🧠 The Often Overlooked Importance of Having a Hobby

Do you have a hobby?

Some people love traveling during long vacations. Others enjoy reading, even if they don’t consider it a “hobby.” Many take up sports for health reasons.

But here’s the bottom line:
You should have a hobby.
In fact, not having one might be a problem.

When you’re younger, work often consumes your time, leaving little room for hobbies. That’s fine—your brain still feels fulfilled. But people without hobbies tend to be surprisingly fragile.

For most working adults, life revolves around their job. Your schedule, identity, and even your sense of purpose are shaped by your role as a “professional.” At home, you don’t need to play that role—but without a hobby, your downtime becomes just an extension of work.

You might think, “I’m exhausted from work—I need to rest.”
Sure, if your job is physically demanding, rest is essential.
But is your fatigue really muscular?

I used to work a desk job, spending long hours creating charts and writing reports. It was mentally draining. Yet some of my colleagues, who did the same work, spent weekends hiking or playing sports. I used to wonder how they had the energy—but the truth is, the fatigue from desk work affects your eyes, neck, shoulders, and back. Physical activity actually helps relieve it.

More importantly, having a separate identity as a “hobbyist” gives you emotional balance. Even if work is dull, you can think, “Well, I have my own life outside of this.” For me, that outlet was creative work. It didn’t have to be high-level—just having a hobby persona made a huge difference.

Recently, I’ve heard some unsettling stories. People who retired just a year or two ago developed dementia after leaving work. The common thread? They were serious, dedicated—and had no hobbies.

I’ve also met people who, after years of being too busy, are now searching for a hobby. As someone who’s always had many interests, I want to say, “Just follow your curiosity.” But for them, not knowing what to do is a real challenge.

How about you? Or someone close to you—are they facing this dilemma?

🎥 Filmmaking: A Unique Hobby That Works Solo or With Friends

Here’s my pitch:
Creative hobbies are fantastic.
Of course, sports are great too. But if you’re like me—low on stamina and not naturally athletic—sports might not be enjoyable.

Indoor, cultural hobbies may suit you better. Painting, writing, crafting—there are plenty of options. But one that’s often overlooked is filmmaking.

What sets filmmaking apart is its flexibility. You can do it alone, or collaborate with others. You don’t usually co-write a novel or co-paint a canvas—but you can absolutely co-create a film. That’s a huge advantage.

And while filmmaking might seem intimidating, it’s actually one of the easiest hobbies to start—especially now that smartphones are so advanced.

Let’s break down the benefits:

📱 No Special Equipment Needed

Most hobbies require tools—art supplies, materials, workspace.
But filmmaking? You can start with just your smartphone.

Many people only use their phones for calls, games, or watching videos. But they’re also powerful cameras and editing tools. Free apps make editing accessible to everyone.

✅ Clear Sense of Accomplishment

The joy of creation comes from turning an idea into something real.
Filmmaking offers this in spades.

It’s a highly expressive medium, full of originality. Unlike other hobbies where you might aim to replicate a teacher’s example, filmmaking lets you say, “I made this.” That sense of ownership is deeply satisfying.

👏 Easy to Share and Get Feedback

We all crave recognition—even if we don’t admit it.
Filmmaking makes it easy to share your work and get praise.

It’s much easier to say, “I made a short video—want to watch?” than “I wrote a novel—want to read it?” The barrier to entry for your audience is lower, and the feedback is more immediate.

🔍 Depth and Growth

Like any creative pursuit, filmmaking has layers.
It involves technical skills, storytelling, and visual design.

You’ll feel yourself improving with each project. That depth makes it a rewarding long-term hobby.

🎞️ Start Small, Then Build Toward Storytelling

Some people get excited and want to jump straight into making a feature-length film. I get it—I did the same. I tried to make a two-hour movie without much experience. It was tough.

Luckily, I had free time as a university student and supportive friends. But for working adults, I recommend starting with short, standalone scenes—like “Wouldn’t this shot look cool?”

Enjoy the process, build your skills, and then move on to story-driven projects. That’s the smart path.

Once you reach that point, boredom won’t be a problem. You’ll have too many ideas, and choosing which one to pursue will be its own fun challenge.

Most importantly, you’ll have a solid identity as a “hobbyist”—someone with passion, creativity, and a fulfilling life outside of work.

And that’s a beautiful thing.