How photography helps me heal & why hobbies are important if you are chronically ill

As many of you know, I love photography. I pretty much take my camera with me everywhere and you are always just one smile away from being snapped! 😊

But, there is method to my madness. Over time, photography has become my solace and a useful tool to keep me well, both physically and mentally. In this post, I want to share with you all the reasons why photography is so good for my health and how any hobby can be great for you too.

Getting out & active

Photography gets me out in nature quite a bit. Being outdoors is so good for my soul; fresh air, nature, time to breathe, time to be alone with my thoughts. It is also a little bit of exercise, as much as I can manage. I don’t need to climb up that massive hill if I can’t manage it that day, but I might do it another day when I do have more energy.

When I have done actual photo shoots, I have been amazed at how well I have coped with my energy. There is something that happens that makes me forget my limitations for a couple of hours. Sometimes I even get away with it and don’t spend the next couple of days needing to recuperate. It’s almost as if the joy of what I’m doing cancels out the exhaustion. Or is this in my head? 😊

Pride & Gratification

When you enjoy doing something and you do it on a regular basis, you automatically become better at it. The more I use my camera, the prouder I feel about my progress and achievements. Without even noticing, I challenge myself. Being good at something also makes me feel validated, which is so important for battling negative thoughts of becoming a burden to others in the future or worrying about the things I can no longer achieve.

Having fun & the act of Selfcare

A hobby that you genuinely enjoy doesn’t take any effort. I am doing something for myself for the fun of it. There is no need for others to understand or be included. I like the idea of giving myself permission to do something that only I am into. And I love to get proper geeky about it sometimes and don’t care if others snigger at that. What better way to care for yourself?!

Distraction/Mindfulness

When I take a photo, I’m really focused on getting “that shot”. In that moment, I don’t think about anything else. It helps me forget how tired I am from walking around for ages or how my left leg is constantly hurting with nerve pain, for example.

There is a kind of flow you get into when you are doing an enjoyable activity, a mindfulness that makes you lose track of time and helps you feel removed from a sometimes-difficult reality, even just for an hour.

Hobby Ideas

• Photography; you don’t need a camera for this, simply use your phone, focus on finding stuff to photograph, rather than the quality of your image
• Music; singing, playing an instrument, joining a local choir
• Art; regular local art classes, or just doodling, colouring-in, watercolours
• Writing; expressive writing is extremely cathartic, also writing fiction or romantic stories
• Yoga; join a class with a friend or do it at home with online classes
• Sewing; great for being mindful
• Reading; make time to get into a really good book

Hobbies are fun and delight our senses. Having hobbies gives meaning to our lives, leaving us feeling fulfilled and happy. Just remember it really isn’t about how good you are at something, as long as you enjoy it. You don’t ever have to show anyone. It’s something you do for yourself that makes you happy and keeps you challenged. It’s this that will make you come back for more again and again.

I hope this has given you some good ideas. If you have a hobby you are passionate about and that helps you forget your daily struggles, please do share in the comments below and inspire others.

PS, if you are interested in my photos, please check out my photography website 😉 www.katnaish.co.uk or my Instagram feed below

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