A HOBBY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4754, 22 September 1924, Page 2

A HOBBY.

TO REST THE BRAIN. ADVANTAGE OF VARIETY. (By Louisa E. Bisel, M.D., Ph.D.) No man living can keep his “nose to the grindstone” day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year—and no woman either —without getting rusty. What I mean is you can't stick to the same thing and get the best out of it —as well| as out of yourself—unless you vary the monotony by taking an interest other things. The brain is a wonderful machine, and it is the controlling organ of the entire body. It’s made up of very sensitive nerve eelfe and fibres, and each one of them has a special job to perform. In fact, certain parts of the brain are given over to certain specialised functions. For instance, the group of nerves that have to do do with sight are situated at the back of the brain, those whose speciality is speech are located on the left side, above and in front of the ear. Tn a similar way, when a person does a certain kind of work, it is probable that certain brain cells are set apart for the specific .purpose. It stands to reason that there is a greater strain on this group than on auy other, and, therefore, these particular nerves are more likely to break down from exhaustion than any of the others not used so continuously. Although in many ways the brain is a veiy tough organ, can withstand many abuses and is able to reinvigorate itself quickly, it certainly has its limitations. Like every other machine,- it requires rest for repairs every once in a while. The best way to keep your brain going at topmost efficiency is to use other brain cells as often as possible. And tire very best method of using a variety of nerves is to do things that will interest you, that are quite different from your daily routine, and that will give you pleasure. That’s why the cultivation of a hobby is so tremendously valuable. And be sure you pursue your hobby for the fun of it, and nothing else. If. you let practical, remunerative, or commercial considerations influence - your choice you defeat the very objects at which you are aiming; variety, relaxation, recreation, and pure, sheer, unalloyed joy! . Ride a hobby ; but, of course, don’t ride it to death!