Ok, I get this might sound silly, but understanding the art of hobbies can help us understand the expectations and philosophy behind them. Webster’s Dictionary defines a hobby as “a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation, especially for relaxation.” There are no expectations and you can do whatever makes you happy.
Hobbies Have Healing Powers
A 2019 study reviewed the effects of long working hours on working-aged people in Shanghai. Researchers from the study found that “long working hours are implicated in anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and worsened emotional well-being” (Li et al., 2009). The study found that employees with hobbies had higher mental well-being.
So many of us feel overworked in our labor-focused society. You don’t have the energy to even make dinner for yourself. And I haven’t even mentioned those of us with families to care for! So how can you possibly bring a hobby into the mix? Now here in lies the tough part. A hobby will require self-motivation and perseverance. It takes convincing yourself that you come first.
My Personal Journey
Story time. I’ve always loved creating and adventure. Whether it was music, art, hiking, or writing, I wanted to do it all. Becoming a full-time primary teacher at 27, I struggled to achieve a work-life balance. I would come home drained from work, falling asleep in my parked car before I even touched the front doorknob. My very patient husband would cook dinner, massage my aching body, and tell me everything would be okay (even though I never believed him). Hobbies weren't a priority.
Then, the pandemic hit. My living room became my classroom, and the cabin fever set in. Like billions of people, the line between when I clocked into my job and clocked out became blurred. I had to push myself back into the things I loved and get some therapy for my crippling anxiety to stay afloat. The extra time at home and therapy doing what it does best allowed me to regain the happiness and wonder that I had as a kid. Hobbies didn’t cure all my troubles, but exercising my mind and body again felt meditative and therapeutic. When I returned to in-person teaching, I uncovered many things about myself. My new objectives were to make time for my passions and change careers.
Not everyone can quit a job they dislike, but welcoming hobbies into your life can help balance work and life.
Searching for the Right Pair of Shoes A.K.A . Hobbies
Think of finding your perfect hobby/hobbies, like shopping for a new pair of shoes. Some shoes won’t fit. There will be shoes you may love but are out of your price range. Others won’t be your style. But there is something for everyone, otherwise, we’d be walking around town barefoot!
Let’s look at 3 categories of hobbies:
1. Physical hobbies: These range from meditative to exhilarating depending on how daring you wish to be. Your body will gain strength and coordination. The skill levels will range from beginner to advanced, depending on the activity and your previous experience.
Examples: Yoga, Hiking, Weight-Lifting, Dancing, Rock climbing, Sports
2. Creative hobbies: These will require learning different techniques and opening your mind creatively. If you enjoy tactile activities, these hobbies are perfect for you. As a beginner, building your skills in these hobbies will take time and persistence.
Examples: Painting, Drawing, Pottery, Playing an instrument, Sewing, Crocheting, Scrapbooking
3. Cognitively-oriented hobbies: These hobbies are very approachable at any skill level. They will strengthen your mind and are usually very meditative.
Examples: Reading, Writing, Puzzles, Video Games, Board Games, Gardening, Cooking
Most hobbies can be social or independent depending on your desire. Some hobbies are virtually free of any cost and some will have an initial hefty price tag or get pricey the deeper you get into them.
There is a difference between finding the perfect shoes and finding the perfect hobby. The former will give you a temporary endorphin rush, but the latter is worth its weight in gold. Hobbies will provide relaxation, and increase your skill and passion for a new activity.
It's also important to note that finding hobbies to hit all three categories will give your mind, body, and soul balance and happiness. But, if that sounds overwhelming, start with one!
It'll take some time to find the right fit but there are some ways to speed up the process of shopping around.
Useful Questions to Guide You
Will I use this hobby as an opportunity for socializing or me-time?
For the solo hobbyist, there are online communities, videos, books, etc. that are right at your fingertips. This makes it easy for the introvert or person in need of alone time to DIY their hobby. Social butterflies or people looking for new friends can find hobbies that have established communities. You can even start your own community, like a book club, sports meet-up, or game night.
Does this hobby fit my lifestyle?
Your lifestyle can act as a compass for finding a suitable hobby. Maybe you’ve got an active lifestyle and you’re always go, go, go. You may want a hobby that is more physical to match your energy, or maybe you want a cognitive-oriented hobby to give your body a rest. Maybe you’ve got a creative mind. You will love the expressive and imaginative nature of creative hobbies.
Does this hobby pique my pique my interest?
See the previous shoe analogy.
Can I afford this hobby? If not, what are some alternative entry points?
Sometimes hobbies are out of your price range but never fear! Libraries, Resell sites, or members of a community can help offset the cost of your new passion.
The Journey Begins Here
You will no doubt find hobbies that fit your interests and lifestyle. Remember that hobbies will give you meaning, purpose, and happiness outside of your 9-5. They will allow you to socialize or give you some much-needed me time.
I will give you the tips and tricks to find your perfect hobby and the time and confidence to stick with it. Follow my blog for all my secrets!
And remember…
Your job does not define you and YOU CAN find a hobby that will add zest to your life.
Great read! For me personally, getting back into my old hobbies and picking up new ones has been great for my mental health. We put so much focus around our careers it can blind us from so many joys in life. Playing guitar again and making progress for instance has been incredibly therapeutic.
rock on :)