Finding Flow: How Hobbies Can Improve Mental Health

Finding moments of calm and contentment can feel elusive in our fast-paced world. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, there are activities that offer solace and sanctuary for our minds. In this blog post, I’ll explore the therapeutic benefits of hobbies, highlighting board games and reading—personal favourites of mine—and how they can lead us to a state of flow, as outlined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, enhancing our mental well-being.

In our hectic lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of hobbies. However, these activities play a crucial role in maintaining our mental health. Whether it's painting, gardening, playing an instrument, or even knitting, hobbies offer a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life. When we engage in activities we enjoy, we enter a state of flow, as described by Csikszentmihalyi.

Flow is a state of total immersion and focus in an activity, where we lose track of time and become completely absorbed in what we're doing. In this state, our skills are matched with the challenge at hand, leading to a sense of effortless action and deep fulfilment. Csikszentmihalyi identified several key components of flow, including clear goals, immediate feedback, and a feeling of control.

I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of hobbies, particularly board games. Beyond mere entertainment, board games provide a unique opportunity for social interaction and mental stimulation. Whether strategising in Dinosaur Island, negotiating alliances and conquering worlds in Twilight Imperium, or exploring ancient ruins in Lost Ruins of Arnak, the cognitive benefits are undeniable. Moreover, the sense of camaraderie fostered by board games can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, making them a valuable tool for improving mental health.

For many of us, curling up with a good book is the ultimate form of self-care. Reading transports us to new worlds, allowing us to temporarily escape the pressures of reality. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, the act of reading can be profoundly therapeutic. Research has shown that reading can reduce stress levels, improve cognitive function, and even enhance empathy. In times of distress, a good book can offer solace and perspective, serving as a lifeline for our mental well-being.

How do hobbies help our mental health? Engaging in hobbies provides a much-needed break from the demands of daily life, allowing us to recharge and rejuvenate our minds. Hobbies offer an opportunity for self-expression and creativity, fostering a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. They also promote social connection and community, which are essential for our overall well-being. Additionally, hobbies can serve as a form of therapy, helping us process emotions and cope with stress in a healthy way. Finding activities that bring us joy and fulfilment can cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, leading to improved mental health and overall happiness.

Incorporating hobbies into our daily routine is essential for maintaining our mental health. As a hypnotherapist, I always ask my clients about their hobbies and what they do for relaxation and fun. Surprisingly, many leave this section blank or simply put 'watching TV' as their answer. While there's nothing inherently wrong with watching TV, it's important to explore a variety of hobbies to find what truly brings us joy and fulfilment. I’m not expecting you to go out and play board games or become a bookworm. Perhaps for you, it might be cooking, hiking, playing sports, or even birdwatching; the key is engaging in activities that immerse you fully and bring you into a flow state, as described by Csikszentmihalyi.

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Flow: The Psychology of Happiness. Rider