In an era where lounging in bed with a favourite TV show or endlessly scrolling through social media has become a staple of relaxation, TikTok is introducing a refreshing alternative. The latest trend, "energising hobbies," promises to uplift moods and infuse daily life with more vigour, breaking the monotony of repetitive routines.

Rise of energising hobbies

Popular TikTok creator and psychotherapist, Israa Nasir, ignited this trend with a viral video on March 20. She described energising hobbies as a "neuroscience-based happiness hack," highlighting their benefits for mental health. The concept quickly caught on, garnering over 22 million search results on the platform. People are clearly eager for new ways to spend their days, but finding the right hobby can be daunting.

What qualifies as an energising hobby?

Many adults find the search for a hobby to stick with a challenge. It's common to dabble in activities like knitting, pottery, or pickleball, only to abandon them when the initial excitement wanes. Energizing hobbies, however, offer a different appeal. These activities are designed to fully engage the body, mind, and spirit, creating a state of flow that leaves little room for stress or worry.

When immersed in an energizing hobby, individuals experience a sense of flow—a state of being fully present and engaged in the activity. This immersion not only boosts dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness, but also helps to alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.

Benefits of energising hobbies

Nasir's video emphasizes the profound impact of these hobbies on mental health. The flow state activated during an engaging hobby allows individuals to forget past worries and future anxieties, focusing solely on the present moment. This engagement boosts dopamine production, enhancing mood and providing a sense of fulfillment that can last for hours after the activity ends.

Additionally, energizing hobbies offer a valuable counterbalance to work-centric lifestyles. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of waking up, working, eating, and sleeping. Incorporating an engaging hobby can add depth and dimension to daily life, making it more varied and enjoyable.

Finding your energizing hobby

Discovering the right hobby can be a journey. The key is to explore activities that truly captivate your interest. Whether it’s gardening, painting, cooking, or sports, the right hobby should leave you feeling refreshed and recharged, not drained. The goal is to find something that not only breaks the routine but also brings joy and a sense of accomplishment.

TikTok’s trend of energizing hobbies offers a compelling solution to the repetitive and sometimes draining routines of modern life. By engaging in activities that promote flow and boost dopamine, individuals can enhance their mental and physical well-being.