Taking Up A Hobby- The Simplest Route To Better Mental Well-Being

Mental health is one of the most talked-about subjects in the media today. Every minute, Google processes over 70,000 health-related searches covering everything from specific healthcare services and the latest fads and trends to general advice about fitness, wellness and well-being. Many of us are searching for ways to improve our health. Looking for information online can be helpful, but this isn’t always the case. Information can be confusing, complex or conflicting. If you’re unsure who to listen to, what to do or where to begin, embracing easy ways to boost mental well-being is a great place to start. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of taking up a hobby, one of the simplest routes to better mental well-being.

Hobbies are something we often associate with our children or grandparents, but they offer incredible benefits for all ages, especially at a time when stress levels are high and people are lonelier than ever. Examples of key advantages to taking up hobbies include:

Socializing

Be honest. How sociable are you? Most of us thrive on forming social connections and being part of a pack, but we sometimes struggle to meet people, make friends or maintain relationships. Busy schedules, social anxiety, other commitments and a lack of time and money can all be barriers. In the digital age, it can also be tough to meet people in real life. Though it’s easy to connect via social media and dating apps, many people find it harder to develop meaningful real-world friendships and relationships. A US study involving 2,000 adults found that over 40% struggle to make friends.

Taking up a hobby is one of the best ways to interact with people, strike up friendships and expand your social circle. The fact that you have shared interests is a brilliant ice-breaker and it gives you something in common to build upon immediately. If you get into the habit of going to a weekly or monthly meeting, catch-up, class or session, it’s also easier to build stronger relationships and feel confident within the group.

If you like the idea of using hobbies to meet others, there are some fantastic activities and ideas, including joining a choir or band, taking up art, photography, pottery, floristry, dance, yoga or cooking classes, playing in a team, and looking for local gaming clubs or groups that celebrate different pets. Consider your interests and passions and then search online for clubs, societies and groups or classes, workshops and sessions.

De-stressing and boosting happiness and contentment

Another amazing reason to explore new hobbies is to reduce stress levels and boost contentment and happiness. Devoting more time to your interests can transform your mental health. Whether you enjoy active pursuits like climbing, playing golf or dancing, you’re creative and you love to paint or draw, or you live for playing online games or building virtual kingdoms, hobbies can help you combat stress and feel good.

It’s hugely beneficial to find hobbies and activities that help you achieve better mental well-being. If you know what makes you happy, what helps you feel calmer or less angry and what gives you a more positive outlook, you can build a toolkit. When you experience certain emotions, you can call upon specific hobbies to improve your mood and nourish your mental health. Perhaps you feel amazing after a HIIT session, or painting helps you feel grounded, for example.

Having fun

How much time do you have in your schedule for fun? The average person spends around 36 hours per week at work. If you add other commitments, such as running your home, raising kids or looking after relatives, you may be short on time. Hobbies enable and encourage us to have fun. Playing online games like roulette or chess, watching movies with friends, going for a hike with your partner or painting pottery with your kids can provide an instant lift and hours of unbridled joy and fun. Try to use your hobbies to inject fun into your daily or weekly schedule. Manage your calendar wisely to allow more time for activities that lift your spirits, make you laugh and help you feel happier. The simplest things, like playing a quick game after a stressful meeting, going outside and taking photos when you get back from work or going to a Pilates class once a week can have a big impact.

Spending more time in nature

Many popular hobbies encourage us to spend more time in nature. Research shows that being in natural environments enhances mental health. A UK study found that almost 70% of people feel better when they’re close to nature. Even spending short periods in green spaces can give you a major boost. There are lots of activities you can try that enable you to get outside and explore the great outdoors, including climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, hiking, painting, photography, playing golf, trail running, foraging, swimming, geocaching, fishing, watersports, skiing, jogging, and yoga.

Taking time for yourself

It’s very common for people to have limited time for themselves in 2025. Between work and other commitments, you may find that you never have quality ‘me-time.’ If this scenario sounds familiar, try taking up a hobby. Use your interests to shape your plans and ensure you get time on your own. From painting, writing and baking to exercise, gaming and reading, you can choose activities that match your interests and how you want to spend your time. We often enjoy socializing and we get a lot from it, but there’s nothing wrong with craving some alone time. Taking breaks can help you reset, rest and unwind.

Building confidence

If you experience a lack of confidence or low self-esteem, it’s not easy to build confidence. It’s not as simple as listening to people compliment you or looking in the mirror one day and telling yourself you’re great. Taking up hobbies can be an effective way to gain confidence, especially if you don’t have strengths that fit within traditional templates, curricula or job descriptions. If you never excelled at sports or math at school, for example, broadening your horizons can help you discover talents and skills as well as activities that you enjoy. You might find that you’re brilliant at martial arts, Pilates or table tennis, or that you’re a talented artist or writer, for example.

Keeping boredom at bay

We all encounter scenarios when there’s a risk of boredom. Long queues, delays, having too much spare time and taking time off work with no plans in the diary can lead to feeling bored. Devoting time to your interests is a fantastic way to keep boredom at bay. Whether you have five minutes or five days to fill, use your hobbies to make plans, have fun and broaden your horizons. Play a game on your phone to fill short gaps, book regular classes or sessions, or organize a camping trip that allows you to enjoy blissful days of walking, doing adventure sports, exploring different activities and getting back to nature. If you have hobbies, you never need to worry about getting bored again. You can also get friends and family members involved to add a social element and spread joy.

Many of us have an active interest in health and well-being. It’s not always easy to know what to do to protect and improve our mental health, especially if the information you read is complex or conflicting. Taking up a hobby is a simple, effective way to enhance well-being, reduce stress and increase happiness. If you want an easy, effective solution, why not explore some options today? From creative and active pursuits to relaxing activities, you’re sure to find something you love.