The 3 types of ‘hobbies’ that will keep you thriving – from a psychologist

When you really love doing something, it’s hard not to throw yourself into it. Once you find a hobby’s “sweet spot”—that is, something you both enjoy and excel at—it often takes precedence over everything else. However, there is nothing inherently wrong with having a single passion. In fact, approximately 15% of the United States population only has one particular hobby, according to a 2024 survey.

That said, hobbies do a lot more than just fill your time. In many ways, they can shape who you are; they nurture parts of you that might otherwise go unnoticed or neglected. So when we focus on just one type of hobby, we can inadvertently leave other parts of ourselves—our mind, our body, or our sense of creativity—undernourished.

However, finding more hobbies that fall into the proverbial sweet spot can definitely be difficult – but, luckily, there are countless options. However, based on psychological research, you really only need three.

1. A hobby that keeps you fit

Most likely, you are already aware of the importance of exercise in relation to physical well-being. Psychologically, however, it may be just as important—as studies suggest it plays a critical role in reducing stress and preventing mood disorders such as depression.

However, if you’re not enthusiastic about exercise, knowing where to start—as well as sticking to a consistent routine—can be extremely challenging. This difficulty is only compounded by stereotypes about what the “right” exercise looks like; many people may believe that running and working out are the ideal, if not the only, way to start a fitness-related hobby.

The reality, however, is that exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym or running marathons—unless, of course, you feel like it. Rather, it can be as simple as moving your body and getting your blood pumping in ways that bring you joy:

• Swimming. If you love the feeling of water, swimming is a fantastic option. It’s gentle on your joints, but still works your entire body. On top of that, there’s also something incredibly meditative about the rhythm of your strokes and the sound of the water around you.
• Walking. Never underestimate the power of a good walk. It could be a walk around your neighborhood, or it could be a walk in the woods—either way, walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active.
• Dancing. The beauty of dance is that there are many ways to approach it – dance classes, clubbing with friends, or even just scratching in your living room. Better yet, it’s exercise disguised as fun and is a phenomenal way to de-stress.
• Yoga. Ignore any rhetoric you see referring to yoga as “glorified stretching.” In practice, it’s probably the best way to connect with your body in a way that feels nourishing and restorative.
• Team sports. If you want a social element to your exercise journey, you can always consider joining a local sports league. Regardless of your sport of choice, playing it with others can make exercise feel more like play.

2. A hobby that keeps you creative

Many people are quick to tell themselves that they don’t have a single creative bone in their body. They consider themselves poor writers, clumsy artists, or bad singers and assume that, in general, creative pursuits are probably just not for them. However, creativity is not at all about being “good” at something. Instead, creativity should focus solely on expression, letting go of judgment and enjoying the process of creating something new.

Creative hobbies are like food for your soul. They are one of the best ways to process emotions that feel overwhelming and allow us the rare opportunity to find beauty in everyday life. And, fortunately, you don’t have to be a famous artist to reap its benefits. According to a 2024 study in Frontiers in Psychologypeople who simply engage in creative hobbies report higher life satisfaction, greater happiness, and, most notably, a “greater sense that life is worthwhile:”

• Journalism or creative writing. Putting your thoughts down on paper can be incredibly cathartic. You don’t need to write a masterpiece – just jotting down your feelings, dreams or little stories can be a great outlet.
• Cooking or baking. The kitchen is likely one of the widest canvases for creative expression. Experiment with new recipes, decorate cakes or try creating your own dishes. Cooking combines creativity with practicality – and, best of all, you can eat your art.
• The gardener. There is something deeply satisfying about watching plants grow under your care. It can be flowers, herbs or vegetables – whatever the seed, what you plant will connect you to nature and allow you to create something beautiful and alive.
• DIY projects, knitting or crocheting. Hands-on craft projects are perfect for anyone who likes to work with their hands. They are rhythmic, relaxing and leave you with something tangible to show for your efforts.

3. A hobby that keeps you sharp

While physical and creative hobbies nourish your body and soul, intellectual hobbies keep your mind sharp, curious and engaged with the world around you. Often, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the habit or mindlessly engage with what’s around you – your phone, friends or even yourself. In this way, finding a hobby that challenges your intellect can feel like rediscovering a part of yourself you didn’t realize was missing.

However, starting something new—especially if it requires unanticipated focus—can feel awkward. Maybe you’re worried you’ll struggle to master a new skill or you’re afraid you’ll get bored halfway through. Either way, the key is to remind yourself that you don’t need to master something overnight. you don’t even have to compete with anyone else. Instead, rediscover the joy of learning, exploring new ideas, and stepping outside your mental comfort zone.

The benefits of such hobbies, surprisingly, are many. Intellectual hobbies can increase your problem-solving skills, strengthen your memory, and even improve your mental resilience. Furthermore, the 2023 research by Frontiers in Psychology suggests that regularly engaging in mentally challenging activities may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we age. But beyond that, these hobbies help you see the world—and yourself—in new ways, often with a sense of awe and wonder:

• reading. Novels are the best mental exercise. Fiction transports you to different worlds, expands your sensibilities and immerses you in compelling stories. Nonfiction, on the other hand, introduces you to fascinating topics—from history and science to self-help and personal growth. Each genre opens up endless avenues for learning.
• Logic puzzles and games. If you like a good challenge, logic puzzles like crosswords, Sudoku or riddles are a great way to keep your brain in good shape. Conversely, games like chess, Scrabble, or strategy-based board games provide the same benefits while adding a layer of fun and social interaction. They are ideal for those who want to stretch their mental muscles without taking life too seriously.
• Learning a new language. Picking up a new language is analogous to a full-body workout for your brain. It challenges memory, improves problem-solving skills and enhances your active listening skills. Above all, it opens doors to new cultures, connections and even travel opportunities.
• Traveling. By entering a new country—whether it’s a neighboring city or a country halfway across the globe—you’re engaging your intellect in ways you might not even realize. Learning about different cultures, tasting unfamiliar foods, and navigating new environments challenge your brain to adapt and grow. Travel is as much an education as it is an adventure.

It’s always important to remember that finding new hobbies that work for you may take some trial and error, and that’s okay. The trick is to keep at it; experiment until you find something that feels less like a chore or just a way to pass the time. You’ll know you’ve found the right one once it starts to feel like a celebration of what your body and mind are capable of.

Is your mind, body or soul begging for a new hobby? Take this science-backed wellness test to find out: WHO-5 Well-Being Index