What do you do in your spare time? In this article I’m exploring 10 reasons to find a hobby you enjoy and why it’s good for you in so many ways.
WHY HAVING A HOBBY IS GOOD FOR YOU
In our fast-paced, “always-on” world, it can be easy to overlook hobbies. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, finding time for a hobby might feel like a luxury or even a waste of time. But having a hobby can actually be life-changing! Whether it’s painting, gardening, knitting, or hiking, doing something just for the joy of it has incredible benefits for our mental, emotional, and even physical health.
Over the years I’ve had several hobbies and I’ve always tried to make time for them even when life is busy because I know how important it is to find something you enjoy. Reading, sewing, playing the piano, Yoga, gardening, this blog – have all been hobbies of mine throughout the years.
That doesn’t mean I spend hours each week on my hobbies, even just 10 minutes each day or two, or an hour on a Sunday, can sometimes be all the time I have available. But, the point about a hobby is that it comes without pressure, without the need for feeling like you’re being productive. For the extra pressure that it’s yet another thing for your To Do list, or that you have to reach a certain level of aptitude or proficiency to be “good” at your hobby.
A hobby is there for you to simply enjoy, to relax with, to switch off from your day-to-day and there are plenty more benefits too which we’ll explore in this article.
10 IMPORTANT REASONS TO FIND A HOBBY YOU ENJOY
If you’ve been putting off finding a hobby or letting your favourite pastimes slip, here are some great reasons why it’s worth carving out time to bring hobbies back into your life. It’s not about filling more time but about living more intentionally, and prioritising the things that matter most.
1. Hobbies Relieve Stress and Improve Mental Health
Life can be full of demands, deadlines, and responsibilities that pile up and leave us feeling worn out. Hobbies are like a breath of fresh air – they give us a break from our busy schedules and help us unwind. When you’re focused on something you enjoy, like drawing or cooking, your mind gets a chance to relax, shifting away from everyday stressors.
Research has shown that engaging in a hobby can reduce anxiety and stress and improve overall mental health and brain function. It’s like hitting a reset button for your brain. Even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, doing something you love reminds you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy life in the moment.
2. Hobbies Encourage Mindfulness
Hobbies can help us stay in the present moment. Whether it’s taking time to plant seeds in the garden or losing yourself in a good book, a hobby brings your mind back to “right now” instead of racing ahead or dwelling on the past. This is the essence of mindfulness – focusing fully on the moment you’re in.
Being present has loads of benefits for our mental health. It calms the mind, reduces stress, and helps us appreciate the small joys in life. Think of your hobby time as a chance to simply “be,” without worry or pressure. It’s a beautiful, refreshing experience, especially as most of us don’t find time to just be present in the moment instead of thinking of and rushing to that next thing on our To Do list, that can carry over into the rest of your day.
3. Hobbies Boost Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
When we’re young, we’re encouraged to be creative and imaginative. But as adults, we often lose touch with that side of ourselves. Hobbies, especially creative ones like writing, painting, or playing music, allow us to tap into our natural creativity and imagination.
These creative hobbies don’t just make us better artists or musicians – they also help us become better problem solvers. When we engage in a hobby, our brains are challenged in new ways, which can improve our thinking skills. You might find yourself coming up with fresh ideas at work or finding new ways to approach challenges in daily life, all thanks to a regular creative outlet.
4. Hobbies Give a Sense of Purpose and Achievement
In a world that often values productivity over everything else, a hobby gives us a different kind of satisfaction. It’s not about achieving something for work or anyone else; it’s about achieving something for ourselves. Whether it’s finishing a knitting project, cooking a delicious meal, or learning a new tune on the guitar, hobbies give us a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
This feeling of achievement doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Even small victories add up and remind us that we’re capable of creating and learning. It’s empowering, and it’s great for building confidence.
5. Hobbies Are a Form of Self-Care
Self-care is about taking time to nurture yourself, and hobbies are an excellent way to do that. Unlike other daily tasks, hobbies are something you choose to do purely for enjoyment. This “me time” is crucial for balancing out life’s demands and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.
When you’re engaged in a hobby, you’re taking time to focus on yourself and what makes you happy. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. Hobbies remind us to put ourselves first, even just for a little while, which is something we all need more of.
6. Hobbies Build Resilience and Patience
Hobbies, especially those that involve learning a new skill or craft, naturally require time, effort, and practice. Whether you’re working on a long-term project like knitting a blanket, learning to play a new instrument, or growing a garden, hobbies teach us patience and resilience.
There will be times you mess up or things don’t go as planned, but that’s all part of the experience. Over time, these small challenges help us build patience and resilience, which are invaluable in other areas of life. You learn that things don’t have to be perfect and that it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s a powerful lesson that can make you more adaptable and flexible in everything you do.
7. Hobbies Help You Connect with Like-Minded People
Many hobbies have communities of people who share your interests. Whether it’s joining a local book club, taking a cooking class, or finding an online origami group, hobbies are a wonderful way to meet new people and make friends. These connections can bring a lot of joy and support into your life. Perhaps this is even more important now as so many people are experiencing loneliness and disconnect from the outside world.
Socialising through hobbies also feels more meaningful because it’s built on shared interests. Plus, the friendships you build through hobbies are often less stressful than work or family relationships, as they’re based around something you both enjoy.
8. Hobbies Can Improve Physical Health
Some hobbies, like hiking, cycling, gardening, or dancing, naturally get us moving and help improve physical health. Physical hobbies don’t have to be intense workouts; even gentle activities, like walking in nature, boost mood and reduce stress.
Engaging in a physical hobby keeps you active without the pressure of “exercise” and provides the added benefits of fresh air, sunlight, and sometimes even social interaction. Hobbies that involve movement are great for both your body and mind, making it a win-win situation.
9. Hobbies Help You Disconnect and Recharge
Our lives are filled with screens – computers, smartphones, TVs – and the constant need to stay connected. Hobbies give us a break from this. When you’re painting, reading, gardening, or playing music, you’re focused on something other than your devices. It’s an ideal way to unplug, even if just for a little while.
This break from technology helps you recharge mentally and emotionally, especially if you choose a hobby that’s hands-on or outdoors. You’ll come back to your daily tasks with a clearer mind and a fresh perspective.
10. Hobbies Remind Us That Life Is About Enjoyment, Not Just Work
It’s easy to get caught up in work and other responsibilities, thinking they’re what makes life meaningful. But hobbies remind us that life is also about enjoyment, curiosity, and creativity. They give us a chance to explore our interests, try new things, and experience simple pleasures.
When you make time for a hobby, you’re making time to enjoy life for its own sake. This shift in mindset can make your days feel richer and more fulfilling, reminding you that there’s more to life than ticking things off a To Do list.
HOW TO FIND A HOBBY THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! Finding a hobby is about exploring your interests and seeing what brings you joy. Here are a few tips to help you find a hobby you’ll love:
- Think about what excites you: Reflect on what you enjoyed as a child or things you’re naturally drawn to now, like music, nature, or art.
- Try a few different things: Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn’t feel quite right. Trying out different hobbies can be fun in itself. You might discover a new passion you hadn’t expected.
- Keep it simple and pressure-free: A hobby doesn’t have to be expensive or impressive; it just needs to be something you enjoy. Start small and remember it’s okay to do something just for fun.
- Allow yourself to be a beginner: No one is great at something the first time they try it, so give yourself permission to learn and grow. The point is to enjoy the process, not to be perfect.
EMBRACE THE JOY OF HAVING A HOBBY
As you can see, there are some great reasons to find a hobby you enjoy. Hobbies aren’t just “extra” activities; they’re part of a balanced, joyful life. They bring meaning, relaxation, and even adventure to our daily routines. So, if you’ve been thinking about taking up a hobby or reconnecting with one you used to love, consider this your gentle nudge to go for it.
Remember, hobbies are for you and no one else. They’re a way to celebrate your interests, nurture your mental health, and add a bit of joy and creativity to your days. Life is busy enough as it is – having a hobby can be your little sanctuary, a reminder that you’re allowed to have fun and follow your passions.
So why not give it a go? Find something you enjoy, make a little time for it, and see how it feels. You deserve the happiness and peace that comes with doing something purely for yourself and enjoying a life with more happiness and filled with the things that truly matter!
Here are some more articles you might enjoy about making time and space for you to do things you enjoy…
- How Minimalism Helps Personal Growth
- 9 Ways Minimalism Boosts Creativity and Fun
- Decluttering Craft Supplies for Creativity and Joy
- How to Make Time for What Matters Most: 8 Practical Tips
- How To Slow Down: 16 Tips To Help You Enjoy Life More
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, helping busy people declutter, simplify and live more intentionally. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, gardening or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Read more about Antonia.