As children, it felt like we had so much time to devote to activities that made us happy. We didn’t feel like we had to be productive, we were just bored and curious. As you grow older, you start developing a lack-mindset about time. There never seems to be enough time to work, rest, and play. Spending time doing things for no other purpose other than to enjoy ourselves is incredibly important for our mental health. You can’t eat, sleep, and breathe work–you will burn out. You don’t have to be doing something productive all the time. Prioritizing time throughout the week in which you sit down and devote yourself to your hobbies will increase your overall happiness levels. Here is why our hobbies make us better people:

Hobbies help us use our time in ways that bring us joy

There are so many wonderful possibilities, so many ways you can create, express yourself, and appreciate being a human. Our lives shouldn’t be solely devoted to work and productivity. This causes us to burn out and depletes our life force. Hobbies help you restore your energy because doing what you love is so fulfilling to your soul, and will fill your cup to the brim. 

Hobbies help us shed perfectionism

When we are children, it feels like we have all the time in the world to follow our heart, and try new things just for the sake of trying them. Everything is new, and we are pretty much a beginner at everything. As we get older, however,  we start putting way too much pressure on ourselves to always be doing something productive. And when a hobby does feel productive, we put pressure on ourselves to be expert-level good at it the very first time we try it. As a result, we toss things aside, never giving ourselves a chance to learn something new and watch ourselves become an expert. 

The beginner’s mindset that children are naturally blessed with is a beautiful thing, and it allows you to be more accepting of failure. When you expect to fail, but you’re not upset about it, and you know making mistakes is part of being a beginner, you are able to push past the barriers that prevent you from trying out a new hobby and sticking with it long enough to learn something valuable.

Hobbies help make us more engaged in daily life

Our practitioner and LMHC Kristie  says, “When I am active in my hobbies, I am more present and engaged in daily life. Also, sticking with a hobby provides a wealth of wisdom. For instance, I recently was crocheting a hat for a family member. I am not perfect, and the hat began to look quite misformed. The thought: “this looks dumb, I’m starting over” went through my mind. However, it is more important to complete the project, lumpy hat and all. Completing a project gives us a sense of accomplishment and is a beautiful reminder that nothing in life is perfect. Perfection is an illusion. Does my family mostly receive lumpy hats and scarves from my projects? Yes, and they love it. Someone took the time to create something just for them. Hobbies, just like life, are more about the process than the result.”

Quinn uses virtual art therapy to treat individuals with OCD and Anxiety, as well as those undergoing a major life transition or adjustment and are  experiencing grief. Click here to schedule your virtual art therapy session!

Starting with a creative written voice and a BA in English from ASU, Alli Cravener has become so much more than Integrative Counsel’s voice! Not only is she a writer who is passionate about connecting concepts and content, Alli is also currently a grad student working towards her Master’s in Counseling. She is also the editor-in-chief, office manager, AND intake specialist at Integrative Counsel. When you call us, you’ll talk to Alli! Alli’s interests include painting, history, learning about other people, and wearing the color pink. She likens herself to a “mouse in a palm tree”, and she loves it that way.