Hobbies – The Importance of Having Them

I have recently been selecting my sons latest clubs to attend, and asking him what he likes to do and what he would like to be a part of and it got me thinking, we take part in all of these after school clubs, dance classes, football clubs, whatever it is, but we do all of this at a young age but as we get older, for many of us these pastimes tend to take a bit of a back seat, right behind all of our ‘adult responsibilities’ and obligations. We almost forget about the magic of choosing our experience and we stop exploring what lights us on fire, what we’re passionate about.

We are constantly juggling work, responsibilities, and social obligations and it can be easy to overlook the importance of engaging in the things we love. However, having hobbies is far more than just a pastime—it is an essential component of living a nurturing, fulfilling life. From stress relief to personal growth, hobbies provide a multitude of benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. In this article, we’ll explore why incorporating hobbies into your life is so important and how they can contribute to overall happiness.

What is a Hobby?

A hobby is an activity that people engage in during their free time for enjoyment, relaxation, or personal satisfaction, rather than for financial gain or professional reasons. Hobbies allow individuals to explore interests, learn new skills, express creativity, or simply unwind. They can range from physical activities like gardening, hiking, or playing sports to creative pursuits such as painting, writing, or crafting. Hobbies can also be intellectually stimulating, like reading, solving puzzles, or learning languages.

Ultimately, a hobby is something that brings pleasure and fulfilment outside of one's usual responsibilities or work. It is important too to note that a hobby can even turn into a stream of income eventually, I know plenty of people that have sold paintings, created courses from their research and unique perspective on certain topics, or even been accepted into mainstream sports teams through sheer passion and commitment to their hobbies. The possibilities really are endless and we never know where a hobby might take us. However this should never be the objective behind it of course, just finding something that you love and want to repeat is enough, it doesn’t have to be viewed as “how do I monetise it” in order for it to have a place. Just find your “thing” and let the chips fall where they may.

Why are Hobbies Important: The Good Old Benefits

There are such a vast array of reasons as to why having a hobby (or indeed hobbies) is going to have a positive impact on your entire life and all it may encompass. I heard a quote once that said “find the thing you love and do that” – at the time I took it quite personally because I had zero hobbies and was definitely not doing the things that I loved. In fact I couldn’t even tell you back then what I even did love to do, I was so lost in life and consumed by the outside world that I had no idea what lit my soul on fire. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking/saying “oh that’s easy for you to say” when you hear things like, do what you love, because we can get stuck in our stories that we can’t do the things we love because of our full time jobs, our kids, our parents, our friends, our social lives, you name it, it’s a long list; insert your own excuses here. There are very real reasons why our time may be of the essence, I do not discount this. My time IS of the essence, I have two young boys, I juggle 3 jobs and a very busy schedule. But the difference now for me is that I can discern the importance in the time that I do happen to get, and if I don’t get any, I create it! We HAVE to carve out time to do the things we love to do. With busy lifestyles that we have chosen to lead, it’s essential to create this time and space for yourself.

So let’s have a look at the many reasons why having a hobby is so important:

Stress Relief & Mental Health
One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of engaging in a hobby is stress relief. Life is full of pressures, whether from work, family, or daily responsibilities, and without an outlet, this can lead to burnout. Hobbies provide a much-needed break from routine, giving the mind a chance to relax and focus on something enjoyable. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or playing an instrument, hobbies help reduce anxiety by offering a mental escape from the pressures of everyday life.

• Mental Health Benefits: Engaging in activities you enjoy triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural "feel-good" chemicals, which help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for creative or physically active hobbies that require focus, presence, and a sense of flow.

Personal Fulfilment & Creativity
Hobbies are deeply linked to personal fulfilment. They offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, particularly when you see yourself improving or mastering a new skill. For instance, learning to cook new recipes, developing artistic techniques, or advancing in a sport can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of purpose outside of daily obligations.

• Creativity and Expression: Many hobbies—like writing, painting, photography, or music—allow for self-expression in ways that are often difficult to explore through traditional work or social interactions. These creative outlets allow you to connect with your emotions, share ideas, and explore your inner world. This form of self-expression can be incredibly rewarding and is essential for personal growth.

Mental Stimulation & Growth
Hobbies often stimulate the brain in ways that help maintain mental sharpness and cognitive health. Engaging in activities that challenge your mind such as puzzles, chess, or learning a new language can enhance problem-solving abilities, improve memory, and boost critical thinking skills.

Physical Health Benefits
Some hobbies, especially those that involve physical activity, offer significant physical health benefits. Activities such as hiking, swimming, yoga, dancing, or playing a sport improve cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall fitness levels. They also contribute to better coordination and mobility, helping to maintain physical well-being as you age.

• Mental-Physical Connection: Exercise-based hobbies are not only good for the body but also the mind. Physical activities release endorphins, which improve mood, reduce stress, and help fight depression. The combined benefit of improving physical health while simultaneously boosting mental health makes active hobbies invaluable.

Work-Life Balance & Productivity
In a world that often glorifies overwork, hobbies serve as a counterbalance, reminding us that life is more than just productivity. Taking time for hobbies promotes a healthier work-life balance by giving you time for yourself. This is essential to prevent burnout and ensure long-term satisfaction in both personal and professional realms.

• Increased Productivity: Interestingly, taking breaks for hobbies can actually increase productivity. Engaging in enjoyable activities recharges your energy and improves your focus when you return to work. This makes hobbies a valuable part of maintaining efficiency without overextending yourself.

Building Social Connections
Hobbies also foster social interaction, which is crucial for emotional well-being. Many hobbies, like joining a book club, playing team sports, or participating in community theatre bring people together around shared interests. These activities create opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, build friendships, and strengthen social networks.

• Community and Belonging: Being part of a group with similar interests fosters a sense of belonging. It allows you to bond over common passions, whether it’s playing board games, practicing yoga, or volunteering for a cause. This social interaction helps combat feelings of loneliness and enhances your emotional resilience.

Self-Discovery & Personal Growth
Hobbies offer the chance for self-discovery, providing a platform to explore new passions and talents. Engaging in different activities helps you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your interests. This self-awareness is essential for personal growth, leading to greater self-confidence and emotional intelligence.

• Exploring New Passions: You may discover a new talent for painting, writing, or gardening that you never knew you had. Or perhaps you’ll find joy in learning an instrument or practicing photography. By exploring different hobbies, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities, enhancing your sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

Building Resilience & Coping Skills
Life can be full of unexpected challenges, and hobbies can serve as a healthy coping mechanism during tough times. Having an enjoyable and constructive outlet to turn to helps build resilience. Instead of focusing solely on stress, hobbies provide a positive distraction, allowing you to recharge emotionally.

• Emotional Release: Many hobbies, particularly those that are creative or physical, offer a way to process and release emotions. For instance, writing in a journal, painting, or practicing yoga can help channel difficult emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration, leading to emotional healing and balance.

Incorporating hobbies into your life is about more than just filling your free time—it’s about enhancing your well-being, nurturing your passions, and fostering personal growth. Whether it’s the mental stimulation from learning a new skill, the physical benefits of an active hobby, or the emotional rewards of creative expression, hobbies enrich your life in countless ways. Hobbies remind us of the importance of joy, relaxation, and self-care. So, whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, lacing up your running shoes, or learning a new recipe, make time for your hobbies; they are an investment in your happiness and well-being.

The History of Hobbies: From Necessity to Leisure

Hobbies, as we understand them today, are activities pursued during free time for pleasure and personal fulfilment. However, throughout history, the concept of hobbies has evolved significantly. What we now consider leisure activities were once deeply connected to survival, social status, and cultural identity. Let's explore the journey of hobbies from ancient times to the present day.

Prehistoric & Ancient Times: Hobbies as Survival Skills
In prehistoric societies, daily life revolved around survival. Activities such as hunting, gathering, crafting tools, and creating clothing were necessities rather than hobbies. However, as humans began to develop more complex societies, they started to engage in activities that went beyond survival.

• Art and Craftsmanship: The earliest evidence of hobbies comes from prehistoric art, such as cave paintings and carved figurines. These early artistic endeavours suggest that even early humans engaged in creative pursuits for personal expression or cultural rituals. For example, the Lascaux cave paintings in France (around 17,000 years old) show that humans took time to create art despite their survival challenges.
• Ancient Civilizations: In ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, there were periods of leisure and recreation, but these activities were often limited to the elite classes. Wealthy citizens participated in hobbies such as painting, poetry, music, and games like chess and backgammon. The pursuit of knowledge through philosophy and literature also became a form of intellectual hobby for scholars and aristocrats.

Medieval & Renaissance Periods: Status & Skill Development
During the Middle Ages, hobbies began to take on more structured forms. However, leisure activities were still closely tied to one’s social class and occupation. While peasants spent most of their time working, the nobility enjoyed pursuits that signalled their status and wealth.

• Medieval Times: Hobbies for the aristocracy often included hunting, jousting, falconry, and horseback riding, which were not just recreational but also practical for improving skills in combat and hunting. Peasants, on the other hand, had less time for leisure but participated in communal activities like dancing, storytelling, and festivals, which functioned as breaks from daily labour
• The Renaissance (14th–17th Century): The Renaissance period, marked by a revival of art, science, and learning, saw an increase in intellectual hobbies. The growing middle class began to have more leisure time, and hobbies like reading, painting, and musical composition flourished. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century made books more accessible, sparking a hobby of reading and the pursuit of knowledge among more people.

The Industrial Revolution: The Birth of Modern Hobbies
The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century) was a turning point for the concept of hobbies. The rapid development of machinery and industry significantly changed the structure of society, leading to more defined divisions between work and leisure time.

• Increased Leisure Time: As factories and mechanised labour became more prevalent, the workweek became more regulated, particularly for the emerging middle class. This created opportunities for leisure activities, and hobbies became a way for people to make the most of their newfound free time.
• Rise of Collecting and Crafting: During this period, many popular hobbies emerged, such as stamp collecting, knitting, and amateur photography. The mass production of goods made it easier for people to acquire objects like stamps, coins, or antiques, leading to the development of collecting as a hobby. Crafts like knitting and embroidery, which were once seen as necessities, transitioned into leisure activities.
• Sports and Outdoor Activities: Organised sports and outdoor activities became increasingly popular during the Industrial Revolution. Activities such as football, cricket, cycling, and mountaineering gained popularity, and sports clubs formed to organise competitions and gatherings.

20th Century: The Expansion of Hobby Culture
The 20th century saw a massive explosion in hobby culture, fuelled by technological advancements, increased leisure time, and consumerism. The definition of hobbies expanded to include a wide range of interests and pursuits.

• Online and Tech-Based Hobbies: Video gaming, coding, and digital content creation (such as blogging, vlogging, and podcasting) are among the most popular hobbies today. Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have created spaces for people to showcase their hobbies and build communities around them.
• E-Learning and DIY Culture: The internet has made learning new hobbies more accessible than ever. Websites like YouTube, Skill share, and online forums provide tutorials on everything from crafting and painting to woodworking and photography. This rise in "DIY" culture has allowed more people to take up hobbies that require skill development.
• Global Communities: Hobbies are now often global endeavours. People can join virtual clubs, participate in online gaming, or collaborate on creative projects across continents. The internet has blurred geographical boundaries, allowing people to connect over shared passions from anywhere in the world.

Regardless of our technological era, I have personally noticed a lot more individuals wanting to return to much simpler hobbies that require a level of creative engagement, such as writing, painting, hiking, running etc; things that test us emotionally and physically, as opposed to a video game and online gaming. I’m not suggesting that those things are “bad” in some way, just be careful you don’t get sucked too far into the technological-matrix; you may find that a hard hole to escape if you find it becomes an unhealthy habit instead of a light, enjoyable hobby. Technology is incredible and it definitely has its place and serves a purpose, and it connects us all globally, meaning we’re not just limited to our local communities; we can find friendship and connection across the globe, that’s a beautiful unfoldment. Just be wary of your time spent online, especially social media platforms that are designed to keep us scrolling and engaging in our everyday lives. Use your own discernment and if something doesn’t feel right, acknowledge it, and attempt to make the necessary changes to rectify your situation. Trust yourself.

So from survival skills in prehistoric times to creative and technological pursuits in the modern age, hobbies have evolved alongside human society. What began as necessary activities or status symbols has transformed into a vital aspect of personal fulfilment, well-being, and social connection. Today, hobbies are more diverse and accessible than ever, allowing people to explore their passions, relieve stress, and connect with others in ways that were unimaginable just a century ago. Hobbies are not only a reflection of individual interests but also a testament to the ever-changing nature of culture, technology, and human interaction. As the world continues to change, so too will the ways in which we spend our leisure time. So all you can do is find the things you love and do that (wink wink).

"I would rather die of passion than of boredom" - Vincent Van Gogh

"Pay attention to the things you are naturally drawn to. They are often connected to your path, passion, and purpose in life. Have the courage to follow them" - Ruben Chavez