Hobbies help people relax, find an escape

An often neglected topic in the area of stress management is the use of hobbies as an aid in helping individuals relax and find an escape from their hectic pace.

Almost every employment form asks the question, “What are your hobbies?” Many applicants list things of interest or enjoyment without realizing that they spend little time in those diversions. They have an interest, but they have failed to develop that interest into a hobby.

Many people equate hobbies with wasting time, or they prefer to wait until retirement to take up a hobby. Then they fumble around for something to capture their attention.

Some people who are perfectionists never develop a hobby that they enjoy because they expect their hobby to lead to an end product equal to Van Gogh, Beethoven or even Julia Childs. They set a goal of being No. 1 in work and in play. But a hobby should be something that we enjoy whether it produces accolades from anyone else or not.

A hobby may stick with you the rest of your life, brining you fun and not a cent of gain. Or it may expand into another vocation.

But when a hobby ends up feeling like work, it probably isn’t a hobby at all. Although a hobby may eventually become a source of economic gain, the approach to finding one should be one for pleasure. The more a hobby interests you, the more pleasure you will derive from it. Some people find a hobby; find little pleasure from it, then give up on the idea of trying anything else.

A good rule of thumb to follow is to try to develop pa hobby that is completely different from your line of work.


A physician might find that farming, building fences or riding a tractor plowing a field is a relaxing diversion from the day-to-day practice of medicine.
Service professionals who work around people all the time seek solitude. I have several friends who like to get a stick of soft wood and whittle a duck or a bird. Others prefer bird watching as no interaction is required from the hobbyist and his subject.
Those who work in relative isolation may find being around groups of people is enjoyable and become Scoutmasters or join bowling leagues. Social gatherings are an outlet for the normal tension and stress in their lives. They let these activities serve as a method of winding down at the end of a hard day.

Other practical ways of considering hobbies are to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, which is therapeutic in itself. Fishing can be done alone or with others. Simply sitting by the bank and watching a cork bob up and down or going after a big bass in an isolated cove is restful.

Hobbies in any field of nature are simple, low in cost and healthful. They can be indulged by anyone anywhere in the world.

Becoming physically fatigued at a task, if one enjoys it, is a great way to reduce physical tension and certainly produces a good night’s sleep. Working in they yard produces a lot of satisfaction to many gardeners. Even a mini garden on a penthouse roof or a window display of potted plants rests the mind and burns some energy.

Next week I will continue to discuss various hobbies and encourage each of you to select one for your own pleasure and relaxation.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1985