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You Don’t Need a Prescription, You Need a Hobby!
The positive effects adult hobbies have on our mental health

Now that we are half way through 2025, when I stop to think about how much of my life has been wrapped up in responsibilities—work, family, goals, and all the “shoulds” I place on myself. Somewhere along the way, I stopped asking myself what I genuinely enjoy doing, just for me.
As a child, I never questioned hobbies. I would spend hours coloring, playing dress up, or dancing in the living room simply because it felt good. Now, as an adult, I realize how easy it is to let those parts of myself fade under the weight of schedules and expectations. But I also realize how much my soul misses that feeling of doing something purely for joy.
Finding hobbies as an adult isn’t frivolous—it’s necessary. It’s a way of coming home to myself. A reminder that I’m allowed to explore and play, that my worth isn’t tied to productivity or achievement. Picking up something new—whether it’s trying pottery, learning a dance routine, or even just baking a new recipe—feels like an act of rebellion against the idea that life has to be all seriousness and structure.
Hobbies bring me back into the present moment. When I’m fully immersed in creating, moving, or learning something new, my mind quiets down. The stress, the to-do lists, and even the inner critic fade. I feel alive in a way that’s hard to describe, like I’m reconnecting with the parts of myself I forgot I had. Especially the competitive part of myself when I play tennis and want to win every game. That’s been the hobby of choice for me, tennis. I really got into it when we lived in Miami and even took lessons, I love the feeling that I’m learning something and there is no pressure to perform, I’m just having fun with it.
So maybe the real magic of finding new hobbies as an adult isn’t just about the hobby itself. It’s about the freedom to be curious again, to let myself be bad at something without judgment, to make space for simple joy.
Here are 6 reasons why you should be picking up a tennis racquet, trying a new workout class or signing up for a pottery class on the weekends:
1. Hobbies Reduce Stress and Create Joyful Flow States:
When you’re immersed in something you enjoy—painting, gardening, dancing—your mind shifts into a “flow state” (a psychological term for being fully absorbed in an activity). In this state, stress decreases, negative thoughts quiet, and happiness hormones like dopamine and endorphins increase.
2. Hobbies Reconnect You With Playfulness:
As adults, life often becomes a checklist of responsibilities. Hobbies reintroduce play and curiosity, which are essential for happiness. Doing something purely because it feels good—without judgment or productivity—reminds you of the simple joys you experienced as a child.
3. Hobbies Boost Confidence and Self-Worth:
Learning something new, whether it’s tennis, photography, or playing guitar, challenges you in a positive way. Every small improvement builds self-trust and confidence, which directly impacts happiness and emotional resilience.
4. Hobbies Create Connection and Belonging:
Many hobbies—like group sports, book clubs, or creative classes—bring people together. Building friendships or being part of a community boosts oxytocin levels, the “bonding hormone,” which is key for happiness and mental well-being.
5. Hobbies Provide Purpose Outside of Work and Family Roles:
Your identity is more than just your job or responsibilities. Having hobbies gives you something that is yours alone, something that fills your cup and reminds you who you are at your core. This sense of purpose is linked to long-term life satisfaction.
6. Hobbies Improve Mental and Physical Health:
Studies show that adults who regularly engage in hobbies experience lower rates of anxiety and depression. Physical hobbies, like sports or hiking, also improve fitness, which is directly tied to better mood and energy levels.
Remember to send in your questions every Monday on “ASK AMIGAS” and join our channel on Instagram. And if this episode made you feel seen, do me a favor- share it with an amiga who needs this reminder too because living your best life starts with loving yourself first.
Besos, Jenn💋
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