Leer en español
Ler em português
Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here.
How much time do you spend on your hobbies? Odds are, it’s not as much time as you’d like. When life gets busy, our hobbies are one of the first things to go out the window. But research shows that taking part in leisure activities can actually have a positive impact on our overall happiness and health. Ascend editor, Kelsey Alpaio, puts this research to the test by trying out four new hobbies: hiking, cooking, journaling, and coloring. Follow along to find out which hobby worked best for her — and which might work for you.
Transcript
Hobbies. They’re often one of the first things to go out the window when life gets busy, but they shouldn’t be. We need to prioritize our hobbies just as much as we prioritize work, because hobbies — they make us better people.
One study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine suggests that people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed. The study even found that our heart rates are literally lower when we engage in our hobbies. So over the last few weeks, I followed the science, and I tried out four new hobbies that are supposed to make me a better, more creative, and happier person.
Hiking: I got eaten alive.
Cooking: I just spilt all of this flour.
Journaling: I think I’m just in like a really bad mood this morning.
Coloring: My thoughts kind of started screaming at me to try and do something else.
But did it actually work? And will it work for you? Let’s find out.
If you want to be less stressed, try hiking.
I just got done with work and I drove to this trail that’s right near my apartment. I’m going to go for a short hike and just see how that makes me feel after a long workday.
Apparently, there are a lot of benefits to hiking or even just like walking around your neighborhood. According to the CDC, going for a walk can help improve your sleep, your thinking, your learning, all while reducing your symptoms of stress and anxiety.
All right, I’m back in my car. I just finished my hike. And I feel really, really good. Like, seriously, the moment I stepped out on the trail, it smelt amazing, and the fresh air was great. I think this is realistically a hobby that I could do more frequently. Next time, I will definitely wear bug spray, because I got eaten alive.
This hobby may be for you if you often find yourself needing to clear your head, you have no extra money left in your budget (but you do own a good pair of shoes), and you’re not afraid of bugs.
If you want to build self-esteem, try cooking.
It’s gnocchi time. Welcome to my kitchen. I’m really excited to try out cooking as an actual hobby. I am an adult, I eat food, and I have cooked for myself, but I don’t enjoy doing it. So I’m just excited to try out a new recipe and just have a little bit more fun with it.
So I know cooking doesn’t sound like a hobby, kind of sounds more like a chore, but there’s apparently a lot more to cooking than, well, cooking. According to the Wall Street Journal, some counselors encourage their patients to take cooking classes, because following a recipe can actually help you build self-esteem and curb negative thinking.
All right, I did it, and I’m going to take my first bite right now. I loved my gnocchi. And I kind of love this hobby. So now that I am done, I feel good. I feel really accomplished. It definitely wasn’t easy whatsoever. I just spilt all of this flour — no! If I wanted to keep this hobby up, it would probably be one of the most time-consuming ones. And then of course, now I have all of this cleanup to do, which is never fun. But overall, I think it’s worth it.
This hobby may be for you if you love dining out, but your wallet doesn’t, you are looking to build a new skill that doesn’t have to do with work, and you want to impress all of your friends at a dinner party.
If you want to be happier, try journaling.
So I’m going to start gratitude journaling today. My plan is to journal every morning before work and write down three things that I’m grateful for that day. Journaling has a ton of benefits, especially gratitude journaling. Research shows that practicing gratitude can help you balance out your negative emotions. When we express gratitude, our brains release dopamine and serotonin, which are two hormones that help us feel happier and lighter inside.
So I just sat down to journal for the day, and I was having a really hard time coming up with three things that I feel grateful for. I think I’m just in like, a really bad mood this morning. So I looked up some prompts. I’m answering the question, “What am I better at today than I was a year ago?”
It’s easy to feel low and to not notice the small or even big things in our lives that bring us joy. Writing down things like, I love watching the birds from my window as I work or I ate some delicious gnocchi yesterday — it really helped me remember that there are a lot of things to be happy about.
So I really liked this hobby. I think there were definitely days where I didn’t want to do it and it felt more like homework or a chore, which hobbies probably shouldn’t feel like that. But on the days that I did do it, I felt a lot better.
This hobby may be for you if you don’t have a ton of time for your hobbies, you tend to be naturally pessimistic, and you have a whole shelf of journals just begging to be used.
If you want to be more creative, try coloring.
Today, I’m going to be trying out coloring as my hobby. I think it’s going to be fun, I think it’s going to be relaxing. I for some reason think I’m going to be bad at it. I don’t know why I think that, but let’s try it out and see what happens.
Doing something creative in your spare time, it’s supposed to help you be creative in other parts of your life too. One study at Drexel University found that spending just 45 minutes on a creative activity could boost your ability and confidence to complete tasks at work. I tried coloring while watching TV and listening to a podcast. I even tried coloring while doing nothing else to try and unlock that mindfulness component.
OK, so reporting back, I really like this hobby. I thought that it was something that was really easy to do, it didn’t take a lot of brainpower. But it did unlock that creative element of my mind. I would say at points, I definitely got bored, especially when I was coloring without anything else going on. My thoughts kind of started screaming at me to try and do something else. I think I’m really used to a lot of stimulation overload. And so to sit in silence and color, it’s not really what I’m used to. So it felt super weird. But I guess that’s probably why this is a good hobby for me.
This hobby may be for you if you want to do something creative but you’re not the most artistically inclined, you need a hobby that will distract you from doomscrolling all night, or if you have a favorite Crayola crayon color. Mine is Mac and Cheese.
Final verdict — my favorite hobby out of the ones that I tried was cooking, which was super surprising to me, because cooking is normally an activity that I dread doing every day. But I think that’s what made it so fun, right? It was like taking a task that I normally hate doing and making it fun and engaging. And plus, it was delicious.
So I know the focus of this video was on finding hobbies that could somehow benefit me in other parts of my life, but I want to share a reminder — not just for you, but for me too — that sometimes, it’s OK for a hobby to just be that. A hobby. Something that you love to do in your spare time. I hope that you’re making time for yourself and for your hobbies too.
FAQs
We need to prioritize our hobbies just as much as we prioritize work, because hobbies — they make us better people. One study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine suggests that people who take part in leisure activities have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed.
How your hobbies make you a better person? ›
Undoubtedly, spending time on your hobby minimizes stress and puts your mind off for a while from workplace hassles. Gaining a sense of mastery and control with hobbies assists you in becoming a better human being. It boosts confidence and self-esteem.
How hobbies can change a person's life? ›
Hobbies can add a sense of fulfilment and joy to your life. They can bring people together, help you discover new things about yourself, develop new skills and develop as a person. When we don't have something we do for pure enjoyment, daily life can become very black and white, you go to work, you sleep, and repeat.
Do hobbies improve self-esteem? ›
Hobbies can build up your self-esteem and reduce your stress. For example, developing a hobby during hardships can help build yourself back up by giving you a sense of accomplishment every time you progress on that hobby, thus giving you something to feel good about.
Do hobbies make you more interesting? ›
Hobbies make you interesting.
People want to be around those with passions, with a sense of curiosity, with stories to tell. You not only feel more inspired when you have a rich and active life, but you will inspire others as well.
Can hobbies help improve the richness of one's life? ›
Hobbies can be a great way to add richness to one's life. They can provide a way to relax and escape from the stresses of day-to-day life. Engaging in a hobby can also bring a sense of accomplishment and help to build self-esteem. Hobbies can also provide an opportunity to learn new skills.
Do hobbies bring happiness? ›
Psychologists have found a positive correlation between hobbies and happiness; people who make time for their hobbies can live longer, have decreased risk of certain diseases, and achieve happier lives overall.
Do hobbies improve mental health? ›
Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. In fact, people with hobbies may be less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get you out and about can make you feel happier and more relaxed.
How important are hobbies in life? ›
Hobbies are a great way to reduce stress and provide a sense of happiness and accomplishment in your life. Too much stress in your life can also negatively affect your mental health.
What do hobbies give us? ›
Ans : Activities that give us fun and joy are hobbies. (b) What do hobbies give us? Ans : Hobbies give us pleasure.
Regardless of your hobby, it can have great benefits for your mind, body, social life and even your career.
- Hobbies force you to take some time for yourself. ...
- Hobbies provide a way to declutter your mind. ...
- Hobbies keep you in better physical health. ...
- Hobbies can open up your world. ...
- Hobbies can boost your career.
It is not just merely a question. Your hobby can say many things about you. In a way it describes your personality.
Where do hobbies lead people to? ›
A hobby that you really dedicate your time to will lead you to build new skills. As you spend more time at your hobby you will become better and better at it. It increases your knowledge. Along with building new skills, you will also gain new knowledge through the development of your hobby.
How many hobbies should a human have? ›
Limit your hobbies: It's better to just have one hobby, or two at the most, rather than take on multiple hobbies.
Do hobbies help with anxiety? ›
Taking up a hobby is a great way to ease anxiety or stress. It gives you something enjoyable to focus on, at the same time taking your mind off anything negative that you may be experiencing. Pleasurable pastimes can be a good way to calm down an overactive mind, alleviate anxiety and lower panic symptoms.
What do psychologists think about hobbies? ›
In conclusion, hobbies are much more than just a way to pass the time. They are an important part of maintaining good mental health and well-being. Engaging in a hobby can provide a sense of relaxation, achievement, social connection, cognitive benefits, and self-care.
Do hobbies help depression? ›
In fact, research shows that having a hobby is linked to lower levels of depression – and may even prevent depression for some. Losing interest and joy in things you normally like doing is one symptom of poor mental health.
Can hobbies have any negative effects? ›
3 Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby? Yes, I believe spending excessive time on a hobby may have an adverse effect on people. You may end up having not enough time for your priorities like family or work. For example, it's easy for me to lose myself in books and neglect the deadlines at work.
Why does everyone need a hobby? ›
When life becomes too overwhelming, your hobbies can help you relax. Doing something you enjoy outside of work can be beneficial for your mental health. Having hobbies can lower anxiety, lower your stress level, and help cope with depression. Hobbies help you form a life outside of work.
Why you should have 5 hobbies? ›
Let's look at some of these hobbies to support a healthy lifestyle:
- Have a hobby that makes you money! ...
- Get a hobby that keeps you in shape. ...
- Get a creative hobby. ...
- Get a hobby to build knowledge. ...
- Get a hobby to evolve your mindset.
For a little inspiration, here are the hobbies of 22 highly successful people.
- Richard Branson plays chess. Hollis Johnson/Business Insider. ...
- Sundar Pichai watches and plays cricket. ...
- Bill Gates plays bridge. ...
- Jack Dorsey hikes. ...
- Meryl Streep knits. ...
- Kate Middleton colors. ...
- George W. ...
- Ray Dalio practices Transcendental Meditation.
Hobbies are seen as markers of a balanced person who is adept at juggling personal and professional well-being. Hiring managers ask this question to know if you have avenues to de-stress outside of work and channelize extra energy!
What should your 5 hobbies be? ›
The saying starts, “Find five hobbies you love”…
- One to make you money. This hobby is usually referred to as a 'job' or a 'career. ...
- One to keep you in shape. At a very young age, my dad introduced me to running. ...
- One to be creative. ...
- One to build knowledge. ...
- One to evolve your mindset.
Studies have shown that participating in hobbies can have positive impacts on both our mental health and our physical health. People who regularly participate in hobbies can be less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or loneliness.
What hobbies make you the happiest? ›
Crafting, knitting, baking, singing and other daily creative hobbies have been found to make people happier says a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology. Out of 650 participants, those who regularly engaged in artistic leisure activities felt “more energetic, enthusiastic, and excited” the next day.
What are three hobbies to be successful? ›
Some of examples of creative hobbies you can have in life are:
- Photography.
- Writing (creative or blogging)
- Painting/Drawing.
- Acting/Improv.
- Dancing.
- Music.
- Nail art.
- Baking.
Find what you are passionate about.
Focus more on your passions and gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and you will have a greater effect. Passion generates work, and consistent effort generates results, which leads to a better understanding of your actual self.
Can a hobby be a coping mechanism? ›
Hobbies bring a sense of fun and freedom to life that can help to minimize the impact of chronic stress. Those who feel overwhelmed at a job, for example, can benefit from hobbies because they provide an outlet for stress and something to look forward to after a hard day (or week) at a stressful job.
Are hobbies good for your brain? ›
Hobbies are much more important than many people think. They aren't just fun things we like to do; they give us a way to take control of our time. They also have a range of mental health benefits -- from a sense of accomplishment to improved mood to redirecting negative thoughts.
When a person gets hooked on a hobby he realizes that? ›
When you get hooked, you will realize that your hobby has become an integral part of your life. Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and refreshes us. Hobbies help us to manage our leisure and unplanned time more productively. It also affords you the opportunity to learn new skills in your work.
The 3 Hobbies Everyone Should Have
- One to keep you creative.
- One to keep you fit.
- One to make you money.
Every man needs exactly 3 hobbies. A physical one (lifting, martial arts, team sports...) A cerebral one (reading, chess, mathematics...) And a creative one (music, writing, painting...)
What percentage of adults have hobbies? ›
In Ask Your Target Market's latest survey, 56% of respondents said that they have multiple hobbies. 24% said they just have one real hobby that they practice or participate in regularly. And 20% said they don't have any hobbies.In general, 74% of overall respondents consider having hobbies to be important.
Which is the least preferred hobby? ›
The three least popular hobbies are learning a language, learning an instrument, and writing.
What hobbies do girls think are attractive? ›
Outdoor interests, politics, pets, photography and watching sport make up the remainder of the top 10 most attractive interests. For women, exercise is the most desirable pastime, followed by photography, travel, art and dance.
What is the least popular hobby in the world? ›
However, some hobbies that are less common than others include beekeeping, blacksmithing, falconry, and taxidermy. These hobbies require some specialized knowledge, tools, and resources and may not be available in certain areas.
What activities boost self-esteem? ›
Schiraldi (2016), author of The Self-Esteem Workbook, there are some simple steps you can take to help build your self-esteem:
- Practice mindfulness.
- Change your story.
- Don't compare yourself to others.
- Channel that inner rock star.
- Move your body more.
- Volunteer.
- Practice forgiveness.
Practicing a hobby can be a beneficial part of your self-care routine. Activities like gardening, hiking or martial arts can get you moving and help you have a good time. And hobbies that challenge or focus your mind — think crafting, doing puzzles or listening to music — can have big mental and emotional benefits.
What are 3 ways to develop high self-esteem? ›
How can I improve my self-esteem?
- Be kind to yourself.
- Try to recognise positives.
- Build a support network.
- Try talking therapy.
- Set yourself a challenge.
- Look after yourself.
By: Judy Zellner, LPCC
- Stop comparing yourself to others. ...
- Stop belittling yourself. ...
- Use positive self-affirmations to build our self-esteem. ...
- Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. ...
- Dwell on your positive qualities. ...
- Give back. ...
- Pay attention to self-care.
Here are some other simple techniques that may help you feel better about yourself.
- Recognise what you're good at. We're all good at something, whether it's cooking, singing, doing puzzles or being a friend. ...
- Build positive relationships. ...
- Be kind to yourself. ...
- Learn to be assertive. ...
- Start saying "no" ...
- Give yourself a challenge.
To recap: find five hobbies that you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, one to be creative, one to build knowledge, and one to evolve your mindset.
What are the 4 main hobbies? ›
You need to develop these four types of hobbies in your life:
- Hobbies for learning, reading, and curiosity.
- Hobbies for arts, creativity, and imagination.
- Hobbies for fitness, health, and wellbeing.
- Hobbies for money, assets, and content creation.
Hobbies are a perfect way to distract yourself after a busy day. It provides you with the opportunity to have some “me” time, and gives you an outlet for releasing stress built up from the day.
Are hobbies a form of stress release? ›
Hobbies are a great way for a person to reduce stress. They help you focus on the present moment and not worry about tomorrow. Hobbies also push you to take a break and unwind while being productive. Having a hobby doesn't necessarily decrease a person's stress levels.
What physical hobbies can you do alone? ›
You can bike, swim, play golf, run, dance, box, play tennis, or choose a workout class that doesn't involve a ton of engagement with others. It's so invigorating and rewarding to get inside your own head and work hard at something, so introverts can really benefit from this type of activity.
