Why All Female High-Flyers (Yes, You) Need a Hobby
I remember the days when my life revolved solely around work. Wake up, eat breakfast, get ready, drive to work, clock in from 9 to 5, eat at my desk, drive back home, eat dinner, and then collapse into bed. Just typing that made me feel exhausted. It's no wonder my creativity melted away; there was simply no room for it. I was in my first full-time role, and how could I have known that to ignite my creative spark, I needed to embrace the things I enjoyed?
I often found myself dreaming of driving to the ice rink instead of heading home, yet fears held me back. “Will I get there on time?” and “Is it really worth the 45-minute drive?” Oh, how I wish I could time travel!
But then, the unexpected happened: COVID-19. While many saw it as a setback, I viewed it as a significant turning point. The shift to remote work offered me a chance to reflect on my lifestyle and dedicate time to self-care. I finally envisioned the life I wanted to lead. This was when I took the leap to start my own business and joined the waitlist for the adult skate school at my local rink—two decisions that changed my life forever.
Once restrictions lifted, I began my adult skate school journey, and I haven’t looked back. It is everything I hoped for and more. If you need a sign to chase your dreams, this is it! I now passionately encourage everyone to find a hobby as an adult—hence this article. You truly don’t realize the importance of having a hobby until you experience it yourself.
Hobbies: More Than Just Child’s Play
Many think hobbies are “just for kids” or merely side hustles. While side hustles are fantastic (that's how High Flying Design began), there's something uniquely fulfilling about dedicating time to an activity where success isn't measured by monetary gains. Whether it’s gardening, learning an instrument, joining a chess club, attending a pottery class, or simply hitting the gym, find what floats your boat!
The Benefits of Having a Hobby
1. Reduced Screen Time and Lower Stress
Don't get me wrong—I owe my career to digital devices. But I also recognize the drawbacks of excessive screen time, particularly scrolling through endless feeds on TikTok and Instagram. This can lead to unhealthy comparisons and imposter syndrome, especially for business owners.
By ditching screens for a few hours each week and embracing a hobby, I now spend four to six hours on the ice each week. That’s up to six hours of quality "me time," filled with endorphins that keep my stress levels low and improve my sleep. Engaging in activities that nurture personal growth is as crucial as nurturing our bank accounts.
We need time outdoors, sunlight on our faces, and genuine connections. Keeping up with friends online isn’t real socializing—so consider unplugging for a few hours each week. You won't look back!
2. New Friendships and Joy
Making friends as an adult can be challenging. After university, most of my friendships were either long-distance or situational, formed through work. It wasn't until I left my first job that I realized my work "friends" weren’t genuine connections.
In contrast, the friends I’ve made through ice skating are different. They share similar values and aspirations, inspiring me to dream bigger. Engaging in activities for myself, alongside newfound friends, has added joy and laughter to my week. While I initially joined skating for the activity, the community I found has become a vital part of my experience.
3. Improved Physical Health
In our digital world, we often find ourselves sitting for long periods, which is linked to various health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Since investing in a private coach, ice skating has become a fantastic cardiovascular workout, keeping my heart healthy while improving my leg and core muscles, balance, agility, and flexibility.
Embracing a hobby is more than just a pastime; it's a pathway to personal growth, genuine connections, and improved well-being. As female high-flyers, we need to prioritise activities that enrich our lives beyond our careers. So, whether it's ice skating or something else entirely, take this as your sign to start exploring new passions. Your future self will thank you!
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