5 hobbies that everyone needs

A hobby can be defined as a regular activity done for enjoyment. It’s a habit we form, and intentionally curating hobbies in our lives helps create a balanced lifestyle system. This approach is one of the most sustainable ways to feel happy, healthy, and fulfilled. If you’re new here, my name is Izzy, and I’m a final-year medical student at Cambridge University. On this channel, we discuss designing lifestyle systems to stay happy, healthy, and efficient while studying. Recently, I came across the idea of categorizing hobbies, which has helped me evaluate and conceptualize the ones I engage in. In this video, I’ll talk about five types of hobbies that are important for enriching our lives, along with how I’ve incorporated them into my own. This idea was partly inspired by the quote, “Find three hobbies you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative.” I’ve added two more categories that I believe are equally important.

The first category is a hobby to keep you in shape. Physical exercise is essential for our well-being—body, mind, and heart. However, exercising can often feel like a chore. Finding a form of exercise that you enjoy can help make it easier to integrate into your lifestyle seamlessly. For instance, I tried running but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I found it monotonous and often skipped days, eventually quitting. However, when I tried yoga, I had a completely different experience. I loved spending time on my yoga mat, moving mindfully, and getting a gentle workout. Because I enjoyed it, yoga became a natural part of my routine. This shows that instead of forcing yourself to do the “perfect” exercise, it’s more important to find something you genuinely enjoy and can sustain.

The second type of hobby is one that allows you to be creative. Having a creative outlet helps us express ourselves and reflect on our lives. It challenges us and invites us to find beauty in the everyday. I’ve always loved music, but I didn’t explore creative outlets for a long time, especially because I felt untalented in art. Over the years, I started dabbling in amateur photography, music, journaling, and now making videos. I began setting aside time for creativity, whether it was visiting the botanical garden to take photos or dedicating time to play music. Making space for creativity has helped me understand myself better, and the process of creating has been incredibly rewarding.

The third category is a hobby that makes you money. The saying “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” reflects the idea that if you enjoy your work, it feels more like play than labor. If you love what you do, you’re likely to be good at it. As a medical student, I enjoy being in a clinical environment and interacting with patients and colleagues. I hope this passion carries over when I begin working as a junior doctor. In the past, I’ve taken on various side jobs, from lifeguarding to tutoring, and I’ve found that the jobs I enjoyed the most were the ones I stuck with and gained the most from.

The fourth hobby, which is my own addition, is one that helps grow your mind. I love learning new things and perspectives, and having a hobby that fosters continual learning is crucial. It allows us to evolve and develop a growth mindset, keeping our brains young and open to new possibilities. I enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts, which have helped me expand my thinking beyond my formal studies in medicine. One book I highly recommend is In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park, a powerful story about escaping North Korea. It gave me a new https://amzn.to/4fb1TnEperspective on privilege and gratitude. Regular meditation has also helped me evolve my mindset and how I interact with the world.

Finally, the fifth type of hobby is one that keeps you connected with others. In today’s world, and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, staying connected with people is essential for our psychological well-being. Whether it’s joining clubs, volunteering, or scheduling regular activities with friends, having a hobby that fosters connection is key to feeling grounded and fulfilled. Over the past year, staying connected with others has helped me through feelings of isolation, and I believe it’s vital to maintain these connections.

In each of these five categories, there are countless hobbies to choose from. I’d love to hear what hobbies you include in your life and any recommendations you have. Please leave a comment below, and if you enjoyed this video, you might also like the one over here. Thank you so much for watching. Take care of yourself, and remember, the journey is the destination.

These five categories of hobbies offer a comprehensive approach to personal growth, fulfillment, and well-being. By intentionally curating hobbies that cover physical, creative, financial, intellectual, and social aspects of our lives, we create a well-rounded lifestyle that nurtures all facets of our being. It’s not about trying to be perfect in every area but about finding balance and enjoyment in the activities that bring us joy and satisfaction.

For me, these hobbies have played a crucial role in shaping my life and helping me stay grounded, especially in demanding times like medical school. The ability to find creative outlets, stay connected with others, keep learning, enjoy physical exercise, and even make money doing things I love has been invaluable. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of work or studies, but hobbies remind us that life is much more than just productivity. They allow us to slow down, explore our interests, and connect with ourselves and others in meaningful ways.

If you’re new to exploring hobbies, my advice would be to start small. Experiment with different activities until you find what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if you’re not “good” at it right away. The goal isn’t mastery but rather enjoyment and personal growth. Over time, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the hobbies that bring you the most fulfillment.

Ultimately, hobbies are a form of self-care. They allow us to invest time in ourselves in ways that nourish our physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it’s through an exhilarating workout, a creative project, a side hustle that excites us, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, hobbies help us live more balanced and enriched lives. So, take the time to explore what makes you happy, and remember that it’s all about the journey, not the destination.

As you dive deeper into cultivating hobbies that enrich your life, you’ll notice that they not only provide enjoyment but also help you grow in ways you might not have expected. For instance, a physical hobby like yoga or dancing might improve your mental clarity and reduce stress, while a creative hobby could spark new ideas that enhance your professional or personal life. Each type of hobby offers its own unique rewards, and they often intertwine, enhancing your overall well-being.

One of the most important things to remember is that hobbies don’t need to be overly structured or perfect. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of excelling at everything, but the real purpose of hobbies is to give you space to breathe, explore, and express yourself. Whether you’re doodling in a notebook, exploring a new podcast, or going for a walk with friends, the key is to enjoy the process. Hobbies provide a safe space where there’s no pressure to perform or achieve specific outcomes.

Moreover, hobbies can evolve over time. What starts as a casual interest can grow into a passion, and you might even find that a hobby leads to unexpected opportunities. For example, what begins as a small creative project—like photography or painting—could develop into a side business or a new career path. Alternatively, a hobby that was once just a way to relax might become a critical part of your self-care routine, especially during stressful periods.

It’s also important to allow flexibility in your hobbies. Life changes, and so do our interests and circumstances. You might go through phases where certain hobbies take priority over others, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to stay connected with what brings you joy at any given moment and to give yourself permission to shift focus when needed.

In the end, hobbies remind us that life is multifaceted. They give us the chance to connect with different parts of ourselves and with others, fostering a sense of fulfillment that transcends the daily grind. By nurturing these activities, we enrich our lives and ensure that we’re not just living to work, but working to live in a way that’s meaningful and joyful.

So, whether you’re picking up a book, learning a new skill, or joining a community group, embrace the hobbies that speak to you. They are the pathways to a more vibrant, balanced, and fulfilling life. Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!