Get You a Hobby
I’ma say it right here: you should have a hobby. At least one. Not a side hustle, not a part-time job, a real hobby. Something that you do only for your own enjoyment and no other reason. It doesn’t have to be practical, you just have to like doing it enough to allow this hobby to take you outside the daily grind of life.
Why should you have a hobby?
Hobbies are a chance to do something imperfectly, because your livelihood does not depend on it. As adults especially, we rarely have chances to do things that are not objectively good, they’re just our best efforts. However, trying (and failing) at something inconsequential is a great way to help ground you.
On the other hand, it’s also great to see yourself improve at something that you do consistently, just for yourself. You’re not getting better at it for financial gain, but just because you enjoy your hobby, and you keep at it. What a delight when you finally nail that turn, or finish that sweater, or master that tricky musical passage!
What counts as a hobby?
Anything that you do only for your own enjoyment, and not as a means to make money or learn skills that are directly applicable to your career. Examples include:
Performing arts: singing, dance, community theater, playing an instrument
Sports: intramural team sports, swimming, running
Arts & crafts: knitting, drawing, painting, sculpture
Games: D&D, video games, LARP
Indoorsy hobbies: reading, baking, cooking, writing
Outdoorsy hobbies: hiking, camping, rock climbing, gardening
In summary, hobbies are great, because they remind us that we are human, and help us to be present and enjoy life. If you have a hobby, what is it? If you don’t have a hobby, what would you like to try?
