Why It’s Important to Have Hobbies When Working a 9-5pm
For so many people, all of their “extracurriculars” end whenever they are through with school, whether that be high school or under-grad or beyond. When you start working though, you’re at that job all day long, you come home tired and you want to rest, only to get up and do it all again. We end up waiting for 5 o’clock, which turns into waiting for Friday- That’s wishing the majority of your life away. That is no way to live your life.
You know what they say, do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life! That sounds great and all, but that’s not reality for most people. You can even love what you do, and still end up feeling burnt out at times. How does one find the so-called “work-life” balance? To many of us, it doesn’t seem balanced at all.
What’s the point?
Making time for hobbies is one of the most underrated ways to keep your mental health in check. For most 9-5’ers, their hobbies include making dinner, watching TV, scrolling on TikTok, and taking care of their kids/ pets. Your 5-9 after your 9-5 and how you spend your weekends really sets the direction of your life. Making time for your personal hobbies is what makes you unique from others. You foster skills that you carry with you for a lifetime, and even if you don’t, at least you’ve made memories along the way.
Let’s face it, nobody has fond memories of watching TV every night. When you lose sight of your hobbies, you lose a part of yourself.
Where’s the time?
So, you don’t think you have time for all these hobbies? The key is planning ahead, and figuring out how you can manage your time to make room for your hobbies. Say dinner takes 45 minutes every night, and you don’t like to eat out. Try meal prepping or making a freezer-ready dish the weekend before. Check out this blog on freezer ready casseroles. On that night, you have set the intention of pursuing whatever hobby you’ve set out for. Go to that yoga class, start crocheting that hat, find a new hiking spot, or even just crack open that book that’s been waiting for you to open it. Doing this just once a week can really add up over time. The key is to stay consistent with it. Claim that one night a week as your own, even if it’s just for 45 minutes.
Where’s the extra cash?
Hobbies can be expensive, especially ones that include taking a class or buying a bunch of supplies for. If you used to have an expensive hobby such as attending pilates class, for example, try and look for free alternatives, such as free pilates videos online. You could even go as far as to start a Facebook group of like minded individuals in the area who may want to get together to practice the same hobby. Beyond that there are so many hobbies that don’t include a steep price. Nowadays, with so many free online resources it’s possible to learn a new hobby or skill for free.
Go on now!
If you read this far down, c’mon, you know you want a little something more out of life. You need something to be proud of, even if the only person you show is your mom. We are all deserving of a fulfilling life, where we get to create, do, and be a part of something we love. What hobby are you going to pursue? Let us know in the comments below.
