In a world where most of us are so busy – all of the time – hobbies, classes and extracurriculars often don’t even get a look-in. However, more and more people are talking about their pastimes (and the benefits to our wellbeing they bring) on social media. So why, exactly, is having a hobby as an adult so valuable?
“I’d LOVE to be able to play the piano. If I had the time, I’d definitely learn…”
“Ugh, I wish my parents put me in ballet when I was little. It’s too late to start now!”
“I envy people who are so talented at drawing! I’m shocking at it, so what’s the point?”.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Perhaps you have that one co-worker always talks about things they ‘coulda, shoula woulda’ done if only they had the chance – or maybe you’ve spoken these words yourself?
If so, you’re not alone. Between work, family commitments and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life, it can be tricky to find the time to do things that are just for us. Of course, there are other barriers in the way, too – including cost, feeling like it’s “too late” to start something, or a lack of confidence.
Time to unwind…
It’s so worth it, though. Keeping up – or starting – a hobby is so beneficial to our wellbeing. Recently, there’s been a trend on social media (especially TikTok) where people post about their hobbies – for example, crocheting, using adult colouring-in books, or taking up things like dance or ice skating as adult beginners.
The trend corresponds with Gen Z’s move away from the drinking and clubbing culture of previous generations towards a more ‘wholesome’ and holistic way of life, with an emphasis on physical and mental wellness.
People do hobbies for all sorts of reasons – such as to relax, connect socially, unleash creativity, or to stay physically active.
Nikki Alvey (48, Maidenhead) said: ‘I work from home, and after lockdown, I wanted to get out of the house, meet new people and be creative again. I did a crochet course and also signed up for a pottery wheel class, which I loved. I’ve made all sorts of items including candlesticks, bowls and mugs.’
For many people, it’s a satisfying, rewarding feeling to come away from an activity with something tangible to show for it – hence the popularity of hobbies such as pottery and crochet.
Nikki said: ‘I just feel very calm – almost meditative – doing art. It can be any type, it’s just the act of physically creating something from nothing, even if it’s rubbish. It soothes my soul.’
However, these types of activities can come with a hefty price tag. Nikki’s next class is a glass flower-making workshop in London, which costs around £60. For her, though, it’s worth it – she comes away from these sessions not only with a lovely keepsake, but more importantly, having had a mental reset.
Learn more: Art event in Manchester bringing people together through pottery
Speaking for the benefits
Would you prefer to do a less expensive creative hobby that gets you out of the house, but the thought of doing something like spoken word or slam poetry fills you with quiet dread?
If you have that fear, you’re not alone in feeling that way. But if you can break past that initial barrier of nervousness and doubt, you’ll experience some amazing benefits.
Amanda Nicholson (45, Manchester) said: ‘I first read at a spoken word night when a friend (my now husband) invited me along.
‘I hadn’t thought about sharing my writing like that before, but I did it. I was shaking, but felt so proud of myself afterwards.
‘It’s led to several opportunities and meeting all kinds of people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.’
Hobbies of this nature can really help you to break out of your comfort zone and boost your confidence. Plus, spoken word events are inherently social, so they’re a great opportunity to meet other like-minded people and foster a sense of community.
En pointe
Many people view ballet as one of those things that you have to start from an early age – but in reality, that isn’t the case.
Of course, if you want to dance professionally, the earlier the better. But if you just want to do it for a bit of fun, it’s never too late to start.
Adult ballet teacher Johanna Hadley said: ‘So many adults start as absolute beginners. I have quite a number of adults who said that when they were a child, they desperately wished they could dance but, for example, their family couldn’t afford it.
‘However, as an adult, they are now able to pursue something they always dreamt of.’
It’s worth noting that ballet brings so many physical and mental benefits – including improving your posture, increasing your flexibility, and helping to prevent memory loss.
Johanna said: ‘The benefits of ballet can be felt by everyone, regardless of age – I’ve taught adults taking their first ballet class in their 90s!’
Baring all
If crocheting, slam poetry or adult ballet doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps nudism could be your thing.
Getting naked is something that we all do – but for some people, it’s a lifestyle choice or an empowering hobby.
Whether they label themselves as “nudists” or just people who enjoy being naked, the act of stripping down – and baring all – has so many perks.
Nudist Estelle Keeber (42, Leicestershire) said: ‘Nudism is about freedom, comfort, and connection – not necessarily belonging to a club or ticking boxes.
‘For me, it’s everything from enjoying a quiet morning without clothes to visiting nudist-friendly beaches and spas.’
Estelle also hails the physical benefits of being naked, citing that it helps to regulate body temperature, allows your skin to breathe, and can even support better sleep.
And there’s science behind the feel-good side of it, too – being nude can trigger the release of chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin, which reduce stress and boost your mood.
Probably the most common barrier for people wanting to get into nudism is having a lack of confidence or worrying about being judged.
Estelle had similar hesitations to begin with. But she said: ‘I realised how short and unpredictable life really is. So, I made a promise to myself – stop waiting and start living. If there’s something you want to do, don’t wait for the ‘right time’… just do it!
‘Nudism was something I’d been curious about for a while, and once I stopped worrying about what people might think, it became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.’
Visit https://www.bn.org.uk/aboutnaturism/ to learn more about the benefits and how to safely take part in the UK.
Read next: Is it time to try an alternative hobby?
Featured image courtesy of Margarida Afonso on Unsplash.
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