When we see people who are so bored that their boredom becomes an annoyance to others, we say, “you need a hobby” so they leave us alone. We are often asked what our hobbies and interests are when we meet someone new. However, we often get stuck if we don’t have one in particular because, of course, doomscrolling on social media is not a hobby. Despite many people thinking hobbies are a waste of time, too childish, not profitable nor beneficial in life, they enrich our lives by widening our interests and helping us to learn about ourselves. 

The first reason that we need a hobby is because people have to refresh every once in a while. When people are having a bad day at school, work or in their social life, it is important that they get out of those negative thoughts and emotions. Although acknowledging and processing the incident is also important, if it becomes excessive, people can fall into an endless spiral of depression and stress. Aside from that, putting too much energy into a certain area of life for a long period of time can cause burnout, leading to a loss of productivity and health strains. Having a hobby lets people get out of this spiral of imbalance and disorganization so that they can lead healthier lives. When people dedicate a specific amount of time to themselves, breaking the endless work cycle, they will have the energy to keep going for the long term.

The second reason to get a hobby is because it makes life more entertaining and adventurous. Regardless of how much you enjoy your job, school or family, your everyday routine will eventually become unbearably boring, which is why some people resort to doom scrolling. By exposing themselves to new things, people can help relieve their boredom and add vibrancy to their life. For example, if someone has a sports hobby, it gives them an excuse to get out of the house without needing to be proficient at the sport, which will eventually improve their personal health. If someone has a social hobby, it is a great outlet for them to meet new people and build friendships as an adult with likeminded people. If someone has a practical hobby, such as cooking, it can help save money and build life skills. Instead of spending a lot of money on restaurants, they could cook delicious meals at home. Thus, exploring new things is a good way to make life more interesting.

The third reason to get a hobby is because it is associated with skill building and confidence boosts. At first, trying something new is hard and frustrating. However, after being patient and putting in effort, people can escape that phase and become proficient. Along the way, people are likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence about overcoming difficulties and knowing that they have grown their skill in an area. If their hobby is related to a career or a specific field, it may help them start a new career or assist them in advancing their current one. For example, a creative hobby like crafting lets people develop creative thinking and problem solving skills—perhaps they could even earn additional income by selling their creations. Having an active hobby, such as exercising or playing a sport helps improve physical and mental well-being by enhancing body function and preventing serious diseases. A hobby that involves learning, such as reading or learning a new language, can shine when the skill is needed. 

Of course, there should be a limit. Just because having a hobby is better than doomscrolling or relying on others for entertainment, it does not mean that we should cross the line of moderation. In the case of high-cost hobbies such as photography, golf or fishing, spending excessive amounts of money can cause a huge financial burden. Also, if one is spending too much time pursuing hobbies that require a lot of time commitment and frequent vacancies, it could lead to strains in social relationships and strain work performance. As much as it is important to have an outlet to have fun and express ourselves, it is important that we stay on track with our life and goals.