by ABFRLadmin | January 29, 2025
Hello folks! How’s 2025 treating you so far? And how are those New Year resolutions holding up? Still going strong or already postponed to 2026? No judgement, I promise!
January is always an interesting month. It ushers in new beginnings, the 76th Republic Day (yes, a missed holiday this time), and more importantly, National Hobby Month. Yes, you read that right! An entire month dedicated to celebrating the passions that make us who we are. Beyond our workstations and endless meetings, each of us carries a unique hobby that reflects our individuality and inspires creativity.
So, this month, let’s take a closer look at what drives our team outside of work, how these hobbies shape us professionally, and why embracing new pastimes can be a game-changer.
What Do Our After Hours Look Like?
If you’ve ever chatted with colleagues beyond the usual work chatter, you’d know how diverse our interests are. Some of us are sports fanatics, others are passionate creatives, and a few are fearless adventurers. These hobbies have the power to connect us in unexpected ways.
Sports
There’s something about a good game of football that gets the blood pumping, whether we’re playing or cheering for our favourite team. Personally, I’ve always admired how football teaches consistency and time management – two things I could definitely use more of!
Badminton, on the other hand, is where some of us find solace. Like one of our colleagues shared, “I got started with Badminton in school when I joined a sports club, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s a great way to stay active and challenge myself.”
Then there’s cricket, our national obsession! For a few of us, weekend cricket matches are sacred, offering a perfect blend of strategy, leadership, and teamwork – qualities that also translate into professional life.
Creative Pursuits
Creativity takes many forms, and our team embodies that beautifully. One colleague, for instance, has turned public speaking into an art form. What started as a way to overcome stammering has now made him the president of a nonprofit that teaches others to find their voice. Imagine the courage and transformation behind that journey – it’s awe-inspiring!
Other compelling hobbies include coin collecting – which might sound niche, but is actually a fascinating window into history, geography, and culture. Theatre is another interesting one, which allows us to step into different characters, connect with audiences, and explore parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed. And, of course, reading remains an evergreen favourite, offering escapism, knowledge, and a dose of inspiration.
Adventure Seekers
For some of us, hobbies mean chasing the thrill of the outdoors. Biking along winding trails offers discipline and resilience, while photography captures fleeting moments and sharpens the eye for detail. And then there’s food vlogging, a delicious blend of creativity and exploration.
How Hobbies Improve Performance
Hobbies have a remarkable way of shaping who we are, not just personally but professionally. Take reading, for instance. I love getting lost in a story, but reading is also such a quiet yet powerful way to improve our fluency in English, understand emotions better, and gain fresh perspectives. Personally, I’ve found that reading pushes me to think outside the box, something I’ve leaned on countless times while tackling tricky situations at work.
Public speaking, too, deserves a spotlight. One of our colleagues shared how this skill helped them confidently present at an awards ceremony in front of senior leadership – “I got many opportunities like presenting at the ABFRL Awards in front of MD, CEOs and CFO, a chance to fly to Mumbai HQ and an opportunity to host a Ceremony in front of SLTs”. It’s amazing how standing on a stage and articulating your thoughts not only boosts confidence but also teaches you to remain composed under pressure.
When it comes to sports, the lessons are endless. They teach time management, consistency, and perseverance, qualities that help us juggle tight deadlines and demanding projects.
And let’s not forget the soothing power of art, craft, and painting. These hobbies are incredible stress busters. After a chaotic workweek, there’s nothing like unwinding with a canvas or crafting project to reset your mind and recharge.
It’s fascinating how the things we love outside of work often have an uncanny way of making us better at what we do inside of it.
Why You Should Give These Hobbies a Try!
Ever thought about trying something new but held back? Your colleagues have some inspiring recommendations that might just convince you to dive in!
Journalling is a favourite among many. It’s a simple yet powerful way to clear your mind and spark creativity. I would definitely like to give this a try. I believe there’s something truly grounding about writing down your thoughts.
If you’re looking for energy and fun, dance and singing are unbeatable. For the adventurers, trekking is highly recommended. And who doesn’t aspire to travel? I think that’s one bandwagon all of us would be keen to jump on!
And for those seeking calm, cooking is therapeutic. As one of our colleagues shared, “It calms your nerves and at the same time empowers you in a very literal sense by not having to depend on others for sustenance.” Calming and empowering? Sign me up!
Hobbies like these can really be transformative. So why not try one? You might just surprise yourself!
What We’re Eyeing for 2025
As we look to the year ahead, many of us are excited to try something new. Some plan to dive into creative pursuits like learning a musical instrument, making short films, or even experimenting with voiceovers. On the physical side, trekking, swimming, running marathons, and paragliding top the list of aspirations. I think it’s safe to say everyone’s planning to step out of their comfort zones, and find a new comfort zone! And may I say I’m totally down for this?!
Let’s Make Time For Hobbies
Let this National Hobby Month serve as a reminder that there’s more to life than work. Hobbies give us joy, a sense of purpose, and often, invaluable skills we never expected to gain. Whether it’s picking up a racket, a pen, or a camera, or trying something entirely new, there’s no better time than now to explore what truly excites you.
Here’s to finding inspiration in our passions and building a vibrant, multifaceted team that continues to thrive both inside and outside the office. What’s your next hobby going to be?
