The art of hobbies is dying. Hobbies were originally activities done in leisure, for personal benefit, but have since turned into a way to showcase aptitude and capability.
Hobby culture emerged in the United States in the early 1890s. After decades of labor strikes, laborers were finally granted shorter workdays, leading to a large and sudden increase in free time. Workers filled these extra hours with sports, vaudeville shows and county fairs.
Since then, hobbies have evolved tenfold. From cooking and crocheting to pickleball and pickling, new hobbies seem to appear every day and are seen trending on social media homepages. Yet, over half of individuals when asked wish they had more time for their hobbies.
Free time is filled with grocery shopping, commuting and other necessary, but generally unfulfilling tasks. Many individuals spend the few hours of true relaxation they get from work or school each day filled with scrolling on social media apps. While this behavior isn’t completely mindless, it has slowly replaced traditional hobbies that are mentally and physically engaging.
Part of this is due to the perception that hobbies which don’t contribute to monetary or professional building are often devalued. Participating in activities specifically for leisure and relaxation can feel unproductive and even lead to guilt and stress.
To mend this, many individuals have monetized their hobbies to continue to enjoy them without capitalistic-fueled guilt. In this case, monetization involves the adaptation of a hobby into a source of revenue. Many artists will sell their creations on online shops such as Etsy, while collectors may auction off valuable pieces for profit.
However, monetization comes with the risk of burnout.
Social media plays a large part in changing perceptions of daily life, therefore affecting how one spends their day. Perfectly packaged morning routines and day-in-the-life content create expectations for what one should participate in. Hobbies are portrayed as a way to get ahead, instead of for enjoyment and self-fulfillment.
In reality, hobbies represent much more than a way to continue productivity outside of the workplace.
Hobbies are important for mental and physical health. In a multi-year long study of individuals 65 and older, those with hobbies “reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression and higher life satisfaction.”
In this way, hobbies are productive, even if not in the typical, socially accepted way. By engaging in activities outside of work hours, individuals can continue to develop personal skills.
Other than the scientific reasons, hobbies are fun. They are a way to destress from long days and can often lead to social interactions. Actively engaging in anything that brings joy is time well spent.
The original purpose of hobbies was to fill the time in between work days. Yet, these activities have the ability to redefine life outside of a workplace and expand one’s worldview.
Whether it be writing, sculpting, gaming, cooking or even going on a walk, consistently participating in a hobby has undeniable mental, physical and personal benefits.
Instead of mindlessly traipsing through life, picking up a hobby can be a way to redefine leisure time and reignite vitality in life.
Alexandra Hopkins is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Alexandra? Email her at ah875121@ohio.edu.
