HAVING HOBBIES CHANGES YOUR LIFE: IM SERIOUS!
How Having Hobbies Can Change Your Life
When was the last time you did something just because you enjoyed it? Not for money, not for productivity, not for your resumé, just because it made you feel alive?
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. In a world that glorifies hustle culture and scrolling, hobbies can feel like a luxury or even a waste of time. But truthfully? Hobbies are one of the most powerful forms of self-care, self-expression, and self-discovery.
And yes, they can actually change your life. It changed mine!
There was a time in my life when I was completely consumed by someone else. I cried constantly, waiting for a text or call from my ex, hoping I’d somehow become more of a priority to him. I put his needs before mine, even when it hurt. I shaped my day around when I might hear from him and completely lost touch with me. I didn’t realize it then, but I was outsourcing my happiness, placing it in someone else’s hands and calling it love. Looking back I would say it was so pathetic, but I’m trying to be gentle with my past self lol
I try to look back now and think: I didn’t need him to text more. I needed me to return to myself.
And that’s when hobbies changed everything.
What Even Is a Hobby?
A hobby is anything you do regularly for fun, relaxation, or personal growth. It could be as chill as journaling on your balcony, as adventurous as learning to surf, or as creative as painting, cooking, dancing, playing an instrument, or writing poetry.
There’s no rulebook. The only requirement? That it feels good.
Types of Hobbies You Might Love
Creative Hobbies: Painting, DIY, pottery, journaling, photography, singing, graphic design
Active Hobbies: Running, hiking, Pilates, dancing, surfing, strength training
Skill-Based Hobbies: Cooking, coding, learning a language, sewing, building furniture
Mindful Hobbies: Gardening, meditation, puzzles, slow walks in nature
Social Hobbies: Group sports, book clubs, volunteering, community events
Sometimes, trying something new unlocks a part of you that’s been sleeping. The joy of becoming a beginner again, awkward, clumsy, uncertain is actually the spark that reconnects you to play, curiosity, and growth.
Why Hobbies Can Heal You
1. They quiet the anxious mind
When you're engaged in something you enjoy, your brain shifts away from fear and worry. You’re present. You're not spiraling about what someone posted or hyperfixating on what you said three days ago. That’s huge.
2. They break the overthinking loop
When you don't have a healthy outlet, small things can consume you. Hobbies offer something else to focus on, something that feels expansive instead of draining.
3. They build confidence without pressure
Learning something new and sticking with it proves to you that you’re capable. Even if you're not good at it yet. That kind of self-trust builds quiet confidence over time.
4. They remind you you’re more than your job, appearance, or relationship
A hobby gives you an identity beyond how you look, who you’re dating, or what you do for work. It’s a reminder: I’m allowed to have fun. I’m allowed to do things for me.
You Deserve to Feel That Spark Again
Your life doesn’t have to be all deadlines and to-do lists. You’re allowed to explore, to mess up, to start things just because. In fact, you’ll likely find that when you follow your joy when you play, when you create, when you lose track of time everything else starts to feel a little lighter.
So sign up for that pottery class (or salsa/bachata class ;) Latin music truly changed my life and one random salsa night in Sydney with two random bestfriends, led me to dancing around the world!). Try out a new recipe. Pick up your dusty guitar. Journal for 5 minutes. Try new things!
Because the more joy you make space for, the more joyful life starts to feel and the more you return to you.
Good luck!
Lots of love,
Your girl, Liz.