Get a hobby. Seriously. It's more important than you think.

It’s graduation season, and I’m reflecting on my life around this time last year. I was fresh out of school and getting ready to start a new job. I had more time on my hands than I was used to, and wasn’t sure how to spend my time. For the most part, I just watched TV on weeknights and hung out with friends on weekends.

By last September, I was bored. Like really bored. Sure, I had been writing a mini-series since June, but I had way too much time on my hands for an ADHD kid. I needed a hobby, and it took me a long time to find one. It’s not original. In September, I turned to the gym. I had had a few bouts with it before, but had never fully committed because I never thought I had the time, (I did, I was just lazy in college.) Since September, I try to go at least 4-5 days a week. What changed? Why did I decide now that the gym would be the first thing I’d do in my free time? Who cares?

It’s good for you, that’s basically it. I lived a pretty unhealthy lifestyle in college, and after seeing myself in the mirror one day I just… didn’t like what I saw. My breathing was heavy, I’d sweat after a block or two when walking my dog, and I just generally wasn’t happy with my appearance. I figured I’d just try it out, maybe I’d hate it, and I could always cancel a subscription. 

Welp. That subscriptions still being paid. I haven’t taken a real diet seriously yet, but I’ve upped my protein levels and I eat cleaner foods on a daily basis. Who would have thought that picking up heavy objects and putting them back down a couple of times, and briskly walking for an hour makes you feel so good? I love being told, “hey be careful, that thing is pretty heavy, let me know if you need any help,” and picking up that object with ease. 

Oh, and don’t get me wrong, there is 100% a vanity aspect to it. I love having the ability to flex my biceps and see defined muscles. But, on the flip side, if I miss a couple of days, say I’m out of town or something, and I come back to the gym a little weaker, or unable to move that last tricep push down, I’m livid. But it creates a new drive in me. It makes me want to work harder, give it 110%, and generally just be a better version of me. 

That isn’t my only hobby by the way. I’m actively partaking in one of them by writing this blog. I also read, mostly on the treadmill, and I have one clear hobby that is admittedly, super dorky. I absolutely love building Lego. Sitting in my basement right now, I can see eighteen sets that I’ve built in the last year. Holy shit I’m such a nerd. There’s some variety to them, but the majority (12) come from the Speed Champions collection. I also have two of the Star Wars Helmets Collection (Jango Fett and Captain Rex, respectively.) I display the Hibiscus of the Botanicals collection, the Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight,  the TIE Bomber, and, one of my personal favorites, the Polaroid. 

I should mention, I’ve been into Lego for literally forever. I didn’t mention the original Death Star or the Executor Class Super Star Destroyer. Okay, now I realize I did mention these. Shut it. 

My main point here is that when someone my age gets out of college, it's very important to develop a hobby. To new graduates, do yourself a favor, and find something that you like to do, just for yourself. Whether that means you want to read a new book every week, take up jiu-jitsu, sports betting (maybe not this one), or even gardening, it’s important you take time for yourself. In the corporate world, a large part of your time and cognitive function gets used towards the benefit of the company, and it kind of should. Kind of. They are paying you. But, use the money you earn to treat yourself to something that makes you happy. Remember that the goal in life is to be happy. That’s not an objective, it’s a responsibility that you owe to yourself. 

Okay that’s about all I have to say. If anyone has any hobby suggestions for others, maybe drop a comment. If you can. I’m honestly not sure if the site will let you. Thanks for reading.