Sara Trudge (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
There was a time in my life when I had no hobbies. I had passions and activities I enjoyed, but no hobbies. So, I set out to try all the things that interested me and made me step out of my comfort zone. I sought out things that I loved as a kid and returned to scrapbooking, doing brain games, and arts and crafts. Now I can happily say that I have lots of hobbies. My hobbies are reading, writing, doing puzzles, cooking, making mocktails, crocheting, collecting DVDs, vinyls and pins, scrapbooking and journaling. My hobbies bring me joy and increase my quality of life.
I always look forward to doing my hobbies after a long day. I have realized that spending as little as 30 minutes doing a hobby after work gives me something to look forward to. It helps me enjoy my evening and night. I will usually read, work on a craft, journal or cook something I have been looking forward to if I have the energy. It helps me end off the day on a good note and brings me back to the things I love. I gravitate toward calming, low-energy hobbies that still my mind and allow me to focus on something positive. In times of sadness or anxiety, my hobbies were some of the only things that I looked forward to. Now I plan what hobbies I want to focus on for the week when I schedule my week out on Sundays.
My hobbies help me to feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether I am working on a 1000-piece puzzle, crocheting something or collecting receipts, business cards, packaging and scraps from my life throughout the month to create a junk journal spread, it always feels great in the end. I have evidence that I dedicated myself to something, enjoyed it and finished it. It is a good use of my time. Rather than doomscrolling or spending the whole day binging a show I have already seen, I have the option to spend time doing a hobby. It allows me to be creative by making things with my hands and my mind. It also allows for continued learning in adulthood. I find this particularly important because I get to research and learn things that truly interest me. It is not tied to work, and it is not something that I have to do. I want to do it because it is something that intrigues me, and I have the desire to immerse myself in it.
My hobbies represent a good portion of who I am. The hobbies that I participate in all align with my character and values and are fitting for the person I am. I am a relaxed homebody who maximizes coziness. I love boring, redundant tasks and living a slow life, and my hobbies reflect that. People who know me well know that my hobbies bring me great happiness, and my ideal day is spent with them.
Having hobbies also comes with the opportunity to give great gifts to friends and family. I love to spend time creating or curating something that will bring someone I love joy. Whenever possible, I make a handmade card, and I am known for filling every space with heartfelt, sentimental words. In recent years, I have gifted multiple crochet projects (from scarves, hats, bags, decor and coasters) and baked goods. This year, I have continued to do that, but I am also taking the time to browse thrift stores and shop online for intentional gifts that I know people will love. I love giving gifts, and my hobbies have helped me realize that. I also always look forward to the gifts my friends with cool hobbies give me.
My hobbies have helped me establish my interests, likes and dislikes, which help me better understand myself. While it may not seem that serious to some people, these hobbies have helped me get to know myself better. For example, I did not realize that I loved gift-giving. I will now brainstorm gifts and intentionally pick things up for my friends and family months in advance. While I probably would’ve discovered this eventually, I do believe my hobbies helped me to realize it faster.
Along with making great gifts, my hobbies have helped me to form deeper connections with my friends. I have friends who read, love crafts and like to browse thrift stores. This allows us to branch out and do unique activities when we hang out. Instead of simply watching movies, shopping or going out to eat, we now have the option to do crafts, puzzles, read, cook, and browse bookstores and thrift stores as well. I feel I now know my friends better because of this. My friends and I also started a book club last year, which helped me to understand them better as people and readers. I know what they look for in books, and discussing the plots and deeper themes of the books allowed us to have deeper discussions.
I believe everyone should have at least two hobbies, especially adults. It gives you something to look forward to and allows you to learn new skills. What are some of your hobbies?
—
Leave your thoughts for Sara in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!