3 Kinds of Hobbies That Can Help Us Thrive | Psychology Today New Zealand

Hobbies do much more than just fill your time. In many ways, they can shape who you
are; they nurture parts of you that might otherwise go unnoticed or uncared for.
Thus, when we only focus on one type of hobby, we can inadvertently leave other
parts of ourselves—our minds, our bodies, or our sense ofcreativity—malnourished.

However, finding more hobbies that we not only enjoy but also excel at can be
decidedly difficult. Fortunately, there are countless options—yet, based on
psychological research, you only need three.

1. A Hobby That Keeps You in Shape

Likely, you’re already well aware of the importance of exercise for physical well-
being. From a psychological standpoint, however, it can be just as important—
asresearchsuggests it plays a critical role in reducingstressand preventing mood
impairments, such asdepression.

Yet, if you’re not enthusiastic about exercise, knowing where to start—as well as
sticking to a consistent routine—can be immensely challenging. This difficulty is
only compounded by stereotypes regarding what “proper” exercise looks like; many
people may believe that running and working out are the ideal, if not the only, way
to begin a fitness-related hobby.

The reality, however, is that exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym or
running marathons—unless, of course, you enjoy it. Rather, it can be as simple as
getting your body moving and blood pumping in ways that bring you joy:

Swimming:If you love the feeling of water, swimming is a fantastic option. It’s
gentle on your joints, yet it still works the entirety of your body. Above this,
there’s also something incredibly meditative about the rhythm of your strokes and
the sound of water around you.

Walking:Never underestimate the power of a good walk. It could be a stroll around

your neighborhood, or it could be a hike through the woods—either way, walking is
one of the easiest ways to stay active.

Dancing:The beauty of dance is that there are so many ways to approach it—dance
classes, clubbing with friends, or even just grooving in your living room. Better
yet, it’s a workout disguised as fun, and it’s a phenomenal way to let go of
stress.

Yoga:Ignore any rhetoric you see that refers to yoga as “glorified stretching.” In
practice, it’s possibly the best way to connect with your body in a way that feels
nurturing and restorative.

2. A Hobby That Keeps You Creative

Many people are quick to tell themselves that they don’t have a single creative
bone in their body. They consider themselves poor writers, sloppy artists, or bad
singers and assume that creative pursuits probably just aren’t for them. However,
creativity isn’t at all about being “good” at something. Instead, creativity should
solely focus on expression, letting go of judgment, and enjoying the process of
making something new.

Creative hobbies are like food for your soul. They’re one of the best ways to
process emotions that feel overwhelming, and they allow us the rare opportunity to
find beauty in the mundane. And, fortunately, you don’t have to be a renowned
artist to reap its benefits. According to a 2024studyinFrontiers in Psychology,
people who simply engage in creative hobbies report higher life satisfaction,
greaterhappiness, and, most notably, a greater “sense that life is worthwhile:”

Journaling or creative writing:Putting your thoughts on paper can be incredibly

cathartic. You don’t need to write a masterpiece—just jotting down your
feelings,dreams, or little stories can be a wonderful outlet.

Cooking or baking:The kitchen is likely one of the most expansive canvases for
creative expression. Experiment with new recipes, decorate cakes, or try your hand
at creating your own dishes. Cooking combines creativity with practicality—and,
best of all, you get to eat your art.

DIY projects, knitting, or crocheting:Practical craft projects are perfect for

anyone who loves working with their hands. They’re rhythmic and relaxing and leave
you with something tangible to show for your efforts.

3. A Hobby That Keeps You Sharp

While physical and creative hobbies nurture your body and soul, intellectual
hobbies keep your mind sharp, curious, and engaged with the world around you.
Often, it’s too easy to get caught up in the habit of mindlessly engaging with
what’s around you. In this way, finding a hobby that challenges your intellect can
feel like rediscovering a part of yourself you didn’t realize was missing.

However, starting something new—especially if it requires unforeseen focus—can feel

awkward. Maybe you’re worried you’ll struggle to pick up a new skill orfearyou’ll
getboredhalfway through. Either way, the key is to remind yourself you don’t have
to master something overnight, nor that you need to compete with anyone else.
Rather, rediscover the joy of learning, exploring new ideas, and stepping outside
your mental comfort zone.

Creativity Essential Reads

The benefits of such hobbies, unsurprisingly, are numerous. Intellectual hobbies

can boost your problem-solving skills, strengthen yourmemory, and even improve your
mentalresilience. Moreover, 2023researchfromFrontiers in Psychologysuggests that
regularly engaging in challenging mental activities can help reduce the risk
ofcognitive declineas we age. But, beyond this, these hobbies help you see the
world—and yourself—in new ways, often with a sense ofaweand wonder:

Reading:Novels are the ultimate mental workout. Fiction transports you to different
worlds, expands your empathy, and immerses you in compelling stories. Nonfiction,
on the other hand, introduces you to fascinating topics—from history and science
toself-helpand personal growth. Every genre opens up endless avenues for learning.

Logic puzzles and games:If you enjoy a good challenge, logic puzzles like
crosswords, Sudoku, or riddles are a great way to keep your brain in top shape.
Conversely, games like chess, Scrabble, or strategy-based board games provide the
same benefits while adding a layer of fun and social interaction. They’re ideal for
those who want to stretch their mental muscles without taking life too seriously.

Learning a new language:Picking up a new language is analogous to a full-body

workout for your brain. It challenges memory, improves problem-solving skills, and
enhances your active listening skills. Above all, it opens doors to new cultures,
connections, and even travel opportunities.

A version of this post also appears on Forbes.com.