Mental Health

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Trying New Hobbies and Finding Passions

Alright, let’s talk about trying new hobbies and finding passions. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, because, let’s be honest, life can get a little routine. You work, you eat, you sleep—rinse and repeat. And while that rhythm has its place, sometimes you need to shake things up. That’s where hobbies come in.

I’ll start by saying this: trying something new can feel awkward at first. It’s easy to get stuck in your head, thinking, “What if I’m terrible at this?” or “I’m too old to start something new.” But honestly, who cares? The whole point of a hobby is that it’s not about being good at it. It’s about exploring, having fun, and maybe discovering something about yourself along the way.

For me, running has always been a big part of my life. But a few months ago, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something completely different: watercolor painting. Let me tell you, I had no idea what I was doing. The first time I picked up a brush, I made this weird, blotchy mess that was supposed to be a sunset. But you know what? It was fun. There was something freeing about just letting the colors flow, even if the end result wasn’t exactly Instagram-worthy.

That’s the thing about hobbies—they don’t have to be about producing something perfect. They’re about the process, about losing yourself in the moment. And sometimes, they lead you down paths you never expected. Like, with painting, I found myself paying more attention to the little details around me—the way the light hits a building, or how the sky changes color at dusk. It’s given me a new way to see the world.

Another hobby I picked up recently is rock climbing. Now, I know that sounds like the polar opposite of painting, but hear me out. What I love about climbing is that it forces you to be present. You can’t think about your to-do list when you’re halfway up a wall, trying to figure out your next move. And there’s this incredible sense of accomplishment when you finally make it to the top. It’s not just physical—it’s mental, too. You’re problem-solving, challenging yourself, and, honestly, sometimes just trying not to freak out.

If you’re not sure where to start with new hobbies, my advice is to think about what excites you—even if it’s just a little spark of curiosity. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, or you’ve been intrigued by gardening, or you’ve wondered what it’s like to bake sourdough bread. Whatever it is, just give it a shot. Worst-case scenario, it’s not your thing, and you move on to something else. Best-case scenario, you discover a new passion.

It’s also worth mentioning that hobbies don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are so many free or low-cost options out there, especially with the internet. For example, if you’ve ever wanted to explore a creative side, there are tons of tutorials and classes online. Skillshare is a great resource for that. They offer courses on everything from photography to writing to learning the ukulele. It’s a really easy way to dip your toes into something new without a big commitment.

And if you’re someone who thrives on community, there are so many ways to connect with others who share your interests. Meetup groups, local workshops, even online forums—it’s all out there. When I started climbing, I joined a local climbing gym, and it was amazing how welcoming and supportive everyone was. It’s like you’re automatically part of this little tribe, all cheering each other on.

One of the coolest things about hobbies is how they can evolve. Sometimes, what starts as a casual interest turns into something bigger. A few years ago, I got into cooking as a way to eat healthier, but over time, it became this creative outlet for me. I started experimenting with different cuisines, learning about flavors and techniques, and now it’s something I genuinely look forward to. It’s not just about making food—it’s about the joy of creating something with my own hands.

Hobbies also have this way of sneaking into other parts of your life. They teach you patience, persistence, and how to be okay with failure. I mean, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve burned something in the kitchen or fallen off a climbing wall. But those moments teach you to laugh at yourself, to get back up and try again.

At the end of the day, finding a new hobby is about giving yourself permission to explore. It’s about breaking out of the routine and letting yourself play, even if it feels a little silly at first. Because who knows? That thing you try on a whim might just turn into the passion that lights you up for years to come.

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Balancing Work and Play for a Fulfilling Life

let’s get into something I think we all wrestle with: balancing work and play. It’s one of those things that sounds so simple in theory but feels nearly impossible some weeks. You’re juggling deadlines, commitments, and all those little things that fill up your calendar, and suddenly it feels like there’s no room left for anything else. But here’s the thing—finding that balance isn’t just about feeling less stressed. It’s about building a life that actually feels good to live.

For me, the biggest shift was realizing that play—whether that’s hobbies, spending time with friends, or just relaxing—isn’t something you earn after working hard. It’s just as important as work. Play is what keeps you creative, energized, and, let’s be honest, sane. When I started thinking about it that way, I stopped seeing time off as “wasted” and started treating it like the fuel that powers everything else.

One of the ways I’ve tried to balance things better is by setting boundaries with work. I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but it’s so critical. For example, I used to check emails constantly, even late at night or on weekends. It felt like I had to be available all the time, but all it did was drain me. Now, I have a hard stop at the end of my workday. When I’m done, I’m done. The emails can wait, the tasks can wait—because, honestly, they’re not going anywhere. It’s made such a difference in how I feel when I actually am working.

Another thing I’ve found helpful is scheduling play just like I schedule work. It sounds a little weird, but hear me out. If you block off time in your calendar for things you enjoy, it becomes part of your routine. For me, that might be going for a run, meeting a friend for coffee, or even just an hour to read a book. When I treat those moments with the same importance as a meeting or deadline, they actually happen. And when they happen, I feel more refreshed when it’s time to dive back into work.

Speaking of running, that’s one of the ways I’ve found to bridge the gap between work and play. It’s productive in the sense that it keeps me healthy and clears my mind, but it also feels like an escape. There’s something about lacing up my shoes and hitting the trail that puts everything in perspective. And it’s a reminder that balance doesn’t always mean separating work and play completely. Sometimes, they overlap in ways that make both better.

Another thing I’ve had to learn is the power of saying no. It’s so easy to overcommit, especially when you want to do everything and make everyone happy. But every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else—whether that’s your downtime, your hobbies, or just your peace of mind. Now, when I’m asked to take on something new, I ask myself: “Is this worth giving up the time I’ve set aside for myself?” If the answer is no, I don’t do it. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

Of course, balance doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly equal all the time. There are weeks when work takes over, and that’s okay. The trick is making sure it doesn’t stay that way. When things get intense, I try to remind myself that it’s a temporary season, not a permanent state. And when the dust settles, I make it a priority to recharge—whether that’s taking a long weekend, diving back into a hobby I’ve missed, or just spending a lazy Sunday at home.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to think about life as a set of spinning plates. You can’t keep all of them going at the same speed all the time. Sometimes, work needs more attention, and other times, it’s your personal life or your health. The goal isn’t to spin all the plates perfectly—it’s to make sure none of them crash.

Lastly, I’ve found that reflecting on what actually makes me happy helps a lot. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you think you’re supposed to be doing—working harder, achieving more, staying busy all the time. But when I take a step back and really think about the things that bring me joy, they’re usually the simple things: spending time outside, connecting with people I care about, or just having a quiet moment to myself. Keeping those priorities in mind helps me cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

At the end of the day, balance isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about paying attention to what you need and making space for it—whether that’s putting in the hours at work or giving yourself the freedom to play. When you do that, life feels a lot more fulfilling. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

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Weekend Getaways to Recharge and Explore

Let’s talk about weekend getaways—those little trips that are just long enough to reset your brain but short enough to not completely wreck your routine. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how important it is to take time to recharge, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. For me, a weekend trip is the perfect way to explore someplace new without the stress of planning a full-blown vacation.

When I’m looking for a weekend getaway, I usually keep it within a couple of hours of home. That way, I don’t waste half the trip stuck in traffic or on a plane. Living in Seattle, I’m lucky because there are so many options nearby. Like, if I want mountains, I’ve got the Cascades. If I want water, there’s Puget Sound or the San Juan Islands. It’s kind of ridiculous how much variety there is.

One of my favorite spots for a quick recharge is Leavenworth. I mean, yes, it’s a little touristy with the whole Bavarian theme, but there’s something about being surrounded by those mountains that makes it easy to unwind. Plus, the food scene there is surprisingly good. I usually grab some bratwurst, maybe a pretzel, and just enjoy being outside. If you’re feeling more active, there are tons of hiking trails nearby. I’ve done Icicle Ridge a couple of times, and the views never disappoint.

Another go-to for me is Whidbey Island. It’s such a quick trip—you just hop on the ferry, and before you know it, you’re in this totally different world. Whidbey’s got these amazing beaches and little towns that are perfect for wandering. There’s this one spot, Ebey’s Landing, where you can do a loop hike that’s part cliffside, part beach walk. It’s the kind of place where you just breathe differently, you know? Like, the salt air hits your face, and suddenly all your stress feels a million miles away.

Sometimes, though, I skip the outdoors altogether and head to a city for the weekend. Portland is such an easy choice. It’s close, it’s walkable, and there’s always something interesting happening. I’ll spend the day exploring bookstores and coffee shops, then find some live music or just enjoy a great meal. One time, I randomly stumbled into a donut-tasting event—I’m not even joking—and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Stuff like that makes a city getaway feel fresh, even if you’ve been there a bunch of times.

I think what makes these quick trips so special is how simple they can be. You don’t need to overthink it. Pack a bag, pick a direction, and just go. There’s something so freeing about not having a rigid itinerary. It leaves room for surprises, for wandering, for discovering something you didn’t even know you were looking for. And that’s what makes you come back feeling like you actually had a break.