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Guest Post by: Cheryl Conklin of Wellnesscentral.com
Of course, there can be financial benefits that come with learning a new skill. Depending on what you take on, you may be able to make money doing it, or it might even become your primary source of income. It’s important to stop thinking of this venture as something to be nervous about and simply tackle it head-on. After all, you are your own worst critic! Starting out slowly will take some of the pressure off and allow you to just enjoy the experience.
Stacy Reuille-Dupont, PhD, offers some great tips on how to get started with a new skill and why it’s so beneficial.
Get Social
Once you’ve settled on the skill you want to try, it’s important to think about where and when you’ll do it. You might decide to take a class, where you’ll meet like-minded people who are all starting off on the same level as you. Whether you want to try ballroom dancing, learning a new language, or making pottery, the possibilities for forming new connections are limitless.
Use It as Therapy
Many skills and hobbies are of the creative kind, which means you can use it to your advantage when it comes to your mental and cognitive health. Being able to channel your emotions through an expressive medium — like painting or dancing — can be especially beneficial. Also, starting a garden, which might involve planting trees or bushes, is a great hobby for seniors, as it provides a moderate amount of exercise and plenty of fresh air. You can also improve your mental and physical health by joining Stacy Reuille-Dupont’s 30-Day Reboot Program, which gives you the tools and guidance needed to maintain a healthy diet and commit to a workout regimen.
Take Your Hobby to the Next Level
Your newfound pastime may have the potential to generate revenue, either on the side or as a replacement for your full-time job. Before you start to market your product or service, you’ll need to take the proper steps to set up and promote your business. Choosing a name, designing a logo, and creating a website are probably the first things that come to mind, but they aren’t actually at the top of the list. First, you’ll need to create a legal business entity to operate your small business. Many first-time small business owners choose an LLC because of the limited liability, tax advantages, and overall flexibility. As an added benefit, a Colorado LLC is easy and inexpensive to set up online, saving you money on an attorney. You’ll also need a separate business bank account and a way to keep track of your income and expenses, like an inexpensive do-it-yourself accounting software.
Boost Your Brainpower, Reduce Anxiety
One of the best benefits of learning a new skill — and practicing it often — is that it boosts your brainpower and memory function while reducing stress and anxiety, making it the perfect way to help your mental health along. If you’ve suffered from depression, stress, or a mental health disorder such as PTSD, learning something new and focusing your time and energy on it will help you work on feeling better.
Learning a new skill can quickly become something that changes your life in the best possible way, but it’s important to keep in mind that some hobbies aren’t for everyone. If you find that you aren’t getting anything out of your new skill or that you don’t enjoy it as much as you thought you would, move on to something else. Don’t be hard on yourself! Hobbies should be fun and should reduce stress, not add to it.
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