Republic of the Philippines Department of Education Schools Division of Ilocos Norte Region 1 BANGUI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Bangui EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOBBIES IN ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES Researchers: Phoebe Lagansua Jelyn Suniga Elvin Cascayan Submitted to: Mrs. Daphny T. Lopez Research Teacher April 24, 2023 ABSTRACT This paper aims to explore the significance of hobbies in enhancing mental health and overall well-being. In recent years, the importance of hobbies has gained recognition as a potential source of joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. This literature review examines various studies and articles that have investigated the positive impact of hobbies on mental health and well-being. The review found that engaging in hobbies can be an effective tool in managing stress, improving mood, promoting relaxation, enhancing self-esteem, and building social connections. The findings suggest that incorporating hobbies into daily life can have a significant positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. INTRODUCTION Hobbies are leisure activities that individuals engage in for personal pleasure and enjoyment. They can take various forms such as sports, music, art, gardening, cooking, and reading, among others. Hobbies are often pursued outside of work and other obligations and provide a sense of fulfillment and relaxation. In recent years, the importance of hobbies has gained recognition as a potential source of joy, relaxation, and fulfillment. Studies have shown that hobbies can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. This literature review aims to examine the existing literature on the importance of hobbies in enhancing mental health and overall well-being. METHOD Data was gathered through a survey/questionnaire (all answerable by yes or no) that was sent to 20 random students from Bangui National High School via google forms. The questions included in the survey are the following: 1) Do you currently engage in a hobby? 2) Do you think your hobby has a positive impact on your mental health? 3) Have you ever tried to start a new hobby but found it difficult to stick with it? 4) Do you think hobbies are an effective tool in managing stress? 5) Do you think hobbies can improve your mood and overall well-being? 6) Do you dedicate a specific amount of time per week to your hobby? 7) Have you ever participated in a group or community centered around your hobby? 8) Do you think hobbies can be a source of social connection and building relationships? 9) Do you think society should encourage more people to engage in hobbies and leisure activities? 10) Have you ever felt guilty for taking time away from work or other responsibilities to engage in your hobby? BODY Twenty students from Bangui National High School were requested to complete a survey in order to obtain the study's findings. The results of the survey that the researchers conducted are listed below. Figure 1: The number of students who responded yes or no to the survey. YES NO 5 6 25 NUMBER OF ANSWERS 20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 QUESTION NUMBER Figure 1 depicts the responses of respondents from question number 1 to question number 10. According to the review, everyone currently has a hobby that they enjoy. These hobbies have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that engaging in hobbies can be an effective tool in managing stress, improving mood, promoting relaxation, enhancing self-esteem, and building social connections. Hobbies have been found to promote a sense of mastery and accomplishment, which in turn, enhances selfesteem and self-confidence. Additionally, hobbies provide an opportunity to build social connections with like-minded individuals, which can be beneficial for mental health. The findings suggest that incorporating hobbies into daily life can have a significant positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. DISCUSSION The positive impact of hobbies on mental health and overall well-being is supported by numerous studies. The review found that engaging in hobbies can help individuals manage stress and improve mood. Additionally, hobbies can promote relaxation, enhance self-esteem, and build social connections, all of which are important for mental health. Incorporating hobbies into daily life can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can have a positive impact on mental health. However, it is important to note that not all hobbies are equally beneficial. It is important to choose hobbies that are enjoyable and promote a sense of accomplishment and mastery. CONCLUSION In conclusion, hobbies have been found to have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. Engaging in hobbies can provide a sense of relaxation, promote self-esteem, and build social connections. Incorporating hobbies into daily life can be an effective tool in managing stress and improving mood. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals should encourage individuals to incorporate hobbies into their daily routines as a way of promoting mental health and overall well-being. Further research is needed to investigate the specific types of hobbies that are most beneficial for mental health. Reference Twenty Random Students of Bangui National High School, San Lorenzo, Bangui, Ilocos Norte