You need to get a hobby — really. Experts break down the benefits for your brain.
Remember back in 2020, when so many of us confined to our homes and doom-scrolling schedules suddenly took up knitting or block printing or sourdough-making? And remember how producing something with our own hands during those weird, nervous lockdown days did, in fact, make us feel … a bit better? Turns out, it’s not just that crocheting a beanie is a cozy activity when you’re stranded midpandemic. Scientific research shows that hobbies in general are beneficial for our health and mental well-being.
Hobbies of all kinds not only foster increased confidence, they also “provide an avenue for mindfulness and ‘flow state’ focus that is essential for mental well-being,” licensed marriage and family therapist and certified addiction treatment counselor Sandra Kushnir tells Yahoo Life.
Alison Tarlow, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified addictions professional, agrees, telling Yahoo Life that when we participate in hobbies, we’re actively enhancing our mental health by relieving stress, improving our mood and even fostering a sense of self-accomplishment (“Ta-da, look what I made!”) that can be surprisingly lasting. “Hobbies are a way of taking a break from daily chores and getting relaxed and involved in activities that one enjoys,” Tarlow explains.
But what are the specific benefits that hobbies provide for our brains, bodies and overall health? Does it matter what kind of hobby we’re doing? Are some better or worse for us than others? Here's what experts say.
Why hobbies are good for you
Hobbies come with a wealth of benefits for our health and well-being. For one, “hobbies can be a path toward self-awareness as you learn about what you enjoy or find interesting,” says psychologist Peggy Loo. “They're also a great way to practice self-care or encourage personal growth and curiosity in any stage of life — all of which support positive mood and healthy sense of self.”
Additional benefits include:
Increased confidence. Learning new skills through hobbies — whether it’s dance, crafting, boxing or playing a musical instrument — helps build self-assurance. “Mastering a new craft or achieving a physical milestone fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting overall confidence,” says Kushnir.
Mindfulness and stress reduction. Practicing hobbies that require focus or intensity, such as painting, running or rock climbing, “can induce a flow state,” explains Kushnir. “This immersive experience promotes mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.”
Improved cognitive capacity. It’s no surprise that challenging hobbies stimulate the brain; this in turn can enhance cognitive functions. “Learning a new language or picking up knitting can improve memory, problem-solving skills and overall mental agility,” Kushnir says.
Preventing burnout. Hobbies can provide a much-needed break from work and other stressors. Whether you’re ducking out to the garden, taking some time to freewrite or heading to a weekly pottery class, these activities offer a respite from the daily grind and work wonders to prevent burnout.
Fostering community and connection. Finding a community or making new friends as an adult can be challenging. If your hobby involves going to a class, participating in a group or even just joining a Zoom book club, it’s giving you a chance to connect and a sense of social support.
Helping to process emotions. “Nonverbal forms of expression such as art, music or dance can be powerful tools for processing emotions and trauma,” Kushnir explains. These activities can’t replace traditional “talk therapy” — and certainly can’t replace necessary medications — but they do provide a different, complementary avenue for healing to be used in tandem.
Enhanced mood. One benefit not to be overlooked is that hobbies can be just plain fun. Finishing that woodworking project or nailing that new guitar riff can elevate your mood and provide a sense of accomplishment.
The most helpful types of hobbies
It’s not that any one hobby is better than another; rather, specific hobbies are better at benefiting specific parts of our health. Of course, a physical hobby like jogging is going to have greater benefit for your cardiovascular health than painting will. Yet, painting is more likely to help with unlocking your emotions and providing mental clarity than jogging might. Your best bet for choosing a new hobby is to examine where you are in your life right now — and what you need the most.
“I tend to think of hobbies as similar to self-care practices: They should evolve as you do, and meet your needs wherever you're at,” says Loo. “If you're in a high-stress and busy time of life, hobbies that allow you to slow down and take a break for yourself might feel great. If you have a lot of energy without an outlet, hobbies that are active or more social might suit you better.”
Hobbies that are physical, social, creative or any combination of the above tend to have the biggest payoffs. Those that lead us to join a social group, such as a running club or a craft circle, are creating “opportunities for socialization that might counteract isolation and loneliness,” Tarlow says. She notes that hobbies like this are particularly helpful for those in recovery from addiction, since they bring “a positive and creative light to the individual and provide an alternative behavior to fill the time that was previously spent engaging in alcohol or drug use.”
The extra brain benefits of new hobbies
Don’t underestimate the importance of learning new things, period — whether it’s a hobby, job duties or a language. Learning something new is crucial for mental agility and preventing cognitive decline as we age. “Engaging in diverse hobbies challenges different parts of the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and keeping the mind sharp,” says Kushnir. So even if you already have a longtime hobby, starting a new one can provide unique mental stimulation that enhances cognitive functions in ways an existing hobby might not.
“Picking up a new hobby has certain benefits that continuing a longtime hobby doesn't,” agrees Tarlow. “It does exercise one's mind in different ways.” In addition to sharpening your problem-solving skills and improving your memory and brain health, a brand-new hobby is also more likely to add “a rush of new accomplishment and excitement into your life,” she adds.
What 'counts' as a hobby, anyway?
When you read the word “hobby,” what activity do you think of? Crafting or running, sure — but does reading “count” as a hobby in terms of health benefits? What about going to the movies or … cooking dinner every night?
According to Kushnir: Probably! “Hobbies are deeply personal and can vary widely from person to person,” she says. “Anything that brings joy, stimulates creativity or adds value to life can be considered a hobby. Whether it's reading, watching films or more traditional activities like painting or playing sports, the key is that the activity resonates with you and provides personal fulfillment.”
Tarlow agrees, defining a hobby as “an activity that brings a person satisfaction and is performed considerably in free time." If poring over recipes and taking time to whip up a homemade meal ticks those boxes, it's probably a hobby. If you're joylessly reheating leftovers — maybe not.
Overall, the experts we spoke with — and plenty of scientific studies — make no bones about the demonstrated benefits of hobbies on mental health. Hobbies are shown to decrease the symptoms associated with depression and anxiety and also improve general well-being. One study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine even showed that hobbies and other leisure activities were associated with lower blood pressure and excellent stress response.
“Hobbies are a vital part of a healthy and balanced life, offering numerous benefits that support mental, emotional and cognitive well-being,” concludes Kushnir. “The key is to find activities that resonate with you, bring joy and provide a sense of fulfillment, making the journey of life more enriching and enjoyable.”
Now, what will it be: Beekeeping? Beer-brewing? Basket-weaving?
