Because having fun is important for grown-ups, too!
Between work, family responsibilities, and mounting to-do lists, where do we find the time for hobbies?
But what if we told you that hobbies in adulthood arent only possible to maintain, theyreessential?
Natalia Lebedinskaia / Getty Images
With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming!
Here are several possible choices.
They also allow us to get some fresh air and sunshine.
Creative Hobbies
Creativity can do wonders for the mind.
you’re free to even learn to play an instrument or join a theater class.
The options are endless!
Community-Based Hobbies
Theres power in community and bonding over a common cause.
a book club, or look into interest-based Meetup groups.
A deep appreciation for grinding your own coffee beans in the morning?
We can turn collections or our favorite food-related routines into their own hobbies.
These might include coding, graphic design, and cooking certain recipes.
City vs. Its important to start slow and manage our expectations.
Alexandra Stratyner, a Manhattan-based psychologist, we can start by buddying up.
Dr. Stratyner also reminds us to, above all else, have fun.
Hobbies are meant to be fun and stress-relieving.
Focusing solely on achievement can make a hobby feel more like a task or obligation than an enjoyable escape.
Hobbies are meant to be fun and stress-relieving.
Focusing solely on achievement can make a hobby feel more like a task or obligation than an enjoyable escape.
Check in with yourself regularly to ensure what youre engaging in is truly enjoyable for you.
If not, its okay to abandon it and try something else.
There are plenty of options out there, its a matter of finding a good fit!
What Doesnt Count as a Hobby?
It seems like so many things count as hobbies.
So, whatdoesntcount as one?
dont fall into the scope of hobbies.
Why Do Hobbies Matter?
LaGrave says Now, more than ever, hobbies play a vital role in maintaining our mental health.
This is both due to unprecedented levels of mental health issues, burnout, and loneliness.
A 2022 review inLancet Psychiatryfound that leisure-based activities had several notable effects on adults well-being.
Such benefits include the development of resilience, adoption of healthier behaviors, and formation of social support networks.
Bottom Line
Hobbies can be a helpful outlet throughout all stages of our lives.
With myriad potential activities to choose from, hobbies can be intellectually stimulating while safeguarding our overall well-being.
Pick one today and get started!
You never know where this new endeavor may lead.
Tan CY, Chuah CQ, Lee ST, Tan CS.
Being Creative Makes You Happier: The Positive Effect of Creativity on Subjective Well-Being.Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2021;18(14):7244.
2020;15(1):e0227799.
Published 2020 Jan 17. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227799
Fancourt D, Aughterson H, Finn S, Walker E, Steptoe A.
2021 Apr;8(4):e12.
doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00069-9].Lancet Psychiatry.
2021;8(4):329-339. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30384-9
