Why Hobbies Matter: The Mental Health Benefits of Making Time for What You Love

When productivity can provide a sense of accomplishment, constantly feeling the need to do something deemed “important” by others can leave people feeling mentally and emotionally drained. While the word “lazy” is often stigmatized, finding time to ourselves can be one of the healthiest things to do.

In the midst of busy schedules, work responsibilities, daily chores, or whatever tasks may have on our plate, hobbies are often the first thing people choose to push to the side. Many people see hobbies as a luxury or nonessential – something that we are only allowed to enjoy if every other task we have is finished. But why is this? Why do people feel pressure to neglect the things they find enjoyable? In reality, making time for hobbies is more than just a way to pass time. Hobbies can play a crucial role in reducing stress and improving overall health and well-being.

A hobby can be defined as something a person does purely for enjoyment. For example, some hobbies can include:

• Physical activities

  • Kayaking

  • Cycling

  • Taking long walks

• Creative activities

  • Bedazzling

  • Photography

  • Making music

  • Crocheting

  • Pottery

• Indoor home activities

  • Cooking

  • Watching movies

  • Reading

  • Self-care

    • Taking a hot bath

    • Meditation

• Public activities

  • Trying new restaurants

  • Visiting parks

  • Ranking coffee shops

A hobby provides an opportunity to step away from work deadlines and life obligations, whatever they may be. Hobbies can be used as an outlet and place to relieve anxieties through focusing on something meaningful. This is not to say that work or school, for example, are not meaningful, but rather that there can and should be a balance between something we have to do and something we want to do. 

A great strength of hobbies is their ability to help reduce stress. When we are deeply engaged in something we enjoy doing, it is easy to get lost in the activity, reaching what is commonly referred to on social media as a “flow state.” Our attention shifts away from the hundreds of ideas bouncing in our head towards the present moment. Spending just 20 minutes on a favorite activity can help people to reset after a demanding day.

Hobbies can also help to strengthen our sense of self and help define who we are. It is easy for people to feel obligated to see themselves as just an extension of their career, achievements, political views, or responsibilities. However, what makes each person truly unique is the things we choose to spend our time immersing ourselves in, separate from our obligations. If 20 people work in the same office, are they all the same person? No! They each have unique personalities and interests they choose to pursue, reminding us that we are all complex individuals with a variety of passions and talents. Understanding this broader depth within each of us can contribute to higher self-esteem and lead to a person feeling more fulfilled with their life.

Many hobbies can also foster social connections. Joining a book club, taking an art class, or participating in an intramural sports league can all help to build relationships through forced proximity and shared interests. These group activities, whether they require teamwork or parallel play, can create a feeling of belonging and connection, positively impacting peoples’ mental health.

A hobby is not something that should ever feel taxing. It should not be an activity to feel burdened by or feel that a large amount of time has to be set aside for.

A hobby can be enjoyed for any amount of time, whether that be for five minutes or five hours. Instead of taking a break to scroll on Tik Tok for ten minutes during a break, make a list of restaurants to try or find exciting recipes to try. By making space for activities that bring us joy, we are making space for our emotional well-being and happiness.