We all need a hobby

I recently read the autobiography of one of Sweden’s most well-known actors, Mikael Persbrandt.

Among other things, he talks about his deep interest in cars and motorcycles, and how he finds something meditative in tinkering with them. It’s his greatest passion in life, and he mentions that he believes having a hobby is important.

I agree. Even if we have a job we love or think, “my work is my hobby,” I still believe it’s important to unwind with something entirely different. Something we enjoy doing just for its own sake, without it necessarily having to lead to anything specific. A pursuit where the activity itself is the reward.

Another reason is that it helps keep us grounded. It’s a way to avoid letting our professional role define our entire identity. A hobby creates a healthy distance between us and our various “personas.”

A hobby brings both joy and a sense of stability.