why hobbies matter more than we think

welcome back to Sunday Goods!

somewhere along the way, hobbies became optional.

something we do if we have time, if we’re not too tired, if everything else is handled first.

but hobbies aren’t extra, they’re essential.

having hobbies gives your mind somewhere to land.

a place that isn’t productivity, comparison, or obligation.

when you’re immersed in something simply because you enjoy it, your nervous system gets a break.

your brain shifts out of survival mode & into presence.

that’s where mental health quietly improves.

hobbies create rhythm in life.

they add texture to your days & give you something to look forward to that isn’t tied to outcomes or approval.

whether it’s baking sourdough & learning patience through trial & error, thrifting & letting curiosity lead the way, or moving your body through yoga classes or long walks, these moments ground you back into yourself.

there’s also something powerful about independence through hobbies.

when you have things that are just yours, you stop relying on other people or external validation to feel fulfilled.

you learn how to enjoy your own company.

you build confidence simply by showing up for yourself consistently, even in small ways.

hobbies remind us that we are more than our jobs, relationships, or responsibilities.

they reconnect us to play, creativity, movement, & curiosity, things that often get lost in adulthood but are deeply regulating for the mind.

& the best part?

hobbies don’t have to be impressive.

they don’t need to make money or turn into a side hustle.

they just need to make you feel a little more like you.

so if you’ve been feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected, this is your sign to pick something up, or pick something back up.

let yourself be a beginner.

let yourself enjoy things without a reason.

your mental health will thank you for it.

this week’s gentle reminder:
you are allowed to have things that are just for joy.

love you always,

elle