The word of the month is “love” as February 14 is Valentine’s Day and one cannot escape Valentine hearts, boxes of chocolate and cupids in stores, pharmacies and decorated homes. However, this month’s challenge is focusing on a different definition of love as found in Merriam Webster’s dictionary, and that is “to have a great interest and pleasure in something.”

What have you loved to do or do you love doing? What do you do with your free time? More importantly, do you make time for things you enjoy? Now this can be an old love that perhaps you put aside or something of interest you wanted to learn or find out about but never gave yourself the chance. Engaging in hands-on activities (no phones, videogames or computers) can bring us joy and a sense of timelessness. If you are very engaged in activity, time just flows and flies by.

Hobbies and soulful, nurturing, creative and physical activities cannot only bring you joy; but can affect your overall wellbeing. It can improve your mood, reduce stress, help your concentration, and give you a sense of purpose. Participating in activities that you enjoy can help alleviate symptoms of depression, and anxiety and boost self-esteem and promote relaxation.

It can help stress reduction and anxiety. You become involved in the activity, giving yourself a break from worry, repetitive thoughts, and negative self-talk.

Activities such as sports, dancing, and hiking can help your circulation, health and produce endorphins that can give you an actual high. If you can engage in an activity which is outdoors, that is a greater benefit as you are getting fresh air, sunlight and seeing a different environment and gaining a different perspective. Certain group activities like singing in a choir, joining a walking or running group or taking a class can facilitate social interaction. Social interaction is important for our wellbeing and to create new friendships.

So, what comes to mind? Here are some suggestions. See if anything resonates with you. Drawing, painting (watercolor, acrylic or oil), sculpting, dance lessons, a book club, watching the greatest movies of all time, fishing, hiking, swimming, water aerobics, woodworking, cooking, baking, playing or learning to play an instrument, singing, listening to classical music, getting a pet, writing, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, gardening, travel, photography, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, golf, racquetball, and reading for pleasure. Let me know what you choose and if you have any other suggestions. See you in March.