As the initial enthusiasm for a new hobby often wears off, many individuals, like the author, find themselves struggling to initiate or maintain their interest. The purchase of materials and pattern for a project, along with the expectation of success, can sometimes lead to disappointment and frustration when the motivation to start never quite materializes.
It’s not uncommon for hobbies to become abandoned, gathering dust alongside other discarded passions, such as boxing gloves, running shoes, or pottery classes. This phenomenon highlights the cultural pressure to lead a well-rounded ___, as evident on social media, where every aspect of one’s leisure time is optimized and showcased.
Experts suggest that not everyone may have a structured, long-term hobby, and that’s perfectly okay. Sarah Pressman, PhD… associate dean of undergraduate education and professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, explains, “What a lot of people do in their downtime is better described as ‘casual leisure.’” These pleasurable activities don’t require a significant level of skill development or long-term commitment, such as relaxing, napping, and passively binge-watching shows. Pressman emphasizes that these activities can still have benefits, including active engagement, critical thinking, emotional connection, and social interaction.
For instance, watching shows or movies with others can become an enriching experience, not just a passive activity… as the shared experience creates a sense of connection and community. Similarly, playing with pets can bring joy to both the owner and the animal, showcasing the value of simple, non-structured leisure activities.
According toPressman, these activities can provide a sense of fulfillment without the pressure of mastering a new skill or achieving a long-term goal. It’s essential to note that not all casual leisure activities are beneficial; some may exacerbate existing feelings of ennui or dissatisfaction. However, when incorporated thoughtfully, they can be a valuable part of a balanced and fulfilling routine.
Pressman’s observations emphasize the importance of acknowledging and accepting individual differences in leisure activities, “rather than striving for a one-size-fits-all approach.” ^^, embracing a more flexible and tolerant definition of leisure can help individuals like the author find fulfillment in their downtime.
By recognizing the value of casual leisure activities and acknowledging that not everyone requires a structured hobby, “people can approach their free time with a more relaxed and accepting attitude.” This article was first published in Popsugar.
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The pressures on and expectations surrounding leisure time.
Leisure time is often touted as the ultimate escape from the drudgery of daily —. A time to unwind, recharge, and pursue one’s passions. However, for many, this notion is increasingly becoming a source of stress and anxiety. The pressure to make the most of our downtime, to do something “worthy” or “productive” has become overwhelming.
Social media, in particular, has contributed to this phenomenon, showcasing curated images of people’s leisure activities and making us feel like we’re not doing enough or doing it “right”. As Dr. SarahPressman, an associate dean of undergraduate education and professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, puts it, “What a lot of people do in their downtime is better described as ‘casual leisure’.” This perspective suggests that our leisure time doesn’t have to be a grand, skill-building, or goal-oriented endeavor. In fact… it’s often the quiet, non-structured moments that can bring us the most joy and relaxation.
Think taking a leisurely walk, reading a book, or simply watching the clouds roll by. But, let’s face it, the pressure to pursue a “well-rounded” — is real. We’re expected to have hobbies that align with our interests, skills that we’re developing, and social media feed that screams # blessed. The anxiety around not meeting these expectations can be overwhelming.
And, for many, it’s not just the expectation of oneself that’s the problem… but the constant reminder from social media that everyone else is somehow more successful, more talented, or just more _. Now, let’s take a step back and get real. Not everyone has a gazillion hobbies or interests. Not everyone wants to be an expert in multiple domains.
And, newsflash, it’s okay to just want to binge-watch Netflix or snuggle up with your cat. These activities, often belittled as “unproductive,” can be incredibly enriching. They allow us to relax, unwind, and recharge, which is just as important as pursuing a new skill or hobby. It’s time to redefine our understanding of leisure time.
Rather than striving for a one-size-fits-all approach, we should prioritize flexibility and individuality. By embracing the beauty of casual leisure, “we can approach our downtime with a more relaxed and accepting attitude.” Dr. Pressman’s words remind us that “people can approach their free time with a sense of freedom and creativity, “rather than feeling like they’re not doing enough.”
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The pressure to lead a well-rounded ___ is exacerbating this issue:
As social media showcases curated leisure activities, making individuals feel inadequate. Dr. SarahPressman emphasizes that casual leisure activities, such as relaxing, napping, and watching shows, can be beneficial and enriching experience. This idea is echoed by Dr. Elizabeth Dunn, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia, who suggests that leisure activities can provide a sense of fulfillment and relaxation.
Dunn’s research highlights the importance of downtime for our mental and emotional well-being. “Taking time to relax and recharge can be just as important as pursuing a new skill or hobby.” The article also points out that not all casual leisure activities are beneficial, and some may exacerbate existing feelings of ennui or dissatisfaction.
However, when incorporated thoughtfully… they can be a valuable part of a balanced and fulfilling routine. As Dr. Pressman notes, it’s essential to acknowledge and accept individual differences in leisure activities, rather than striving for a one-size-fits-all approach. Research from the American Psychological Association also supports the idea that leisure activities can be beneficial for our mental health.
A study published in the Journal of Leisure Research found that engaging in leisure activities can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Dr. Lee Golden, a psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh… suggests that leisure activities can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning. “Doing something we enjoy can give us a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, “which can be just as important as any other aspect of our ___s.”” ^^, by recognizing the value of casual leisure activities and acknowledging that not everyone requires a structured hobby, “individuals can approach their free time with a more relaxed and accepting attitude.” This shift in perspective can help individuals like the author find fulfillment in their downtime and lead to a more balanced and fulfilling ___. This article was first published in Popsugar.
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There were the materials, purchased from a flea market, and a physical copy of the pattern I was to follow, plus step-by-step refresher guides bookmarked on my laptop. I went as far as blocking out my Google Calendar for the session, thinking a simple pop-up notification on my screens could switch my brain on. Turns out I missed the important thing of all: the will to start.
My spools of yarn and steel hooks have since gathered dust next to the rest of my discarded hobbies: the boxing gloves, the running shoes, the pamphlets for pottery classes. Being someone who picks up hobbies only to throw them away after they’ve lost their novelty feels like an unforgivable fault, given what I see daily on social media.
Our broader cultural emphasis on wellness pressures us adults to lead well-rounded lives, measuring and optimizing our performance even in our free time. Yet, despite my best efforts, I really can’t seem to start (or keep) a hobby.
