Have you ever felt like life is just rushing past you, leaving you breathless and depleted? I know I have. There was a time when I found myself giving so much to everyone else that I had nothing left for me. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of intentional self care hobbies.
Today, I want to have an honest conversation about how making time for yourself isn’t selfish it’s essential. For those wondering “is self care a hobby?” YES, it absolutely can be, and I’m here to tell you why it might be the most important hobby you ever develop.
The Delicate Art of Taking Care of Myself
Self care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks (though those are lovely too!). It’s about creating intentional space in your life where you can breathe, heal, and reconnect with who you truly are beneath all the roles you play for others.
As someone who struggled with putting myself last for years, I’ve learned that care of self isn’t optional, it’s the foundation everything else is built upon. When we neglect ourselves, everything else eventually crumbles.
For those dealing with additional health challenges like PCOS, mental health struggles or any chronic illness, intentional self care becomes even more crucial. And even without additional challenges, daily life can be filled with stressors, and regular self care activities can help lower cortisol levels, and we all need a bit of destressing! Creating space to truly relax isn’t just pleasant, it can be healing.
Self Care Day: A Gift You Give Yourself
One practice that transformed my relationship with self care was establishing a regular “self care day.” This isn’t something that happens when I “find the time” (because let’s be real, we never just find time, do we?). Instead, I schedule it with the same importance as any other commitment.
On my self care day, I disconnect from what drains me and immerse myself in self care hobbies that fill my cup. Sometimes it’s as simple as completing a puzzle while watching an animation in the background, or trying a new craft. Other times, it might be soaking in the jacuzzi for 2 hours while listening to Taylor Swift or just enjoying the bubbles in silence.
The beauty is that there’s no “right way” to practice self care it’s deeply personal. What matters is the intention behind it.
Different Types of Self Care: Honoring Your Whole Being
As a devoted hobbyist of my own wellbeing, I’ve discovered that we need different types of self care to truly flourish:
- Physical self care: Moving your body in ways that feel good, nourishing yourself with food that energizes you, and ensuring you get restorative rest (and if you have followed me for a while you know how I have been actively working to improve my sleep!)
- Emotional self care: Processing feelings through journaling, therapy, or heart-to-heart conversations with trusted friends
- Mental self care: Learning something new, reading books that expand your thinking, or solving puzzles that challenge your mind
- Spiritual self care: Connecting to something larger than yourself through attending church, prayer, meditation, nature,or whatever speaks to your soul
- Social self care: Nurturing relationships that lift you up while setting boundaries with those that drain you
Self Care Hobbies That Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)
The most sustainable form of self care comes when we integrate it into our daily lives through hobbies we genuinely enjoy. Here are some self care hobbies that have made a profound difference in my journey:
Mindful creativity: Whether it’s painting, knitting, writing, or playing music, creative expression allows us to process emotions and connect with our authentic selves. I enjoy completing paint by number kits, watching the colors turn into a masterpiece has been so rewarding (and it makes for great wall decor!)
Nature connection: Gardening, hiking, or simply sitting beneath a tree, or on the beach can ground us in something larger than our daily worries. There’s something profoundly healing about getting outside and feeling the sun on your face.
Movement practices: Finding forms of movement that bring you joy rather than punishment changes everything. For me, it was dancing, I joined a pole dancing studio but since losing my job I changed it up to dancing in my living room like no one is watching (because truly, no one is!).
Culinary exploration: Creating something delicious is an act of love especially when that love is directed toward yourself. I enjoy creating new delicious and nourishing meals (mostly on weekends). Deciding on what to eat for dinner can be a draining experience over time, but exploring and getting some great go to recipes that you have mastered is really a life saver.
Learning and growth: Becoming a hobbyist in any area that fascinates you, whether it’s history, language learning, or woodworking. Feed your mind and spirit in ways nothing else can. I have recently started learning German on Duolingo, am I planning on being fluent any time soon… not really. But exploring and growing in something new is always fun.
My Journey From Self-Neglect to Self-Honor
I remember the resistance I felt when first trying to incorporate self care into my life. “I don’t have time,” I’d tell myself, as I ran from one responsibility to another. The truth was, I didn’t believe I deserved that time.
The turning point came when I realized that without intentional self care, I wasn’t showing up as my best self in any area of my life. I was giving others the depleted, exhausted version of me rather than the vibrant, present person I could be.
Now I understand that self care isn’t just something you do—it’s a relationship you build with yourself. Like any relationship, it requires attention, intention, and regular nurturing through self care hobbies.
The Art of Taking Care of Myself: Lessons Learned
The most powerful self care hobbies are those that address what you truly need beneath the surface. Sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we actually need:
- When I’m exhausted, I might think I need caffeine when my body is actually craving rest
- When I’m lonely, I might reach for social media when what I truly need is one meaningful connection
- When I’m overwhelmed, I might push harder when what would serve me is creating space
Learning to listen to these deeper needs has been the most transformative aspect of my self care journey.
Creating Space for Self Care in a Busy World
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adding one more thing to your plate, I see you. Start small:
- Can you take five minutes to breathe deeply before starting your day?
- Could you turn a daily task like drinking your morning coffee into a mindful ritual?
- Could you start a puzzle and spend at least 10min daily on it? (even if it takes a month to complete!)
- Can you take 15-20min once a week on a Monday to join my community for Attitude of Gratitude journalling? (and if Monday doesn’t suit, do it any day of the week the post will be there waiting)
The journey of self care isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and presence. Every small moment you reclaim for yourself creates ripples that transform your entire life.
The Invitation: What Will Your Self Care Story Be?
As I vulnerably share my experiences with self care hobbies, I invite you to reflect: What small step could you take today toward better care of self? Which self care hobbies might become your pathway to presence and joy?
I’d love to hear what self care means to you and how you’re incorporating it into your life. We’re all on this journey together, learning and growing with each intentional moment we create.
Remember that in becoming a hobbyist of your own wellbeing, you’re not taking from others, you’re filling your cup so you have more authentic presence to share.
With love and care, Your fellow self care enthusiast 💖
