You Know Those Things You Love Doing? Do Them More

Life often feels like a whirlwind of responsibilities, deadlines, and obligations. We wake up to alarms, rush through commutes, check endless notifications, and juggle work, family, and personal duties. In this constant hustle, we often forget one of the simplest yet most profound truths of living a fulfilling life: doing the things we love.

The little joys—playing an instrument, painting, gardening, dancing, reading, writing, cooking, or simply walking in nature—are not just hobbies. They are gateways to inner happiness, stress relief, and self-expression. Yet many people treat them as luxuries rather than essentials. “I’ll do it when I have time,” they say. But time rarely frees itself. Unless we make space for the things we love, they remain tucked away in a corner, like unopened gifts waiting for the right occasion.

This article is a deep dive into why doing the things you love is not optional but necessary, how it transforms your mental health, creativity, relationships, and sense of purpose, and practical ways to integrate more of your passions into everyday life.

The Power of Doing What You Love

When you do something you truly love, whether big or small, you enter a state of flow—a psychological state where time seems to disappear, focus sharpens, and joy flows naturally. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term “flow,” described it as one of the keys to a deeply satisfying life.

But why does engaging in enjoyable activities have such a profound impact?

• It reduces stress: Enjoyable activities lower cortisol levels, helping the mind and body relax.
• It boosts mood: Doing what you love triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin—natural “feel-good” chemicals.
• It fuels motivation: Passions give us energy and enthusiasm, which spill over into other parts of life.
• It strengthens identity: Pursuing interests reminds us who we are beyond work, roles, and responsibilities.
• It nurtures creativity: Hobbies often spark fresh ideas that influence our careers and relationships.

In short, when you regularly do the things you love, you are not just “taking a break”—you are nurturing your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Why We Stop Doing What We Love

If doing the things we love is so beneficial, why do so many people stop doing them? Several reasons stand out:

1. Busyness and Productivity Culture
   We live in a world that glorifies productivity. If an activity doesn’t earn money or directly contribute to career growth, many dismiss it as “unimportant.” Playing the guitar, painting, or baking becomes a “waste of time” compared to working overtime.
2. Guilt and Self-Judgment
   Many people feel guilty for taking time for themselves, especially caregivers, parents, or professionals with demanding jobs. They believe pleasure must be earned after fulfilling responsibilities.
3. Perfectionism
   Some abandon activities they love because they don’t feel “good enough.” A person may stop painting because they can’t make it look professional, forgetting that joy does not require perfection.
4. Forgetting Joy
   Over time, adults often forget the simple joys they loved as children. The pressure to “grow up” can silence creativity, curiosity, and play.
5. External Expectations
   Family, society, or workplace expectations often dictate priorities, pushing personal passions to the bottom of the list.

Recognizing these barriers is the first step to reclaiming what makes us feel alive.

How Doing What You Love Transforms Your Life

1. Enhances Mental Health

Studies show that hobbies lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. For instance, gardening reduces stress and increases mindfulness. Music improves mood and reduces loneliness. Creative arts therapy is even used to heal trauma.

2. Improves Physical Well-Being

Engaging in enjoyable activities lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, and reduces risks of chronic illness. Even light hobbies like knitting or sketching help regulate heart rate and breathing.

3. Boosts Productivity at Work

Ironically, taking time for personal joy makes you more effective at work. Hobbies refresh your mind, improve focus, and increase problem-solving abilities. A rested brain is more creative than an overworked one.

4. Strengthens Relationships

Passions can be shared with loved ones, building connection. Cooking a meal together, playing music with friends, or joining a local art club creates bonds that go beyond small talk.

5. Builds Resilience

When life gets hard, having activities you love provides emotional anchors. They remind you that joy is still possible, even in difficult times.

6. Creates a Sense of Meaning

Doing what you love often connects you with your deeper values. It may even lead to discovering new career paths, volunteer opportunities, or life missions.

Childhood Passions: Lessons in Joy

Think back to your childhood. What did you love doing for hours without noticing the time pass?

• Drawing colorful worlds with crayons.
• Singing loudly without worrying about being “good.”
• Playing outdoors, climbing trees, running freely.
• Collecting stamps, rocks, or shells.
• Writing stories and imagining new worlds.

Children don’t ask, “Is this productive?” They simply follow curiosity and joy. Reconnecting with childhood passions is one of the best ways to rediscover lost parts of yourself.

Real-Life Stories of Transformation

Emma and Her Guitar

Emma, a marketing executive, used to play the guitar in college but stopped when her career took over. Burnt out and anxious, she picked up her guitar again after 10 years. What started as 15 minutes a day became her lifeline. Soon, her evenings were filled with music, laughter, and new energy. She says, “It reminded me of who I am—not just a worker, but a person with a soul.”

Raj and His Garden

Raj, a retired teacher, struggled with loneliness. He began tending to a small garden, which grew into a community project with his neighbors. Gardening not only gave him joy but also created friendships and purpose.

Sofia the Painter

Sofia loved painting but stopped because she thought she wasn’t talented enough. During the pandemic, she picked up brushes again, sharing her work online. What began as a personal joy turned into a small art business.

These stories prove that doing what you love doesn’t just enrich your life—it can ripple out to inspire others.

How to Reconnect with What You Love

If you’ve lost touch with your passions, here are steps to help:

1. Make a Joy List: Write down activities that make you feel happy and alive. Include old hobbies and new curiosities.
2. Start Small: Even 10–15 minutes a day can rekindle joy. Don’t wait for long weekends or vacations.
3. Release Perfectionism: Focus on fun, not results. You don’t have to be great at something to enjoy it.
4. Create Rituals: Schedule joy like you would meetings. Protect that time as sacred.
5. Join Communities: Find groups, clubs, or classes where you can share passions with others.
6. Mix Passion with Routine: Listen to music while cooking, sketch during breaks, or dance while cleaning.
7. Say No to Overcommitment: Free up space in your schedule by letting go of things that drain your energy.

Doing What You Love in Different Stages of Life

• In Your 20s: Explore widely. Try new hobbies, travel, experiment. This is a stage of discovery.
• In Your 30s and 40s: Life gets busy, but make space for consistent joy. It helps balance work and family demands.
• In Your 50s and Beyond: Rediscover forgotten passions or start entirely new ones. It’s never too late to learn guitar, dance, or paint.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Sometimes, what begins as a hobby becomes a purpose-driven career. Many artists, chefs, musicians, and entrepreneurs started with “just a hobby.” While not all passions need to become professions, they often reveal deeper callings. The point is not profit but fulfillment.

Practical Examples of Doing What You Love

• Playing music instruments
• Painting or sketching
• Dancing
• Gardening
• Hiking or outdoor adventures
• Cooking or baking
• Writing or journaling
• Reading
• Photography
• Crafting or DIY projects
• Volunteering

Each of these activities offers not just enjoyment but healing, growth, and meaning.

Final Reflection

Life is short, and our days are precious. Responsibilities matter, but joy matters too. The things you love doing are not distractions—they are nourishment for your soul. They help you show up as your best self in every other role you play.

So, when you hear that inner whisper asking to paint, play, dance, sing, write, cook, or wander—listen. Don’t wait for “someday.”

You know those things you love doing? Do them more.

That is not just a suggestion. It is a gentle, life-changing reminder.