Why Trying New Hobbies Might Just Be the Best Thing You Do for Yourself (No Matter Your Age)

Creativity in Unexpected Places

Let me start with this: as I’ve got older, I find enjoyment in the simplest creative things. I have this colour-by-numbers app that I find mind-numbingly good—it helps me completely switch off in the evenings. But there’s something even more soothing about real art—with a canvas and a paintbrush in hand. It’s deeply relaxing (well, minus the clean-up).

Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of hobbies—book club, tap dancing, singing, line dancing, crocheting, and even giving the potting wheel a go (more on that disaster in a minute). Life doesn’t exactly slow down, but we can make the choice to make it richer, more joyful, and a whole lot more fun.

Hobbies Are for Everyone—Not Just the Trendy or Young

Trying new hobbies isn’t just for the young, or for those with Pinterest-perfect craft rooms. It’s for anyone who’s ever looked at their calendar and thought, “Is this it?” It’s for people who want to shake up the routine, laugh at themselves, and maybe uncover a hidden talent—or at the very least, leave with a hilarious story.

The Brain Boost You Didn’t Know You Needed

And it’s not just about fun—there’s real science behind it. When we try something new, our brains get a proper workout. Neuroplasticity (fancy word, I know) is our brain’s ability to create new pathways and connections. Learning new things can actually boost our mood, sharpen our memory, and help us feel more switched on and engaged with life. It’s like giving your brain a fresh coat of paint. And who doesn’t love a good makeover?

Soul Food: The Joy of Social and Solo Hobbies

But beyond the brainy benefits, hobbies are so good for the soul. They give us a break from the daily grind. A reason to leave the house in something other than track pants. A way to meet people and connect in a real, human way.

Social hobbies like line dancing or book clubs can be especially powerful—you meet people, share laughs, and (if you’re like me) slowly learn the difference between a Texas two-step and a grapevine. I’m still working on it.

Pottery Disasters and Happy Accidents

Now, let me tell you about my brief but unforgettable fling with pottery. I had this vision of myself, totally serene, gracefully shaping clay like a pro. The reality? Not so peaceful. I spent most of the class just trying to stop the clay from flying off the wheel and hitting the poor woman next to me.

My “bowl” looked like it had survived a small earthquake. But you know what? We all laughed, supported each other, and had the best time. That laughter was worth every wobbly, wonky curve.

Finding Joy in the Right Kind of Mess

Turns out, the potting wheel and I are not destined to be together. But then I found painting ceramics—and that’s where I found my joy. There’s something so calming about brushing colour onto a blank plate and watching it come to life. It’s creative, meditative, and at the end I actually get to keep something pretty (unlike my “bowl” that’s still hiding in the back of a cupboard).

Permission to Play: It’s Not About Being Good

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be good at a hobby for it to be good for you. Let go of the pressure to be perfect. It’s about play. It’s about giving ourselves permission to be beginners, to be messy, to laugh at our mistakes—and to enjoy the process anyway.

Final Thoughts: Just Try It (Seriously)

So if you’ve been feeling a little stuck, a bit bored, or just caught in the same old routine, try something new. Sign up for that class. Buy the weird supplies. Make a glorious mess.

Your brain will thank you. Your heart will feel lighter. And you might just find a brand-new passion—or at the very least, a story worth telling.

And if you ever need a good laugh, I’ll happily show you my “pottery.”