Reconnect With What You Love

You’re allowed to do things that make you feel like yourself again. 

When’s the last time you did something just because it made you happy? Not to earn money. Not to achieve a goal. Not because it was “productive.” Just for the joy of it. 

We all have hobbies that once lit us up—guitar, woodworking, painting, gardening, writing, baking, building things, fixing things. Maybe you used to sketch during lunch breaks. Or you had a stack of half-read novels on your nightstand. Maybe your camera hasn’t been charged in months. 

When life gets full, hobbies are often the first thing to go. They don’t scream for attention the way laundry does. They don’t set off reminders like work deadlines. But the quiet joy they bring? That matters. A lot. 

Hobbies reconnect us with who we are outside of our responsibilities. They help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve our mental focus, and even build resilience over time. Engaging in creative activities activates parts of the brain that make us more adaptable and happier. (Seriously—there’s science behind this.) 

Why Hobbies Still Matter (With Real Evidence) 

• Stress Levels Drop  

University reports that hobbies significantly reduce stress. In one study, around 75% of participants had lower cortisol—a key stress hormone—after engaging in art activities, even if they’d never tried creating art before.  (WIRED, Utah State University Extension) 

• Mood and Overall Well-Being Improve 

Harvard Health highlights a study involving over 93,000 participants across 16 countries: Those with hobbies reported fewer symptoms of depression, greater life satisfaction, and better perceived health than those without.  (Harvard Health) 

• Better Cognitive Function Later in Life 

UCLA researchers note that hobbies that challenge the brain or involve activity (like gardening, crafts, games, or walking) are linked to sharper memory, reduced dementia risk, and improved executive function.  (UCLA Health) 

• Social Connection and Purpose 

As noted by Kaiser Permanente and other health sources, hobbies—especially in groups—build social support, reduce loneliness, and enhance life satisfaction. They add meaning and joy well beyond the activity itself.  (healthy.kaiserpermanente.org) 

And no, you don’t have to be “good” at your hobby for it to count. This isn’t about performance or perfection. This is about feeling human. Recharging in a way that’s deeply personal. It’s about feeding your spirit, not your résumé. 

So let this be your reminder: 

You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t have to justify joy. 

You’re allowed to start small, start messy, or start again. 

 This week’s nudge: 

Set a timer for 15 minutes and pick up something you used to love. Play, tinker, dance, doodle, build. No pressure. Just joy.