-hobbies-actually-make-you-a-better-person

https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-road-to-mental-health-through-the-kitchen-1418059204

Comments

This is a great fact-check! Not only do you address the claim and provide links to articles that support it, but you go even further to address other benefits that having hobbies does - great job!

Answer 7

This claim is true. 

A study was conducted and published by Harvard Health Publishing (from the Harvard Medical School), which concluded that hobbies involving creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation are linked to good mental health and well-being. Additionally, the study found that participating in hobby groups can help reduce loneliness and isolation. This article was written by Heidi Godman, an award-winning television news anchor and medical reporter for 25 years. It was also edited by Dr. Anthony Komaroff, a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School. 

Another article published by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care made very similar points. In their article about hobbies and mental health, they wrote "Studies show that feeling like your work is meaningful can be one of the key factors that influence your mental health. This comes from having something regular to do, connecting and working with others, and feeling good about contributing." The article continues to discuss how hobbies can add meaning to someone's life and enhance their mental health. 

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being#:~:text=Compared%20with%20people%20who%20didn,were%20similar%20across%20all%20countries. 

Comments

I agree with this comment. I like that you highlighted the fact that "the study found that participating in hobby groups can help reduce loneliness and isolation."

---

This is a really good fact-check. I appreciate that you linked both the primary source from the original claim, but also a second trustworthy source to back it up even further. Great explanation!

Answer 8

The original claim states that having hobbies gives your mind something to focus on that is productive and interesting to individuals. Doing this can help your happiness levels because your mind is connected to an activity that is potentially helping it grow and diversify its skills. The original article sited two sources, one being from WHO, which unfortunately no longer exists as a web page, and the other is a medical article written by two doctors focusing on the impacts of engagement and creative arts. The original source comes from a health page that focuses on mental health and ways to improve it. According to the University of Utah's mental health education extension, hobbies do have the ability to improve your mental health. They did a study surrounding this and found that 75% of the participant's cortisol levels were lower after engaging in an art project, which directly supports the claim. Hobbies performed in groups can have a greater positive impact due to the connection with other participants and feeling a sense of community. In a medical article called "Association of Enjoyable Leisure Activities With Psychological and Physical Well-Being," doctors found that engaging in these activities, such as sports, art, hikes, etc. served as a buffer to negative mental health and participants felt much more relaxed after taking part. So, the original claim is correct. Hobbies and extra activities help decrease stress and in turn, make individuals happier. 

https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/

Comments

You did a great job fact-checking this claim! You included direct evidence from a credible source as well as specific examples of engaging in activities that positively impact your mental health.

Answer 9

Yes this claim presents itself as true! After doing some of my own research, I came across similar information that was given from the source listed. The source was well supported and was not misleading. The Harvard Business Review provided similar information which makes this claim more believable overall. In this source, they conducted a study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine stating that "...people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed." Another source I found that supported this claim was from The State Journal-Register from  Dr.Joy Miller and Associates, a counseling and wellness services, said "hobbies offer individuals physically and mentally healthy outlets to improve well-being and happiness. Participation in a hobby has the opportunity to assist with creative expression, increase relaxation, build confidence, increase self-esteem, build patience and focusing.”. Both of these source support the claim. 

https://hbr.org/2021/10/can-hobbies-actually-make-you-a-better-person  

 https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2011/04/27/doctor-says-hobbies-make-us/46885144007/

Comments

Great fact check! It is nice to see that even though you trusted the first source you were given, you looked for more to back it up. The quote adds to the proof, especially since it comes from a doctor in the field of wellness.

Answer 10

The claim is true. 

WebMD, a reliable source in health, says that "having something that you enthusiastically want to do fills you with a sense of happiness." 

Harvard Business Review also agrees. They write in their article that "one study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine suggests that people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed. The study even found that our heart rates are lower when we engage in our hobbies." 

Life and Health Network says the same things as the other two articles. They write "hobbies have a way of enriching your life, work, and relationships. They give you something new to talk about, and they make life more interesting." 

https://lifeandhealth.org/lifestyle/how-hobbies-make-you-happier-and-healthier/1411136.html

https://hbr.org/2021/10/can-hobbies-actually-make-you-a-better-person

https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-hobbies