Hobbies - Good For Your Mental Health
Spending time doing activities that bring you pleasure is one of the simplest yet most disregarded methods to nurture your mental health. Like a lot of people in today’s world, my husband is one of those people that feels like there is always more to do; that their to-do list is bottomless; that it will never be completed. This causes a great deal of stress. This is why I’m often reminding him to take time for himself and to pursue one of his many hobbies. If your daily routine seems endless with tasks, you too might find it beneficial to take a break, not by adding more tasks, but by engaging in activities that bring you joy. Taking part in a hobby shouldn’t be just another checkbox on your list, but rather a delightful escape tailored to you. For my husband (and myself), this might mean doing something as special as traveling to a foreign country, or something as simple as working on a puzzle, trying out a new recipe, learning a new language, crafting, building with Legos, taking pictures, or hiking.
Something magical happens when your body is busy and your mind is allowed to wander. Maybe you’re doodling on a piece of scrap paper, knitting a sweater, chopping vegetables, or turning a pile of Lego bricks into something fun and recognizable. Whatever it is, it might not look like therapy to you, but your brain definitely feels the therapeutic benefit of these “mindless” repetitive tasks. Turns out, we do some of our best emotional untangling when we’re not trying so hard. Even the simplest things—like messy sketches or repetitive crafts—can help your mind hit the reset button, ease stress, and spark a little feel-good brain rewiring along the way.
A research article in “Nature Medicine” from 2023 examined over 93,000 individuals. It was conducted over a period of four to eight years. A majority of the participants had existing physical or mental health issues. These individuals were regularly asked to fill out surveys concerning their health and general state of being. A consistent trend emerged. They found that those individuals engaging in hobbies consistently reported improved health, increased happiness, reduced signs of depression, and enhanced life satisfaction compared to those who did not participate in such activities. While the investigation was purely observational and cannot establish a causal relationship between hobbies and better health, the researchers propose that pursuits like gardening, artistic endeavors, gaming, volunteering, or community involvement share characteristics that promote overall well-being. These pastimes stimulate creativity, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive engagement. Moreover, they facilitate social interactions, which play a pivotal role in diminishing feelings of loneliness and seclusion. For some, these hobbies might provide a sense of purpose. These are essential factors for long-term psychological and emotional well-being.
The Psychological Benefits of Hobbies
Engaging in activities that you find enjoyable allows your mind to unwind and reset. Hands-on pursuits, such as sketching, baking, or carpentry, aid in quieting racing thoughts and triggering the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. You do not need to be an expert to reap the rewards; simply engaging in the activity is sufficient. Physical hobbies like hiking, dancing, or tending to a garden keep your body in motion without the rigidity of a structured exercise regimen. Mental hobbies, such as solving puzzles or learning a new language, keep your mind inquisitive and alert. Creative endeavors like writing, painting, or making music enable you to express yourself when words fall short. Even small pleasures like nurturing plants, creating playlists, or baking treats can bring solace and rhythm to your week.
Choosing a Hobby
A genuine hobby is something you do regularly and find absorbing, not merely a way to fill time. Select an activity that aligns with your lifestyle and feels manageable. Ideally, it should be something that you can do year-round. It does not have to be costly or time-intensive. Whether it is sketching, cycling, baking, or gardening, begin with what you are passionate about and what resources you already possess. Most of us spend far too much time on our phones and computers, so I would challenge you to make your hobby something that doesn’t involve staring at a screen. If you are uncertain where to start, reflect on past instances that brought a smile to your face. Then, identify one or two activities that you can realistically incorporate into your weekly schedule. Even devoting fifteen minutes is beneficial. Keep it free from distractions, pressure, and solely for your enjoyment.
Protect Your Hobby Time
Hobbies are beneficial only when they remain enjoyable. Treat your hobby time as a personal commitment to yourself— an integral aspect of self-care. Inform your loved ones that this time is reserved for recharging. Avoid turning it into yet another obligation or a side business unless it genuinely excites you. The objective is to derive joy, not productivity.
Conclusion
Hobbies serve as a reminder that we are more than our obligations. They foster self-assurance, alleviate stress, and provide a sense of purpose beyond work or home responsibilities. For parents, engaging in hobbies also sets a positive example of balance and self-care for children, demonstrating that adults also deserve moments of enjoyment. It can also serve as a way of introducing something you love to friends and family. Many of us have fond memories of someone special, often a parent or grandparent, introducing us to our first hobby. Now imagine passing that same joy on to someone else. Sharing your hobby with others is also a terrific way of making new friends with other like-minded people. Your hobby does not have to become something that you must work at and become great at it. What matters is finding an activity that enriches your life, making it more vibrant, kinder, and fulfilling; something that is uniquely yours. So, go ahead and pick up that sketchpad, paintbrush, gardening tool, or camera. You will be shocked by how quick and effective it can be at lessening not only stress, but also anxiety and depression. Sometimes the most effective therapy is the one accompanied by laughter and abundant joy. Enjoy!
