If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had phases where life feels like a hamster wheel — wake up, work, eat, scroll, sleep, repeat.
For a while, I thought that was just part of being an adult. But over time, I realised something important: having hobbies isn’t just a cute, Pinterest-worthy idea.
It’s essential for mental health, balance, and joy.
When I started being more intentional with how I spent my time, everything shifted. I found that the key wasn’t to pick just any hobby, but to choose ones that nurtured different parts of myself.
Here are the 5 types of hobbies that genuinely helped me live a more fulfilling life.
1. A Hobby That Makes You Money
Let’s be real — living is expensive. I used to think hobbies were meant to cost money, but it turns out, some can actually make you money too.
For me, it started with writing about personal finance, side hustles, and life lessons on my blog.. I never imagined it would lead to affiliate income — small at first, but now it’s enough to cover things like my Spotify Premium and occasional coffee.
It’s wild how something I did just for fun started to pay off.
Other money-making hobby ideas you could try:
- Selling handmade items on Shopee or Etsy
- User testing websites (one of my favourite side hustles!)
- Creating digital downloads
- Teaching online or tutoring
I always say: it doesn’t have to be a full-on business. But having even a tiny income stream from something you enjoy is empowering.
2. A Hobby That Keeps You Fit
True story: I never saw myself as the “fit” type. I wasn’t sporty growing up, and I still get winded climbing stairs. I even tried gymming once — with a personal trainer and everything — but I quickly realized it just wasn’t for me.
What did stick? Weekend badminton sessions with friends. It’s fun, it’s social, and it keeps me moving without feeling like a chore. Plus, it’s a great way to de-stress after a long week of work and blogging.
Fitness doesn’t have to look like six-pack abs or a marathon. It can be:
- Weekend badminton with friends
- Morning walks
- Beginner-friendly yoga
- Dancing to your own playlist
Movement, in any form, does wonders for both mood and energy. The trick is finding what works for you — and running (or gently jogging) with it.
3. A Hobby That Sparks Your Creativity
This one changed the game for me.
Being creative felt silly at first — I’m not an artist, and I don’t paint (unless you count Canva graphics).
But writing? That’s where I found my outlet.
Blogging lets me combine storytelling with sharing what I’ve learned — about money, mistakes, and everything in between.
Even making Pinterest pins or Instagram posts is now a creative ritual I look forward to.
Some ideas to try:
- Journaling your daily wins
- Sketching (badly is still valid!)
- Cooking new recipes (even if they flop)
- Photography with your phone
It’s not about being good. It’s about making space for self-expression.
4. A Hobby That Builds Your Knowledge
Okay, I fully embrace my inner nerd here.
I’ve gone down deep rabbit holes on things like the S&P 500, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and how platforms like Wahed Malaysia or StashAway work. I love understanding how money flows, how tech evolves, and why people do what they do.
I also keep playing with small Python scripts for fun, thanks to my data-driven background.
Your knowledge hobby doesn’t have to be academic. It could be:
- Reading (finance blogs or fiction, both count!)
- Watching documentaries
- Trying Duolingo for a new language
- Following a free online course on Coursera or YouTube
The best part? You never know when it’ll come in handy.
5. A Hobby That Helps You Relax
In between blogging, adulting, and experimenting with side hustles, I sometimes forget to just… breathe.
These days, my go-to relaxation hobby is journaling — not the aesthetic kind with washi tape and perfect handwriting, but messy, honest brain dumps where I unload everything swirling in my head. It helps me make sense of things and gives my mind some much-needed space.
And when I really want to escape? I dive into stories on Wattpad. There’s something magical about getting lost in someone else’s world — whether it’s a sweet romance or a fantasy adventure. It reminds me that there’s more to life than to-do lists and deadlines.
Other relaxing hobbies you might enjoy:
- Free-flow journaling
- Reading light fiction or fanfiction
- Watching the sky change colours
- Slow, intentional walks
- Making tea and doing absolutely nothing
Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a reset — and sometimes the most productive thing you can do.
Final Thoughts
Life isn’t just about ticking off to-dos. It’s about filling your days with little things that spark joy, curiosity, or calm.
Since I started embracing these 5 types of hobbies — one for money, one for fitness, one for creativity, one for knowledge, and one for relaxation — I’ve felt more me than ever before.
It’s not about being perfect or productive 24/7. It’s about living intentionally, one hobby at a time.
So… which hobby are you going to start with? Let me know — I’d genuinely love to hear!
