It’s no secret that life can get very busy, very fast. That’s especially true during the era when careers, kids, keeping up the house and so many other obligations have to be juggled. During those busiest times, it’s not uncommon for your personal interests to shift to the back burner — or be forgotten completely.
When the kids are out of the house and retirement is on the horizon, it can feel like you’ve lost touch with the things that made life feel rich. But in truth, it’s a new opportunity to focus on the things that light you up inside — your passions.
Whether you rekindle an old fascination or try something new, getting involved in a hobby is a good idea. Research indicates that there are health benefits to taking up hobbies. In a study published in 2021 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that participation in brain-stimulating leisure activities contributed to lower dementia risk. And it’s not just your mind that can benefit from indulging your interests.
A 2020 study found that people who took part in social activities also were less likely to develop “functional disabilities.” (Functional disabilities, in this case, means difficulty with doing everyday tasks needed for independent living.)
With indications like these, there’s never been a better time to make space and time for pursuing your passions. Get started with these tips and ideas to reignite old interests and even discover new ones!
It’s not uncommon for people to feel that caring for family or focusing on a successful career was more than enough to keep them busy. But when those things aren’t as big a part of your life as they once were, a new opportunity arises: the chance to focus on what you like.
But what if you don’t really know what you like? You’re definitely not alone on that count, either. Let’s take a look at some ways to spark curiosity and find new ways to express yourself.
Ask others
From friends to neighbors to relatives, you likely know lots of people who have specific interests and hobbies. Tell them that you’re on the hunt for a passion, and invite them to tell you about theirs. If it sounds interesting to you, ask them to help you learn more, or if you can shadow them at their activity.
Take an assessment
Even if you’re retired, career assessment tests can offer insights into interests for you to pursue. For instance, if an assessment shows that you’re suited to service jobs, you might find volunteering fulfilling. Or if it turns out that high-energy jobs are a match, it could be mean that you need a hobby with lots of interaction with other people.
Explore in your community
Book readings at the library. Walks at a nature center. A cooking demonstration at the grocery store. There might be more free opportunities to explore your curiosities close to home than you’d expect. Check out public institutions’ event calendars and community education programs to get some new ideas.
So you’ve found a few activities to try, but you aren’t sure where to start. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just dive right in. Perfection is not the point. Let yourself make mistakes, experiment and explore. Freeing yourself from expectation is half of the battle; prioritizing your time is the other.
Prioritizing your time
No matter how much you enjoy something, it’s a simple fact that taking on too many commitments can result in stress. That’s why it’s important to evaluate your schedule and stop spending time on nonessential activities that you’re not passionate about.
Consider these tips when you need to cut a few things out of your schedule.
Sometimes carving out space for the things you enjoy means saying “no” to the things you don’t. However, saying “no” to someone or something can feel hard. For some, it comes with a sense of guilt or anxiety. It’s important to remember, though, that putting pressure on yourself only adds to that anxiety.
To prioritize your mental health and avoid burnout, use these four techniques for saying “no.”
A 2019 study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found that older adults who interacted with people outside of their usual social circle were more likely to experience:
If showing up solo to a pottery class or writing group feels intimidating, invite a family member or friend to come with you the first few times. It can be easier to branch out and chat with new people if you have a buddy by your side.
Turn to page 28 to find more tips and ideas for making community connections.