Knowledge is not restricted to books and not all life lessons can be learnt at school. Whether you're a six-year-old looking to master the basics of karate or a sixty-year-old interested in learning about yoga and meditation, learning is a part of life at every stage. Age is no barrier when it comes to learning, and it’s the inner passion that drives you. Extra-curricular activities helps us learn about ourselves and develop, use these skills and knowledge in different contexts.  

Non-Academic Learning is as important in an individual's life. Whether it's trying your hand at health and training, perfecting the abilities of check-mate moves or pursuing your dream of becoming a singer or dancer, every extra-curricular activity has its own set of benefits and plays an important role in our daily life.

What falls outside the realm of the normal curriculum of school, college or university education; extra-curricular activities helps one enhance and develop a range of skills, personal qualities and experience while you enjoy it. There are endless possibilities to explore outside the confines of traditional education.

Instils life lessons

Hours spent practising a sport or mastering an instrument are frequently regarded as a mere hobby, but they instil personality traits and skills which help them across all walks of life. These activities assist in understanding and eventually developing their personalities, making it easier for one to adapt in varied situations in life. 

Hone social skills and develop social circles

Indulging in activities helps us bond with many others sharing similar interests. This also gives an opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and develop friendships that last a lifetime. Moreover, communication is a vital asset in an individual’s life and extra-curricular activities helps to improve social skills and discover more about yourself. Knowing your strengths and flaws allows you to improve on yourself. It also aids in the development of self-confidence. People involved in social activities develop social skills that help them make better relationships than those who have never been involved.

Time management

Ensuring you do something you enjoy despite having a hectic schedule – definitely helps you manage your time better. Making time for their passion and indulging in an activity of choice be it sports, arts, gardening etc - will help one learn time management skills and be more efficient as working professionals. 

Self-esteem and boosts confidence

When one starts to perform well in areas apart from education and work – it positively impacts ones self-esteem. For instance, if you achieve win a game of chess, which is an extracurricular activity, you perceive it as a result of your hard effort and this will eventually trickle down to all other aspects of your life. 

Teamwork

Being able to work with others is a very important life skill. Being a team player is usually acquired if you’re a part of a sports team or any activity which has more than two individuals. Some may argue that too many people get injured in certain sports, but getting hurt is a part of life, not just sports and one should not let this one negative thought prevent from reaping the several other benefits of extracurricular activities.

It’s pertinent to encourage children to partake in extra-curricular activities; however they are not limited to just children. One can take up a new hobby at any age and helps explore the deeper insights in one’s life. You build long-lasting friendships and connections, meet people from diverse backgrounds and gain transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, problem solving and time management as a result of extra-curricular activities.