Screen work can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to find ways to recover and balance daily life. This also helps alleviate the strain on the brain. In this blog post, I will talk about the various hobbies of our colleagues at Koud that help them recover after work and offer opportunities to relax and recharge. Many of our coffee discussions turn to these topics, and experiences from various trials and moments are shared. On our tyky days, we also try out different hobbies and forms of exercise, as you may have already noticed from our blog. Perhaps you’ll find a new, worthwhile recovery activity from our list to brighten your daily routine!
Letting Creativity Flow
Making things by hand and following the process from start to finish brings pleasure and calms the mind. When doing information-intensive work, it’s nice to have physical materials to handle and mold into something new. Knitting and various crafts are an excellent way to relax and create something tangible. These techniques also offer opportunities for progress as skills develop, and for example to knitting you can bring more challenge by trying out more complicated patterns, keeping the brain active.
Painting and constructing miniatures are creative hobbies that also provide a tangible, three-dimensional result. Painting and building help to focus and clear the mind. At the same time, they provide an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment of the creative process. Among our team, we have Warhammer, Gundam, and Lego hobbyists. Miniature painting has been aptly described as being like making a 3D coloring book. Late last year, we brought a couple of glass display cabinets to our office, where Koud members have been able to showcase their creations. These have been admired not only by colleagues but also by visitors and clients.
Engaging in music, such as composing and playing instruments, also offers an opportunity to focus and express oneself creatively. We have several people in our team interested in different forms of art, including drawing and photography. We’ve also had a chance to experiment with these in collaborative projects, such as the guided perler bead workshop and the Finnish Game Jams. Our 2024 jam game includes compositions created for the game and hand-drawn and painted elements.
Many of our jobs don’t leave physical marks, so hobbies like these give the opportunity to experience that kind of creative output.
Strategy and Fun
Gaming is a popular way to relax in our programming house. Console and PC games are played depending on the mood – some games relax, some bring nostalgia, and some activate the brain. Some of the most played games at the moment include strategy, RPG worlds, action, horror and cozy gaming. Often, a certain game becomes particularly relevant within the company, and it’s then discussed during breaks and in the free time.
Board games, on the other hand, provide a social aspect and an opportunity to lose track of time. While playing, you can fully focus on the game and the people present, forgetting about work matters. We regularly organize game nights at the office a couple of times a month. Our office also has its own game cabinet, filled with both card-based games and longer, strategic ones. Among card games, Magic the Gathering (MTG) is a favorite for many, both in terms of collecting and playing. One of our coders has a collection of about 33,000 cards!
Movement alone, together or with animal Friends
Exercise is an important counterbalance to screen work. Swimming, water aerobics, and water running are excellent forms of exercise that relax and refresh. Water provides resistance while also soothing the body, making swimming a pleasant way to move. Kendo, jodo, and iaido are martial arts where rhythm, rules and dialogue are central. They develop both mentally and physically, improve concentration and bring peace of mind.
Spending time with animals is relaxing for many. Walking the dog and horseback riding offer the chance to get outdoors and enjoy nature. They also provide physical exercise. Many of us have pets that are family members and create routines in daily life.
Although downhill skiing is not an everyday hobby, it offers an opportunity to disconnect from daily life and enjoy the thrill of speed. Skiing is comparable to cycling – you can quickly relearn it, even after a break.
Thirst for Knowledge
Many of us enjoy learning new things and developing ourselves. Leisure-time studying can range from baking to genetics, and it offers an opportunity to delve into topics of personal interest. Sharing knowledge and teaching others is also truly inspiring and rewarding. Many of us are interested in different languages, whether they are coded or spoken.
These hobbies can help you find balance in your daily life and recover after screen work. Try out new things and find the relaxation and rejuvenation methods that work best for you!
