Rediscovering the Joy (and Importance) of Hobbies as an Adult

Are you feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed at work? 

You need a hobby. If you’ve already got one, you probably need another. 

Let me explain… 

A hobby is something you do in your spare time because you enjoy it. Hobbies provide a much-needed break from work and life pressures and, according to studies, significantly boost your health and wellbeing. 

But here’s the thing: many adults don’t have hobbies because they’re too busy. 

If that sounds like you, you’re the person who could benefit most from picking up a new pastime.

The Benefits of Having a Hobby

Here are some of the many benefits of hobbies:

• Mental Health Boost: Hobbies can act as a stress reliever, helping to clear the mind and provide a mental break.

• Physical Wellbeing: Hobbies can improve physical health without feeling like a chore.

• Social Connections: Hobbies can bring people together through group activities or shared interests, helping build a sense of community.

• Creative Outlet: Creative hobbies can reignite a sense of awe and achievement, offering something tangible and satisfying.

Why Adults Struggle to Maintain Hobbies

Life is busy. You might have a pressured job, a young family, caring responsibilities, or ageing parents—you might be managing all these things and more. Modern life leaves little room for leisure activities—hobbies feel like a luxury you’ll do “one day.”

There’s also the guilt. How can you prioritise doing your hobby when there is so much else to be done? Doing hobbies isn’t exactly “productive”, now, is it?

We need to reframe the purpose and importance of having hobbies as an adult. 

Hobbies do contribute to your overall productivity by helping you relax and switch off. You will always be more productive when you are well-rested. Hobbies help you learn new, transferrable skills, create connections, and ultimately become a better, more interesting human!

Hobbies are essential, and we all know that we make time for the important things in our lives (as evidenced by our screentime!).

The best way to make time for a hobby is to start small—perhaps just 10 minutes daily. It could be as straightforward as reading a few pages of a book, going for a short walk, or picking up a creative project you’ve put aside. The key is consistency, not the amount of time. Gradually, you can build these moments into your routine, making them a natural part of your day rather than an added task. Small, regular engagement with something you enjoy can quickly rekindle your passion and lead to a bigger commitment when time allows.

Finding Your Perfect Hobby

So, where should you start? How can you find your perfect hobby? 

An excellent place to start is your childhood. What did you enjoy? What have you always been curious about? Be willing to experiment—try many different hobbies until you find something that sticks. Also, take inspiration from others. Ask your friends and family what their hobbies are and spark new ideas—this has worked well for me and led me to a joyful, if expensive, LEGO habit. 

My Hobbies and What They Mean to Me

My hobbies tend to be creative and physical rather than social (this fits my personality type—INTJ, if you are curious! ).

I enjoy handmade crafts (particularly embroidery and yarn-based crafts like knitting and weaving). Lifelong learning matters to me, and I love learning new creative skills, even when they don’t come naturally (for example, I’ve been trying to master the ukulele for years). 

In a podcast episode, I reflected on how, in the past, I’ve turned hobbies into work. I actively avoid this now, recognising the value of doing things for pure enjoyment rather than profit. 

As a child, I was not fond of sports and actively avoided physical activity. These days, I run, lift weights, and Nordic walk. I finally found joy in exercising in my forties, and the impact on my physical and mental health has been enormous.

My hobbies make me a better, healthier, happier person at work and at home.

Two of my favourite embroidery projects.

Final Thoughts

Hobbies aren’t just for kids, and they’re more than just a way to pass the time. The impact they can have on your wellbeing is enormous. Whether rekindling an old passion or trying something entirely new, dedicating even 10 minutes a day to a hobby can make a significant difference in your life.

So, what’s stopping you? Take a moment today to rediscover an old hobby or explore a new one. You might be surprised by how much joy and balance it brings.

I’d love to hear what hobbies you enjoy or what you’re thinking of trying. Share your thoughts with me.

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