Remember that amazing feeling of being totally lost in something, just for the pure fun of it? Not because you were aiming for a promotion or a good grade, but simply because you loved it? Maybe it was feeling like a rockstar on roller skates, making so many friendship bracelets that your wrist disappeared, or having model airplane pieces scattered all over your bedroom floor. For most of us, those childhood passions got quietly packed away once we stepped into the ‘real world’ of adult life. But here’s a thought: what if one of the best ways to practice self-care today is to dust them off and play again? A lot of psychologists and wellness experts—plus a huge number of regular adults who’ve tried it—are arguing that going back to your old hobbies isn’t a retreat; it’s actually a secret power-up for a happier, healthier, and more creative life right now.
Your Brain on Play: It’s Not Just About Nostalgia
That wonderful, fuzzy sensation of nostalgia when you think about your pastimes way back is only the beginning. When you play, something remarkable happens inside your brain. Your limbic system, the brain’s behavioral and emotional response section, fires up and becomes receptive to new stimulation and connection. This isn’t just a nice feeling; it actually refuels your brain. It’s an inner tune-up that regular work and adult tasks don’t offer, and the positive effects last a long time. Research has found that highly playful adults are more positive about the future and more resilient in the face of hardship. These activities feel richer because they connect to happy memories from childhood. This gives them a deeper meaning that a brand-new hobby can’t instantly offer. It’s like giving your inner child a high-five, and it helps you deal with the tough parts of being an adult.
The Health Benefits Are Shockingly Real
If the mental boost isn’t enough to convince you, consider the tangible, physical perks. Science has started to put hard data behind what we’ve always felt: enjoyable leisure activities are powerfully good for us. A study found that people who engaged in a range of activities regularly had lower blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and healthier bodies. Knitting, painting, ice skating, or building model airplanes might be as healthy for your body as they are for your soul. Having hobbies is linked with higher self-rated health, well-being, and life satisfaction, and is also connected to lower dementia risk. Whatever it may be, the intentional slowdown of a handicraft, the social buzz of a community garden, or the mental workout of a puzzle, your hobby is simply working behind the scenes like a multi-vitamin to your entire well-being.
Permission to Be Joyfully Imperfect
You’re ready to jump in, but then that annoying little voice holds your calendar hostage and cares about money. It tells you there’s no time to master and be good at this. The first and most important thing you need to understand is that you need to shush that voice immediately. As grownups, we’re constantly trying to make money off, optimize, and tweak whatever we’re doing, and that constant pressure is the spoiler for simple, innocent happiness. When we try something new as a hobby, we most commonly expect to produce a pro-level loaf of bread, a work of art painting, or first-time dancing capability. Stop. Life is not a TV show; it’s a sandbox. The real magic happens in the process, not the result. Your only aim is to enjoy what you’re doing, not to hurry and stress over getting it finished.
Finding Your Lost Play Personality
Maybe you’ve forgotten what used to bring you joy, or the things your kid self loves don’t exactly fit into your adult life. After all, joining a little league team as a grown-up might raise some eyebrows. But don’t worry, the key is to tap into your play personality. Everyone has a unique way they’re wired to enjoy themselves, and reconnecting with that can open up surprising possibilities. Maybe your adult self is drawn to something different than what you liked as a kid. If you’re a Competitor, you might find fulfillment in the thrill of winning, so something like a community pickleball league could be perfect. If you’re a Collector, always on the hunt for something special, maybe it’s time to explore vintage postcards or rare houseplants. Explorers are all about new experiences, whether that’s hiking every trail in your state or trying every cuisine in your city. Once you figure out your play personality, a whole world of hobbies and joy-filled activities starts to open up, maybe even in ways you never expected.
How to Sneak Play Back Into Your Busy Life
Okay, okay, say you’re convinced, but your schedule is a nightmare, and your energy is a myth. This is the most common obstacle, and it’s where a little strategy comes into play. You don’t need to carve out three-hour blocks on a weekend. It’s integration, not addition. Leave the hobby materials such as the paper, the paints, the origami folds in the room where you usually collapse, right next to the couch where you doom-scroll. The visual cue is a powerful call to do something more rewarding. Pair the hobby with some other activity that you already enjoy, like listening to a wonderful podcast or your favorite music, to make it twice as compelling. Invite a friend. Everything is more fun with company. And if you’re a parent or grandparent, doing a hobby with a child is a nice way to bond and see the world afresh through their playful eyes.
