The benefits of exercise to work productivity are well established. But newer findings suggest that engaging in hobbies can be just as helpful in promoting physical and emotional health. Some hobbies can even be profitable.
Findings by Cuypers, Krokstad, Holmen, Knudtsen, Bygren, & Holmen (2011) published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health revealed that participating in receptive and creative cultural activities was associated with good health, satisfaction with life, low anxiety and depression scores in both men and women for their population-based sample of 50,797 participants from Norway. In particular, being directly involved in the creative process was more strongly associated with positive health outcomes than passive appreciation of cultural activities, particularly for male participants. On the whole, engagement in more activities was associated with greater benefits than being involved in fewer activities.
So, go head. Play, dance, get involved. it’s time to switch on that creative brain!
Drawing, painting, & crafts:
- Paint the town red
- Urban Sketchers
- 5 alternative Art Spaces
- Awaken the Dragon | A Community Project
- Last Two Dragon Kilns
- Sewing Supplies
- Knitting & Crochet Supplies
- ClubSnap Photography
- A Photography Community
- Ministry of Photography
- A Singapore Community for Film Photography
Craft & Flea Markets:
Dancing:
- Gateway to Singapore Dance Scene
- Da:ns Festival
- Get Your Groove On
- Where to social dance
- Salsa in Singapore
- Lindy Hop
- Dance Styles
Film & Cinema:
- Singapore Arts Festival
- Singapore International Film Festival
- Singapore Short Film Festival
- Cinema Guide
Music Gigs & Guides:
- Sistic Box Office
- Singapore Symphony Orchestra
- Singapore Chinese Orchestra
- Gigs Guide
- Live Music Guide
- Best 5 Live Music Bars
- Live Music | Travel CNN
- TimeOut Music Guide
- 6 Definitive Music Festivals
- Community Music Groups
- Thomson Jazz | Community Club
- Rehearsal Studios
- TimeOut Guide to Jazz in Singapore
Freebies in Singapore:
Visual Arts:
- Art Gallery Guide
- Singapore Art Musuem
- National Art Gallery
- Arts Scene
- TimeOut Guide to Singapore’s Art Scene
- Goodman Art Centre
- Centre for Contemporary Art
- Wessex Village’s Artwalk
- LaSalle College of the Arts
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Performance Arts:
- Singapore Theatre Guide
- Singapore Dance Theatre
- Dance Ensemble Singapore
- Singapore Repertory Theatre
- The Necessary Stage
- Theatre Works
- Stage Club
- StandUp Comedy | Travel CNN
- Comedy Club Asia