Hobbies = Joy and Creativity

Remember the pure joy of making home movies, painting miniatures, building model kits, or tweaking synthesizers? Back then, it wasn’t about productivity. It was about getting lost in something you loved. What if reconnecting with those hobbies wasn’t just nostalgia but a way to boost your well-being and creativity?

The Science Behind the Joy

Engaging in hobbies isn’t just a fun distraction from incorporating studio notes you disagree with; research shows it actively improves mental health. When you immerse yourself in an activity you love, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters that lower stress and enhance happiness. It’s like TikTok without the Chinese Psy Op factor. Studies have found that creative hobbies can:

  • Reduce stress hormone levels

  • Improve mood and emotional regulation

  • Sharpen cognitive skills

  • Foster a sense of purpose and satisfaction

Peeps who engage in creative pursuits report higher life satisfaction and better coping skills with studio notes and requests from actors to get out of shooting Friday so they can go to a party in the Hamptons. So, those hours spent customizing action figures or composing electronic beats? They’re more beneficial than you might think.

Mental Health & Creativity Boost

Reconnecting with childhood hobbies taps into our sense of play, which is essential for emotional resilience. Playfulness has been linked to:

  • Strengthening social bonds

  • Enhancing problem-solving skills

  • Keeping your outlook adaptable and fresh

Individuals with hobbies, whether collecting 40K minis, designing cardboard terrain for a homebrew wargame, or assembling OG model railroads, experience greater happiness and social connectivity. The things that sparked your curiosity in the past can still light up your life in the present.

How to Get Back into It

If the idea of diving back into an old hobby feels overwhelming, start small.

  • Set Aside Time: Even 15–30 minutes a day can make a difference.

  • Keep It Low-Key: Don’t worry about perfection. The goal is enjoyment, not mastery.

  • Mix It Up: Alternate between hands-on activities like crafting and painting and digital pursuits with tools you love.

  • Be Present: Focus fully on your hobby and let your mind take a break from daily stress. Get into that flow state of fun!

Sometimes, the best way to handle adult life is to let yourself play a little. By revisiting hobbies, you’re not just honoring your past, you’re opening doors to inspiration and mental relief.

With your Scribbler’s Toolbox, you’re not facing the blank page alone. Always be writing - unless you’re in hyper hobby mode!

Previous
Previous

Rediscovering My Voice

Next
Next

Beyond the Mystery Box: Collaborative Storytelling from LOST to Severance