The Lost Art of Enjoying Hobbies

A highlight of the week :

In today's day and age asking someone about their hobbies is like touching a raw nerve. 

It almost feels like an unnecessary question of a shadi or job interview, specifically designed to judge you. 

On the other hand, we see people making money from things they love doing. From Sari draping to cooking, everything is monetizable and a potential ticket to a “ life you never need an escape from”

however, there is something very basic about hobbies, that we have completely forgotten.

The word “hobby” originally comes from “hobby-horse,” a term dating back to the 16th century that referred to a child's favourite toy or pastime. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent any activity done for enjoyment without the pressure of professional commitment.

Historically, leisure pursuits were largely reserved for the wealthy or noble classes. In ancient civilizations and medieval courts, arts, music, literature, and physical pursuits were part of a cultivated lifestyle. 

These activities, though not termed “hobbies” at the time, served similar purposes: relaxation, personal expression, and a break from the rigours of daily obligations. 

The modern notion of hobbies took shape during the Industrial Revolution.

As work became more regimented and the middle class emerged, people began to carve out leisure time. 

The idea of a hobby—as a structured yet intrinsically rewarding pursuit—became popular as more people sought a balance between work and personal life.

Today, hobbies are recognized not just as leisure activities, but also as essential contributors to mental well-being, stress reduction, and the development of analytical skills.

• Steve Jobs: While he’s best known for the iPhone, Steve’s passion for calligraphy was his quiet retreat. It was a form of art that ultimately influenced Apple’s design ethos.
  

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Vajpayeeji is remembered for his leadership. Yet, beneath the weight of political responsibilities, he nurtured a deep passion for poetry. 

More Than Just a Pastime

At its core, a hobby is simply an activity pursued for the sheer pleasure of doing it.

Hobbies serve as a therapeutic outlet—a space where we can let our minds wander, find flow, and momentarily escape the pressures of a perfection-driven society.

I find that particularly useful if we lead stressful lives (which most of us do), especially if you are a doctor or in a similar high-stress job. 

Here’s what happens when we let ourselves truly indulge in our hobbies:

• Stress Reduction: Engaging in activities that make us happy lowers our cortisol levels—the hormone responsible for stress. I’ve found that a quiet afternoon spent on a creative project is far more effective at melting away stress than any fleeting scroll on social media.
  

• Enhanced Focus and Flow: When you’re immersed in a hobby, you often enter a state of ‘flow,’ where your focus is undivided and time seems to disappear. This state of mind not only boosts productivity but also provides a deep sense of satisfaction.
  

• Mental Clarity and Creativity: Hobbies stimulate parts of the brain that everyday tasks might not engage. This boost in creativity and analytical thinking can help us solve problems more effectively, both in our personal and professional lives.
  

• Emotional Wellbeing: Above all, hobbies offer a gentle form of therapy. They allow us to express emotions, process stress, and regain balance. For a tired mind, this is like a soothing massage for the brain. 

The Hobbies vs Side Hustle Debate : 

I am a big fan of self-sustaining hobbies, which means hobbies that can pay for themselves.

Don't you envy people who have figured out how to make money from their passions and hobbies? While you are stuck in your mundane lives?

As it is becoming difficult to live a fun life, from your regular paycheck, the internet is teaching us to develop multiple sources of income. 

And the most obvious product for sale as a side hustle is our half-baked hobby. 

“One day I will earn enough from my passion that I will be able to quit my day job” or “ I will build a life where I don’t have to work a single day”, or “Build a life you don't need an escape from” 

We save these inspirational quotes and begin searching for our dream opportunity, 

However, when we mix business with pleasure, often disaster follows. 

Here are some potential pitfalls to consider:

• Loss of Enjoyment

  Monetizing a hobby can introduce pressures that alter your relationship with the activity. What was once a leisurely pursuit may become a source of stress, diminishing the joy it once provided.

• Blurred Lines Between Work and Leisure

  Turning a hobby into a business can blur the lines between work and personal life, making it challenging to find time for relaxation and leading to potential burnout.

• Increased Burnout

  Monetizing a passion can introduce financial pressures that may overshadow the enjoyment of the activity, turning a once pleasurable pursuit into a stressful obligation.

• Market Limitations

  Not all hobbies have a viable market for monetization. Attempting to commercialize a niche interest may not yield sustainable income.

• Loss of Creative Freedom

  Commercializing a hobby may require conforming to market demands, potentially stifling creativity and personal expression.

• Skill Gaps

  Running a business involves skills beyond the hobby itself, such as marketing and financial management. Lacking these skills can hinder success.

Though I am still a fan of self-sustaining hobbies, I have understood that it is more important to become great at your skill before you can start asking money for it.

This means that we will have to practice our hobbies regularly and revive long-forgotten ones. 

My 4-Week Call to Action: 

I’ve put together a simple, actionable plan to help you reconnect with your forgotten passions. Here’s my four-week journey to rediscovering hobbies:

Week 1: Daily Journaling
Every morning, spend ten minutes writing about what brings you joy. Reflect on hobbies you once loved or new activities you’re curious about. In the evenings, jot down moments that made you smile or feel relaxed. This daily practice will help you identify what truly matters to you.

Week 2: Dedicated Hobby Time
Choose one or two hobbies that resonate with you and block off time in your calendar—30 minutes to an hour, a few times a week. Treat these sessions as sacred appointments with yourself. Remember, this time is purely for your pleasure, not a task to be monetized.

Week 3: Connect with Like-Minded People
Find communities, whether local clubs or online forums, where you can share your passion. Join a workshop, attend a meetup, or simply chat with others who enjoy the same activities. The support and camaraderie you’ll experience can amplify the joy of your hobby.

Week 4: Reflect and Expand
Take a step back and assess how these changes have impacted your well-being. Use this insight to explore additional interests or deepen your current ones. 

A Final Word

In a society that glorifies the pursuit of perfection and the endless quest for multiple income streams, it’s easy to forget that the true essence of life lies in simple pleasures.

So, before you think about monetizing your passion, focus on practising it regularly to enjoy the non-monetary rewards from day one.

I would like to hear from you.

Reply with a suggestion, question or just say “Hi”

Cheers,

Dr. Vishal.