We’ve all heard the phrase “get a hobby!”—usually aimed at someone who’s stressed out or a little too focused on work. But guess what? That advice is actually backed by science! Hobbies aren’t just for fun; they’re a powerful tool to help us manage stress, boost our health, and avoid burnout.
The Power of Hobbies: Stress-Busting Superheroes
Research shows that having a hobby can significantly lower stress levels, boost your mood, and even strengthen your social connections—all essential for wellbeing. In fact, a research study found that out of 22 factors contributing to burnout, not having a hobby ranked third among individual and non-work related factors and fifth overall! 1 Imagine just how excited my creative mind was when discovering this finding!
This totally flips the idea of hobbies from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” It’s no longer just something you do if you have extra time (which none of us do, right?), but a key strategy for reducing stress and improving your overall wellbeing.
But… What Hobby Should You Choose?
Good question! Unfortunately, I don’t have a magical hobby-picking wand. The answer lies within you. The goal here is relaxation and stress relief, so start by reflecting on how you’re feeling right now. What makes you tense, and what could help release that tension?
A great way to begin is by thinking back to your childhood or teenage years. What did you enjoy back then? (And no, binge-watching TV doesn’t count!) Make a short list of things that once brought you joy and find hobbies that tap into those activities.
Once you’ve got a hobby in mind, experiment! Try it out solo, attend a one-off workshop, or join a group class to see what environment feels right. Pay attention to how you feel while doing it, and more importantly, how you feel after (and also the days following). Does it leave you energized and relaxed? Or does it sneakily add more stress to your plate?
Why Creative Hobbies Are My Go-To
I’m a fan of creative hobbies because they give me the freedom to express myself. There’s something magical about letting your imagination run wild. But don’t just take my word for it—research backs me up! Creative activities have been shown to reduce stress, enhance psychological wellbeing, and increase positive feelings like enthusiasm.2 3 4
Plus, many creative hobbies can bring about a state of “flow”, where you’re so focused and immersed that you lose track of time. This mindfulness-like state is fantastic for battling perfectionism—a major stress culprit. When you’re in the zone, it’s not about getting things perfect; it’s about enjoying the process. No judgment, no pressure, just pure, stress-free fun.
If you’re curious about trying something creative, check out local workshops at museums, libraries, or art studios. They’re a great way to meet new people, have fun, and dip your toes into different forms of creative expression. You might just discover a hidden passion!
But Don’t Overdo It!
Here’s where the caution tape comes in. While hobbies are great for reducing stress, they can backfire if you approach them with the same high expectations you have for work. Let me explain with a personal example.
While recovering from burnout, I had a thought: “Remember when dance used to be fun? Maybe I should start dancing again.” But there was a catch—the only classes available were for advanced dancers. To make things even more ambitious, I signed up for not one, but two different dance styles, with barely any experience in one of them (yes, my inner perfectionist was still alive and kicking!). As exciting as it was at first, I soon realized the intensity was more than I could handle. Though I felt an initial boost of energy after each class, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t the right pace for me at that stage.
I was feeling what’s known as a dopamine rush—a short-lived hormone high that can be addictive but doesn’t provide long-lasting energy. Pushing yourself too hard with demanding hobbies can lead to more stress, not less. The key is to listen to your body and recognize when something is adding to your stress rather than reducing it.
In my case, it wasn’t the right time to challenge myself with advanced dance classes. Instead, a fun, low-pressure dance class or hobby would’ve been a better choice for my stress levels back then.
Find Balance and Keep Your Wellbeing in Check
When choosing a hobby, it’s essential to consider where you are mentally and physically. If you’re already stressed and stretched thin, go for something easy and relaxing. If you’re passionate about a hobby that requires effort, like learning a new skill, that’s great—but make sure to balance it with other stress-reducing activities like walking, meditation, breathing exercises or journaling.
Remember, hobbies should add joy and relaxation, not extra pressure. If a new hobby feels too demanding, take a step back and check in with yourself. Adjust other areas of your life to accommodate this new challenge, and don’t forget to ask for help or set boundaries if needed.
In Conclusion: Hobbies as a Wellbeing Strategy
Hobbies and passions are powerful tools for stress relief and boosting long-lasting energy—but only when they don’t overwhelm us. The key is to focus on the joy of the activity itself, not the outcome. This is your time, your space, and your opportunity to recharge.
So, whatever hobby you choose, remember to let go of perfectionism. Focus on the fun, the relaxation, and the happiness it brings you. And always keep in mind: a hobby isn’t a luxury—it’s a wellbeing strategy that can transform your life for the better!
With Logic & Creativity,
Yamille
Resources & Notes
- Bianchi, R., & Rolland, J. (2021). Is Burnout Primarily Linked to Work-Situated Factors? A Relative Weight Analytic Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 623912. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.623912 ↩︎
- Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832 ↩︎
- Martin L, Oepen R, Bauer K, Nottensteiner A, Mergheim K, Gruber H, Koch SC. Creative Arts Interventions for Stress Management and Prevention—A Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences. 2018; 8(2):28. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8020028 ↩︎
- Conner, T. S., DeYoung C. G., & Silvia P. J. (2017). “Everyday Creative Activity as a Path to Flourishing”. Journal of Positive Psychology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1257049 ↩︎
