Hobbies: Not Just for Fun but They Help Your Brain Too!

Hello and welcome back!

Today I wanted to talk about some of the hobbies I have. Once again, I’ve never been officially diagnosed with ADD, but… let’s just say there are signs. Lol.

I cannot stick with a single hobby. I like trying all sorts of different things. I do draw the line at how much I’ll invest in a new hobby - like buying equipment, signing up for classes, or going all-in right away. I have to prove to myself that I’m interested enough to come back to it before I scale my investment.

That said, there are a few hobbies I’ve actually stuck with over time. And I’d love to share them with you.

1. Reading

I’ve always been a big reader. I tell people I’ve probably read thousands of books at this point in my life. When I was a kid and got in trouble, my mom would hide my books. That’s how much of a bookworm I was (and still am).

These days, I have trouble sitting still for long stretches, so I rely heavily on audiobooks. I love being able to listen while I’m cleaning, driving, or walking. It’s how I keep up my reading habit even when my ability to sit still for long stretches is in short supply.

2. Painting

Another hobby that’s stuck is painting. Specifically, acrylic painting. And to be clear - I do it… just not very well. Lol.

But it’s a blast! There are so many techniques and styles to try, and I love the creative freedom it gives me.

3. Candlemaking

I know, I know. It makes me sound like a pioneer woman. But this hobby actually came out of my thriftiness (or, if we’re being real, my cheapness). I didn’t want to keep spending $30 on Bath & Body Works candles, so I decided to start making my own.

And honestly? It’s so fun. It feels like a mad scientist experiment - getting the temperatures just right, measuring everything out perfectly. I love it.

4. Writing

Writing is another creative outlet I adore….mostly. It is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever tried! I’ve tried to turn it into a side income, but I haven’t made it out of the editing phase on any of the three books I’ve drafted. So for now, it remains a hobby.

Still, I love the challenge of translating the images in my mind onto the page. It’s slow-going, but deeply satisfying.

5. Baking

Every now and then, I get into baking. Like candlemaking, it feels a bit science-y - measuring ingredients, managing temperatures, perfecting textures. It’s a sweet little puzzle with a delicious reward.

6. DIY Home Projects

This one is part hobby, part maintenance. I really enjoy working on my home - everything from repairing things myself, to designing my backyard, to picking plants for the front yard.

I like to research and put in the hard work myself. That comes from how I was raised. Our parents did everything themselves, and that stuck with me. There’s something incredibly satisfying about accomplishing a hands-on task and seeing the results.

Why Hobbies Matter

So why are hobbies important?

They’re not just something to pass the time. Hobbies help you engage your brain in new and different ways. Most of us use our brains in a very specific mode for work - whether that’s at home with kids, in an office, or running a business. Your brain develops patterns for handling the same types of tasks day in and day out.

That’s why you might feel sharp at work, but forgetful or scattered in other areas. Your brain likes being in its comfort zone.

Hobbies pull it out of that zone. They help you activate different regions of your brain, think in new ways, and solve different kinds of problems. Hobbies keep your brain nimble and your spirit refreshed.

What to Try

If you’re looking to start a new hobby, I’d begin by identifying what interests you—not what you think you should be doing, but what actually sparks your curiosity.

Then, aim for a mix. Try something:

• Physical, to keep your brain connected to your body (like walking, dancing, or working out)

• Intellectual, like puzzles, reading, or learning a new language

• Creative, like painting, writing, or crafts

• Sensory or detail-focused, like baking, gardening, or DIY projects

• Just plain fun, like video games or board games

Pick something that activates a different part of your brain than your day job does. Something that brings joy and challenge in a way that feels fresh.

Hobbies help make us more well-rounded, grounded, and connected. They keep our brains and bodies engaged in ways that work alone can't.

So - what hobbies do you have? How do you keep your full brain active and engaged? I’d love to hear what lights you up and helps you feel like a more whole version of yourself.