by In search of tranquility and a break from the daily grind, we turned to various professionals for their personal anecdotes on hobbies that offer relaxation and enrichment. From the artful serenity of pottery to the grounding practice of gardening, here are the diverse experiences and benefits shared by eight individuals, including a Time Management Coach and a Principal.
Find Serenity in Pottery
The hobby that helps me relax the most is throwing pots on the wheel. More than any other activity, this one helps me be truly present in the moment, and time just seems to melt away. I’m focusing intently on what my hands are doing but also reacting and responding to the clay. And the best part is that when I’m done, I have something both beautiful and useful—a serving bowl, a mug, etc.
I had taken a few pottery classes throughout the course of my life (in elementary school, in college, and then a few years back) and I’d always enjoyed it. But then a pottery studio opened up just a few blocks from my house, and I decided to join. That was about nine months ago, and I now spend about 10 (blissful) hours a week on this hobby.
Another benefit of a hobby like pottery, and especially of joining a studio, is that you make friends who are interested in the same things, so there’s also an enjoyable social component.
And lastly, a hobby like pottery or other hobbies where you work with your hands, are part of the effort-driven reward cycle, so they are intrinsically rewarding.
Alexis Haselberger, Time Management and Productivity Coach, Alexis Haselberger Coaching and Consulting, Inc
Embrace Nature with Fly-Fishing
My ultimate relaxation hobby is fly-fishing. It’s a pursuit that combines the serenity of nature with the challenge of a skill-based activity. I stumbled upon it quite by accident during a camping trip with friends. They were avid fly-fishers, and their passion was contagious. I was drawn to the graceful art of casting, the quiet solitude of the riverbank, and the thrill of outsmarting a trout.
I started by borrowing a friend’s rod and practicing my casting in the backyard. Soon, I was hooked (pun intended). I invested in my own gear, took a few lessons from a local guide, and started exploring nearby rivers and streams.
The benefits of fly-fishing extend far beyond the simple act of catching fish. It’s a form of meditation that allows me to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and immerse myself in the present moment. The rhythmic motion of casting, the gentle sounds of the water, and the stunning scenery create a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere.
Fly-fishing also challenges me mentally and physically. It requires patience, focus, and a deep understanding of fish behavior and river currents. It’s a constant learning process, and every outing presents new opportunities for growth and improvement.
Alex Cornici, Director of Marketing, Awesome Hibachi
Escape with Reading Fiction
Reading a good fiction book helps me relax. I started reading at a young age and loved the library as a kid. As I got older and began my career, reading became a quiet escape for me. We are bombarded with countless messages daily—from Instagram and Netflix to text messages, emails, and ads.
It’s no wonder we get overstimulated and mentally exhausted. When I dive into a good book, I can focus on one thing and let my mind drift into another world. It calms my heart rate and rejuvenates me. This is a timeless hobby.
Nicole Moreno-Deinzer, Founder + Social Media Consultant, NMD Agency
Strategize with Chess
Playing chess helps me relax. I got into it during my college years. A friend introduced me to the game, and I was instantly hooked. Chess offers a unique blend of strategy and patience, making it a perfect mental exercise. Playing chess helps me disconnect from daily stress and focus on something challenging yet enjoyable.
The benefits of playing chess are numerous. It sharpens the mind, improves problem-solving skills, and enhances memory. Chess also teaches patience and foresight, valuable skills in personal and professional life. Taking time to play chess regularly helps me maintain a clear and focused mind, which is essential in my work.
For those looking to try chess, start with the basics. Learn the moves, understand the rules, and play regularly. Joining a chess club or playing online can provide both practice and competition. With time and practice, you’ll notice improvements in your strategic thinking.
Jared Stern, Managing Member, Uplift Legal Funding
Express Through Painting
I find painting to be a wonderful way to unwind. I started painting in high school, inspired by an art teacher who encouraged me to explore my creativity. Over the years, it has become a cherished hobby.
Painting allows me to express myself in ways that words can’t always capture. It’s incredibly calming to focus on the colors and brushstrokes, and it provides a great escape from the daily grind. The act of creating something from nothing is both invigorating and soothing.
Additionally, it’s a great way to keep my mind sharp and stay in touch with my creative side, which can be surprisingly beneficial in a field like real estate, where innovative thinking is a big plus.
Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
Cultivate Calm with Yoga
Yoga is a great hobby that helps me relax both physically and mentally. I first got into it as a way to stay active and improve my flexibility, but I quickly discovered its many benefits for relaxation. The practice of yoga involves deep-breathing techniques, stretching exercises, and meditation. These elements work together to calm the mind, release tension in the body, and promote overall relaxation. With regular practice, I have noticed significant improvements in my stress levels and ability to handle everyday challenges.
Moreover, yoga has also helped me become more mindful and present in the moment. By focusing on my breath and movements during a yoga session, I am able to let go of racing thoughts and worries. This has had a positive impact on my overall well-being, helping me feel more centered and at peace.
In addition, the physical benefits of yoga also contribute to its relaxation effects. As I improve my strength and flexibility through various poses, I feel more relaxed physically as well. This helps alleviate any tension or discomfort in my body, making me feel refreshed and rejuvenated after each practice.
Jonathan Carcone, Principal, 4 Brothers Buy Houses
Harness Wind with Kitesurfing
I discovered kitesurfing 15 years ago, and now it is an essential part of my life—I try to go at least once per month. Being on the ocean and harnessing the power of the wind to pull you through the water is immensely relaxing and rewarding.
It also feels like I’ve had a yoga session afterwards, as it is necessary to utilize core muscles. I always thought that it was a very difficult sport requiring a lot of strength, but I quickly realized that anyone can learn to kitesurf regardless of age and fitness.
Jonathan Hedger, Founder and Director, Amplify Digital Marketing
Unwind Through Gardening
Stress management is crucial for career advancement. Finding a hobby that alleviates stress and enhances mental clarity is essential. For me, gardening provides this balance. I initially started gardening as a way to feed my family organic produce, but now I plant as many, if not more, flowers.
Working with soil not only grounds me but also helps me relax. The more I tend to my garden, the more relaxed I become, making it easy to fall asleep quickly at night. Additionally, I enjoy beautiful cut flowers for my home and office throughout the season. I highly recommend considering gardening as a hobby to help you unwind.
Heather Eason, Founder, President & CEO, SELECT Power Systems
