You Need a Hobby    Episode 340

You Need a Hobby

For many years, I didn’t have a hobby. Sure, my work and my kids could be considered hobbies, but I lacked time for something truly fun. Life’s responsibilities left little room to explore passions. Yet, as we focus on emotional health and optimizing life, we’re not just here to survive—we’re meant to thrive. That’s where hobbies come in.

Why Hobbies Matter

Hobbies aren’t just a way to pass time; they’re essential for rounding out our lives. They help us de-stress, boost our mood, and give us something to lose ourselves in. They teach us new things and keep us from spending hours in front of the TV or scrolling aimlessly on our phones.

We all need that break from the constant barrage of news and social media. Research backs this up: hobbies reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Studies from the Annals of Behavioral Medicine and the Journal of Positive Psychology show that leisure activities lower stress, improve mood, and even help us feel more positive the next day.

The Challenge of Making Time for Hobbies

In our busy lives, finding time for hobbies can feel impossible. But here’s the reality: screen time is eating into our potential hobby time. You can spend two hours watching reels on your phone and still feel unfulfilled afterward. Social media isn’t inherently bad, but it’s essential to set limits. Without better alternatives planned, the temptation to scroll will creep in.

Choosing the Right Hobby for You

When choosing a hobby, it’s important to find one that fits into your schedule. For me, with a busy career and family, I had to choose hobbies that fit into the small windows of free time I have. For example, I use the app One Second Everyday, which lets me record a brief video clip each day, compiling it into a joyful, memory-filled montage at the end of the month. This hobby doesn’t take much time, but it allows me to savor life’s special moments.

Another hobby I enjoy with my boys is watching and analyzing Oscar-nominated movies. It’s a great way to bond and share insights into film-making. Finally, I’ve started indoor gardening—growing herbs and spices in my kitchen. It’s a small, manageable hobby that brings me joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Making Hobbies Personal

The key is to keep hobbies personal and not feel pressure to share them publicly. When we present our lives on social media, we tend to seek validation through likes and comments, which can drain some of the joy. Sometimes, it’s okay to keep things special for ourselves or just a small circle of loved ones.

Finding Your Own Hobby

If you don’t have a hobby yet, challenge yourself to try something new. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. It can be as simple as learning a language, gardening, or using a fun app like One Second Everyday. The goal is to find something that lowers your stress, boosts your mood, and gives you a break from the daily grind.

This Week’s Challenge: Start exploring what could be fun and fulfilling for you. Whether it’s a small or big commitment, just start somewhere. Research shows that having a hobby isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s vital for your emotional and mental health.

My Current Favorites

• Mascara: Chale, Le Volume
• Nail Strips: Dashing Diva Nail strips glaze (Pale blush)
• Tip: Wear sunscreen on your hands!
• Book Recommendation: Ride of a Lifetime

Lastly, if you’re not already, make sure you’re on my email list! I share a list of everything I’m loving each month, including TV shows and movie reviews. Sign up on my website and get ready for some Good Things in your inbox!

Final Thoughts

Investing in yourself—whether it’s your spiritual, emotional, or professional health—benefits everyone around you. You were created for a purpose, and I believe in your dreams. Keep stepping up, showing up, and loving well. You are unbreakable when your strength comes from God. Have a wonderful week, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Listen or Watch now:

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Favorite Quotes: 

01:32 – “We need a hobby to round out our lives, give us some joy, give us something to lose ourselves in. Hobbies help us de-stress and heal from burnout.”

04:24 – “Research shows that hobbies will reduce stress and boost mood.”

05:41 – “You want to choose a hobby that someone else can join in on, too. That is just going to give you that friendship boost, so you are getting all the social benefits of your hobby.”

10:08 – “Doing something we enjoy lets us relax and be creative, which is so good for our mental and emotional health. Having a hobby will give you a break from the stress and daily grind. It will give you that much needed sense of accomplishment, making life happier and more balanced.”

Things I love and think you will too: 

• Dashing Diva Nail Strips  
• The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company   
• Create a Course
• Remaining You While Raising Them
• Alli on YouTube
• Little Things Studio

Little Things Studio is a woman-owned small business bringing daily reminders of beauty and truth to your home and life. These thoughtfully-designed products are made in the USA and focus on the rich words of hymns and the beauty of nature. 

Hope you loved this episode!  

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xo,

Alli