More Than a Pastime: How Finding a Hobby Can Heal the Mind

Freddy Murphy

Beyond the Blues

In this busy world, our mental well-being is often overlooked. We prize productivity, constantly multitask, and rarely permit ourselves to just be. But what if one of the simplest, most powerful things we can do to preserve healthy mental well-being is staring us in the face—hiding in the form of a hobby? Whether gardening, painting, playing the guitar, or, in my case, working with clay, hobbies are more than just recreational activities. Hobbies can anchor our lives, providing peace, purpose, and healing. 

Hobbies give our minds a break from constant stimulation and stress. They force us to relax, be present, and connect with our inner selves. Doing something we love calms anxiety, lifts our mood, and produces a sense of accomplishment. For me, ceramics has been such a sanctuary. There's something therapeutic about the physicality of clay work—the way it gives to pressure, the quiet concentration it demands, the satisfying messiness of it all. It's a form of meditation. When creating a new piece, I don't worry about tomorrow or sit around dwelling on yesterday. I'm fully present, grounded in the moment. Ceramics has taught me patience, enabled me to handle stress, and given me an outlet for creativity where I can be myself without judgment. Hobbies offer something that most of us don't realize we're missing: a positive distraction. In a world where overstimulation, screens, and stress are certain, having one thing you enjoy can be a lifesaver, reminding us that wellness isn't merely about subtracting negative, poisonous experiences but also seeking out what makes us most alive. Lastly, hobbies can build community—exposing us to virtual and real spaces where we can interact with others who share our passions.

Discovering a hobby is not about doing something well—it's about being good to yourself. In a world that tends to extol hustle and constant production, hobbies permit us to go slower and simply enjoy the pure act of doing. It might be ceramics, walking, writing in a journal, or learning an instrument, but the right hobby can be a powerful path to individual healing and mind clarity. So, if you haven't found yours yet, I encourage you to find out what will heal you. You never know what can become your kind of peaceful, lovely therapy.

Works Cited:

Godman, Heidi. “Having a Hobby Tied to Happiness and Well-Being.” Harvard Health, Harvard Health Publishing, 1 Jan. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being.

Parkhurst, Emma. “How Hobbies Improve Mental Health.” Utah State University, 25 Oct. 2021, extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-hobbies-improve-mental-health.

“Why Hobbies Are Important for Mental Health | Expert Guide | A Place to Turn.” Aplace2turn.com, 2025, www.aplace2turn.com/blog/hobbies-why-they-are-important-and-how-to-start. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.