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Some people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their tendency to pick up and put down hobbies on a whim. They ask questions like:
- "Why do I feel so scattered, hopping from one interest to another?"
- "Is it normal to want to learn so many things, or am I just avoiding commitment?"
- "Why do I feel like I'm not truly excelling in any one area despite my many pursuits?"
The pervasive cultural narrative often celebrates specialization, making those with multifaceted interests feel out of place. Society has long valued depth over breadth, equating mastery in a single field with success and purpose.
This has led to a collective anxiety: the fear of missing out on becoming an expert. Because of this, we feel an underlying pressure to find that "one true calling," whether or not it exists for us, and stick to it, fearing that a broad spectrum of interests indicates a lack of focus or dedication.
However, what if this multifaceted curiosity isn't a sign of indecision but rather an indicator of one's pursuit of a life that values diverse experiences, deep emotions, personal growth, and wisdom? Against this backdrop, many are now reevaluating their self-doubt.
They realize their myriad interests might pave the way for a life rich in experiences and introspection. Moreover, these diverse pursuits could shield them from age-related cognitive decline.
Multiple Hobbies? Crafting the "Good Life" with Each One
The quest for happiness and meaning can sometimes overshadow the very essence of the journey, with individuals so focused on the destination that they lose sight of the experiences along the way.
A 2021 paper in Psychological Review delves deep into this understanding. Traditionally, our notions of a good life have been rooted in hedonic (pleasure-seeking) or eudaimonic (meaning-centered) well-being. However, this paper introduces the concept of psychological richness as an integral component of a fulfilling life.
So, what is a psychologically rich life, and how are hobbies related to this concept?
Rather than focusing solely on happiness or meaning, psychologically rich lives are characterized by a mosaic of intriguing, transformative experiences. The patience imbibed from knitting, the discipline from martial arts, or the shift in perspective from photography frees our minds and spirits. With every new hobby, we diversify our life's narrative and experience liberation from seeing the world through multiple lenses.
Critical indicators of those leading psychologically rich lives include heightened curiosity, holistic thinking, and a tendency toward political liberalism.
The study's findings demonstrate that while interrelated, happiness, meaning, and psychological richness are distinct paradigms of a rewarding life. Notably, many study participants globally preferred a psychologically rich life, even if it came at the cost of happiness or meaning.
This suggests that individuals with a wide range of hobbies, always eager to learn and explore, aren't forgetful or indecisive. They're perpetually appreciative of the journey.
More Hobbies with Age Lower Risk for Dementia
Please think of the brain like a muscle: The more we use and challenge it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. So, while engaging in hobbies is a way to pass the time, it might also be a protective shield against some forms of dementia.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology tracked older participants over a median period of 11 years. During this time, 3,095 of the participants were diagnosed with disabling dementia. But here's where things get interesting: Those who reported having hobbies were significantly less risky.
To break it down:
- People with at least one hobby had a risk reduction of 18 percent compared to those without.
- Those who engaged in many hobbies enjoyed an even more significant benefit, with their risk dropping by 22 percent.
This protective effect was seen in middle-aged individuals (40 to 64 years) and older adults (65 to 69 years).
Conclusion
The age-old debate of breadth versus depth finds a fresh perspective when we look at our hobbies. Diverse interests not only carve a path towards a psychologically rich life, an essential marker of overall well-being, but also act as sentinels guarding our cognitive health. Embracing hobbies isn't just for the restless spirit; it's a recipe for a resilient mind and a well-lived life.
