Burnout is something many people face, even if they don’t realize it. It can make you feel tired, sad and even sick. However, it’s not just limited to work or adults – it can also happen to parents, caregivers, students and anyone juggling a laundry list of responsibilities. If left untreated, burnout can manifest as physical ailments and even be a precursor to mental illness such as depression or anxiety.  One powerful way to prevent this from happening is through hobbies. More importantly, switching between hobbies to avoid burnout can help keep your mind fresh and reduce stress.

Hobbies help people express their creativity and feel happier. Whether through painting one day, gardening the next or picking up a musical instrument for fun, remember that taking time for hobbies isn’t selfish – it’s healthy and necessary. Here’s what you need to know about burnout, how it impacts you holistically and how switching hobbies can help you feel better and stay healthy.

What is burnout, and how does it develop?

Burnout is a type of stress that builds up over time. It usually happens when someone feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained or unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, the person may begin to lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They may also feel like nothing they do is ever good enough.

People can get burnout from:

• Work: Long hours, tight deadlines or stressful jobs can make someone feel like they’re always “on” and never get a break.
• Caregiving: Taking care of someone who is sick, elderly or disabled can be tiring – both emotionally and physically.
• Parenting: Parents often put their kids’ needs first and forget to take care of themselves, which can lead to burnout, too.

How burnout impacts health

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired or unmotivated as it can actually affect your whole body. Some include: headaches, trouble sleeping, stomach problems, a weakened immune system (getting sick more often) and mood swings or feeling sad. Burnout can’t be ignored. If left untreated for extended periods, it can lead to serious health issues like depression, anxiety and even heart disease.

This is why it’s important to find ways to manage stress – even when taking time off from work or other responsibilities isn’t possible. In an ideal world, anyone struggling with burnout would simply take time to themselves to recalibrate. However, many people can’t take a vacation or a personal day when they’re feeling stressed. Jobs, money or family responsibilities might make it hard to take time off. But even if going out of town or taking a staycation isn’t an option, there are other ways to engage in self-care. One of the best ways is to find healthy activities that provide a mental break.

Hobbies can play a crucial role in helping you avoid burnout

Hobbies are activities that people enjoy doing in their free time. They can be things like yoga, painting, reading, gardening, playing a musical instrument or even baking. Hobbies help the brain relax and are like pleasure rewards for the body. However, switching between different hobbies can be an even better source for destressing and resisting burnout. 

That’s because sometimes doing the same hobby all the time can start to feel like a chore. When people switch between a few different ones, it keeps things fun and interesting. It also helps activate different parts of the brain. This provides variety, which can help people avoid getting bored or overwhelmed. Here are a few reasons why hobby variety is so vital for mental and physical health in the long term. 

A study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that people who did relaxing activities in their free time had lower blood pressure and felt less stressed overall. This means that hobbies are actually helping the body feel better. It’s also worth noting that switching between hobbies, like going from drawing to playing guitar, use different parts of the brain. This can improve memory and creativity. A 2017 study from Frontiers in Psychology showed that creative hobbies can improve problem-solving skills and help people think in new ways.

A 2023 study in Nature Medicine found that people who spent time on hobbies reported more happiness and higher life satisfaction. This effect was even stronger when they tried different hobbies instead of just one. Burnout makes people feel tired and unmotivated. By contrast, hobbies boost excitement and give people something to look forward to beyond work or chores. A 2021 study in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that people who had hobbies were more energetic and felt less tired during the workweek.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to deal with burnout without taking time off?

Find small ways to relax during the day. Try deep breathing, taking short walks or doing something creative like drawing or writing. People don’t always need a full day off – just a few minutes doing something they enjoy can help. Even a 10-minute break spent doing something calming can refresh the mind.

Can spending time on your hobbies reduce stress?

Hobbies can lower stress by giving the brain a break from work and responsibilities. They also help improve focus on something fun and enjoyable, which releases hormones credited with improving mood, such as dopamine and serotonin. These hormones make people feel happier and more relaxed.

Is it unhealthy to not have hobbies?

It can be. People who don’t have hobbies may feel more stressed and less happy. Without hobbies, it’s harder to refocus the mind from daily worries. Over time, this can lead to more serious problems like anxiety or depression. Hobbies are a healthy and easy way to prioritize mental health.