A great new trend is beginning to form in forward thinking companies in an effort to tackle stress at work head on.  Several independent studies showed when people followed another passion other than work that they were more focused, handled work pressure better, were more balanced and had less time off sick.  This was first targeted by several H.R. Departments looking for strategies to reduce stress related illnesses in the workplace. They discovered by encouraging people to have a secondary focus other than work not only improved productivity but also gave their workers a way of venting stress.

It’s understandable when you understand the concept of a hobby as a relaxation technique.  With so much pressure everyday to perform and with work related stress on the rise it can be really hard to switch off at the end of each day. A hobby helps you to take your mind elsewhere, where you can focus on something different for a while.  There are many different hobbies you can try from dancing to writing in a journal.  The key is in finding one that you feel passion for.  Combined with other strategies like stress relief CD’s, relaxation breathing techniques and stress relaxation techniques will ensure you will have a happy less stressful lifestyle.