Hobbies: Not Just a Weird Thing Your Grandma Says You Should Have
Hobbies get a bad rap. People act like you should have a “passion” you dedicate hours to every week. Meanwhile, you’re thinking, “My hobby is scrolling TikTok and crying about my student loans. Does that count?” (Spoiler: yes, kind of.)
The truth is, hobbies aren’t about being impressive — they’re about doing something that makes you feel alive, relaxed, or just a little bit less like a robot.
Why hobbies matter
Life is full of stress, deadlines, and responsibilities. Hobbies give your brain a break from the chaos. They:
Boost your mood (even if it’s just for a few minutes).
Help you build confidence. Yes, even if your “skill level” is questionable.
Give you a sense of accomplishment. Even finishing a puzzle counts!
Connect you to other humans…or to your cat. Whichever works.
Finding the right hobby
You don’t need to be a master painter, world-class athlete, or gourmet chef. A hobby is anything that scratches that itch for fun, creativity, or relaxation. Some ideas:
Drawing, painting, or doodling
Learning an instrument (off-key is still music!)
Thrifting or DIY home projects
Cooking new recipes
Walking, hiking, or just enjoying being outdoors — even if that’s from your backyard
Making hobbies stick
Start small. You don’t have to commit 10 hours a week —10 minutes counts!
Try new things. You might even discover a hidden talent.
Give yourself permission to quit. Not every hobby will be your soulmate. And that’s okay.
Final thoughts
Hobbies aren’t about perfection or Instagram-worthy results. They’re about finding something that makes you smile, relax, or just remember that life can be fun sometimes. And honestly? That’s enough.
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I help individuals rediscover joy, balance, and self-care through practices that support their mental health — like hobbies. You deserve time for yourself, and I’m here to support you in creating space to thrive.