Burnout Recovery Starts with Joy: Why You Need a Hobby (Today)
In my early twenties, I was convinced something was wrong with me.
I felt sick — drained, foggy, just not myself.
After undergoing tests for Lyme disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, and a long list of other possibilities, the real diagnosis finally came: burnout.
I had pushed myself so hard for so long that my body simply hit a breaking point. And while I thought working out and eating healthy would be enough to keep me well, it turned out that true recovery required something more.
I needed to create space for joy.
I needed a hobby — something that wasn't tied to productivity, achievement, or checking another thing off a to-do list.
This is actually where my personal mantra, "Drink the coffee while it’s hot," comes from.
It’s a reminder to slow down, be present, and savor the little moments that make life meaningful.
At that point in my life, I had to learn how to make time for myself regularly — to do something simply because it made me happy.
Why Hobbies Matter for Stress Recovery
Studies have shown that hobbies aren't just fun distractions — they're actually powerful tools for healing.
Engaging in a hobby can significantly boost your recovery process after stressful events. It can lower cortisol levels (your body's primary stress hormone), regulate mood, and even improve overall physical health.
When we allow ourselves to get lost in an activity we enjoy, we give our nervous system a much-needed chance to reset. It's like pressing the pause button on life's constant demands — even if it's just for a few minutes.
Start Small: Five Minutes a Day
Thinking about your current hobbies — or even new ones you’ve been curious about — remember:
They don't need to take up hours of your time.
Ask yourself:
What's something I can do for just five minutes a day?
What’s something that’s just for me — no pressure, no productivity, just joy?
Maybe it’s doodling, reading a few pages of a book, watering your plants, learning a few words in a new language, or even stepping outside with your coffee and breathing deeply.
Five minutes a day can be the start of something that transforms not just your mood, but your overall health.
Final Thoughts
Stress isn’t going anywhere — but the way we handle it can change everything.
By carving out small moments for hobbies, we reconnect with the simple joys that keep us grounded, energized, and, most importantly, human.
So today, find your five minutes.
Drink your coffee while it’s hot.
And give yourself permission to feel good — even in the middle of a busy life.
