Why Hobbies Are the Ultimate Stress Reliever!

The Weight of Stress and the Power of Hobbies

I often see stress as a detriment, weighing me down and blocking me from accomplishing important tasks, rather than motivating me. I am still figuring out my own system of dealing with my internal and external stressors, but the tool that has helped me the most has been picking up hobbies. Exploring my interests through engaging in new hobbies during my free time has helped me not just relieve stress from school, but also discover hidden talents that I never knew I had.

Additionally, research has shown that creative leisure activities can improve mental health and well-being, particularly during stressful periods in life (Bone et al., 2023). Especially in college, where stress is almost unavoidable, having an activity that allows for creative or personal expression can serve as a way to alleviate that added pressure. 

I used to be the type of person to jump from hobby to hobby and found it hard to stick to one thing, but recently, baking has become the hobby that stuck with me. From the day I successfully made my own sourdough starter, I have been baking bread almost every week, researching endless recipes, and developing my baking skills even further. 

I have also been able to give my creations to my friends and family, which has brought me so much fulfillment and joy. The skills I have gained from actively baking, including learning how to plan around my schedule, have pushed me to be more organized with my time, as well as prioritize my work while leaving time for my hobby.

The Mental Health Benefits of Having a Hobby

Hobbies can be extremely rewarding in terms of finding out your interests, whether it be baking or anything else. Doing what you’re interested in relaxes you and improves your overall mental health. Studies support that hobbies like baking can have psychological benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved mood (UC Davis Health, 2024).

Studies suggest that hobbies act as a form of self-care, reducing stress and burnout by providing a sense of enjoyment and relaxation (UC Davis Health, 2024). Additionally, engaging in hobbies can increase self-confidence and self-efficacy, as people gain skills and experience personal growth through practice.

Another important aspect of hobbies is their intrinsic motivation. Unlike school or work, where there are external demands, hobbies are often pursued out of personal interest, potentially making them more enjoyable and rewarding. Intrinsically motivated activities help individuals experience a greater sense of well-being (Venkat, n.d.). As a result, we can be happier and more stress-free because of our hobbies!

Obstacles That Arise with Picking Up New Hobbies

For those who already have busy schedules, picking up a hobby can be challenging, especially in college, where you have to prioritize your course load. Some people may feel like hobbies are a waste of time, feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities, or may not wish to dedicate time to one due to a lack of interest.

Mental blocks, such as fear of failure or lack of motivation, can also prevent people from engaging in hobbies. However, even small pockets of time spent on enjoyable activities can significantly reduce burnout and improve overall productivity (UC Davis Health, 2024). This further supports that picking up a hobby and finding something enjoyable to look forward to can serve as a valuable tool in managing stress, even in the busiest of schedules.

Hobbies and Time Management: Finding the Right Balance

Here are some tips that have helped me fit my somewhat time-intensive hobby into my schedule, and what you could possibly take away for yourself. First, I like to write out all of my exams, studying times, work schedule, etc., on a calendar and fit in a few hours or so within the week for my hobby. I then update it depending on how my week looks, but this keeps me accountable for my work as well as ensures that I make time to destress and relax. It further motivates me to get work done since I will be looking forward to my next break.

Try Something New, Stress Less

In conclusion, I hope that anyone who is reading this and seeking ways to decrease stress in their life takes this post into consideration. Try looking up various activities of interest and experiment with them. It never hurts to explore your interests further and attempt a new activity at least once! You never know, you might just discover a new passion that brings you joy and relief from your stressors.

 

References:

Bone, J. K., Fancourt, D., Sonke, J. K., Fluharty, M. E., Cohen, R., Lee, J. B., Kolenic, A. J., Radunovich, H., & Bu, F. (2023, May). Creative leisure activities, mental health and well-being during 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: A fixed effects analysis of data from 3725 US Adults. Journal of epidemiology and community health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10086468/

UC Davis Health. (2024, November 27). Feeling burned out? how hobbies, laughter and enjoying community can help. health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/feeling-burned-out-how-hobbies-laughter-and-enjoying-community-can-help/2024/02

Venkat, S. R. (n.d.). Health benefits of hobbies. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/balance/health-benefits-of-hobbies