There’s not time for hobbies when the pace of life is nonstop, you might say. Yet, hobbyists and experts agree: hobbies are a necessity not a luxury. It is important and healthy for people to have hobbies, according to Lisa Bahar, MA, CCJP, LMFT, LPCC, licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor in practice in Orange County, CA.
“Hobbies are a form of self-care and a way of calming the mind. Most, if not all, people who are in the health profession are in a consistent mode of the ‘Doing Mind’. Having hobbies accesses the ‘Being Mind’, it is a curious, no agenda, go with the flow feel that hobbies can provide. It is healthy for the individual to have time to distract from day-to-day commitments to rejuvenate and refresh to re-engage the Doing Mind. The state of mind that requires balance is strengthened when the reasonable and rational focus of tasks are consuming the mind and body. The hobby brings out a playful experience which can have the side effects of being more focused when returning to doing,” Ms Bahar said.
In addition, hobbies also can make a person happy and feel more engaged in life in another capacity, this creating balance and harmony, she said.
Life Outside of Work
“It is very easy to lose sight of the overall landscape among the pressures of our daily routines. Sooner or later, no matter how dedicated we are, the grind gets to all of us, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a progressive decline in motivation. And we are too busy to sit down and think about what we might do to break that vicious cycle. This is detrimental to our own well-being, as well as that of our patients,” said Joe Eastern, MD, who is in practice in Belleville, NJ. Dr Eastern and his wife are avid travelers (Figures 1 and 2). “It is important to step out of the ‘endless loop’ of our daily practice routine every so often and reassess the bigger picture. Hobbies are an excellent way of doing that. In our nearly 40 years of marriage, we have visited 43 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico), and 58 countries,” he said.
“It is important to have a hobby to relieve stress and to appreciate activities outside of work,” said Doris Day, MD, who is in practice in New York, NY. She has practiced photography since childhood at her mother’s encouragement.
“Taking pictures helps me with composition and with paying attention to detail. I see things in and through the camera that are not as noticeable without the focus of the frame of the photo. It also helps me see light and shadow and this helps me in evaluating patients aesthetically in the office.
Photography has enhanced my vision in a way that goes beyond the superficial and the surface of what is visible. I look for details, I see color and light more clearly, and I look for angles and subtleties that are not otherwise obvious,” she said.
Dr Eastern noted that being outside the office allows his mind to wander and generate new ideas subconsciously. “In addition to helping me maintain my intellectual and emotional health, it helps me improve my practice. For example, last January, my wife and I packed our carry-ons, bought rail passes, and took off for Japan. As we whisked around the archipelago on those incredibly punctual Shinkansen bullet trains, I didn’t have the time—or the slightest inclination—to worry about the office. But I did accumulate some great ideas—practical, medical, and literary. Original thoughts are hard to chase down during the daily grind; but in a refreshing environment, they will seek you out. When the trip was over, I returned ready to take on the world, and my practice, anew,” he said.
Article continues on page 2
{{pagebreak}}
Family, Life, Work Balance
Balancing work, family, and personal interests or hobbies can be a challenge. Ms Bahar suggested that people protect the structured time. “It is a challenge when family, work, and self are all coming at once; however, it is essential to make time for self-care which includes hobbies. Ideally, hobby for self and hobby with family can help with a sense of connection,” she said, adding that there is generally a lack of balance that creates agitation if the individual is not taking time for themselves.
Hobbies do not have to mean traveling around the world, they include simple activities like daydreaming in a hammock or reading, and they do not have to be the craft oriented or activity focused.
While it is not always easy to make time for hobbies or trying something new, Dr Day strongly recommends this. “It is so great to have activities to relieve stress and to be able to enjoy outside of work. I also love reading and writing and I make time for these activities every week,” she said. “Everything is a balance but it is important to make time for things you enjoy doing. I don’t think of it as work/life balance, it is all life and it is all connected. I’m better at work when I spend time on my hobbies.”
Edit Olasz, MD, PhD, who is with the department of dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI, recommends choosing a hobby you love and you can share with your partner or children, one where you are forced to slow down and spend time together. “My hobby is being on a boat on the water, whether it is a classic wooden boat or sailboat. It helps me to ‘unwire’ my brain and disconnect from my high-paced wired work environment. Its purpose is to relax, refresh, and recharge us,” she said.
Dr Olasz grew up in Hungary and spent her summers at her families’ summer house on Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Her husband is in the sailing hardware manufacturing industry and a member of the US National Sailing Hall of Fame (Figure 3). “He travels to beautiful places filled with spectacular yachts and race boats sailed by fun, fascinating, and handsome sailors. We hardly ever travel without purpose or sit at a beach. We try to stay with local friends, meet our old friends from all around the world, renew our relationships in the sailing world.”
She also suggests committing to spending quality time together. “We both work all day and when we have free time we want to enjoy it together; we really want to have those fun memories together. In my world (but then I am pretty social), sailing and skiing are one of those, you can’t run away from a boat or a ski lift, you are there to reconnect with your inner self, your family and friends, and not with the internet.”
Lifelong Fitness and Energy
Harold Farber, MD, who is in practice in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs, explained, “I am passionate about both dermatology and weightlifting (Figure 4). I find the latter helps me maintain balance with work, health, and play. It keeps me physically fresh—the same way an article keeps me dermatologically abreast. There are times where a good workout clears my head and helps me process new and existing ideas. I find I am able to immerse myself in this recreational activity that releases any frustration and gives me a noticeable boost in energy. It enhances my overall well-being.”
Dr Farber started weightlifting in high school to increase strength and endurance. “I chose a hobby that I enjoyed, didn’t conflict yet enhanced my lifestyle, and with appropriate modifications I could do throughout life. I understood that there were certain age changes that would be necessary to make in any athletic activity, but tailored with maturity and health appropriately, I could exercise throughout life,” he said.
He offered a few tips. “In choosing any hobby, remember it is meant to enjoy and enhance your state of mind, to be adaptable throughout life in some form with age, and any physical or mental adversity as well as to provide benefit—not conflict—with life in general. I desire to workout in some form throughout my life.”
Cathy Kroger, DO, who is in practice in Boulder, CO, said that hobbies keep her balanced and focused. She started biking in the late 90s after she was injured racing marathons. “I loved it, learned to swim, and my triathlon passion was born,” she said. “When I’m running, or hiking, or mountain/road biking, or swimming, that is my time to think, reflect, work out cases, be thankful, and enjoy the world around me. I don’t train nearly as much as I used to, as family and work are a priority, but I treasure the time I have outside when I get it.”
While working and living in Boulder, she trained for Ironman distance triathlons and also raced for a triathlon team. “I have met some of my best friends racing and training for triathlons. I have also had some of my most memorable adventures. Racing has taught me perseverance, patience, and persistence. Balance, learning new things, keeping sharp, and getting out of your comfort zone are nice things that hobbies offer,” she said.
Dr Kroger acknowledged that it is sometimes hard to fit everything in. “I try very hard to be in the moment. Then, when those nice windows open up for a little time to myself, I try to enjoy every bit of them.”
Dr Olasz concurred. “Work hard, play hard. I try to live every day as it was the last one. I try not to say no or postpone possibilities to enjoy my hobbies, travel, or meet people that can enrich my life and give the gift of memories. Those stay with you forever, the rest is just material,” Dr Olasz said.
There’s not time for hobbies when the pace of life is nonstop, you might say. Yet, hobbyists and experts agree: hobbies are a necessity not a luxury. It is important and healthy for people to have hobbies, according to Lisa Bahar, MA, CCJP, LMFT, LPCC, licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor in practice in Orange County, CA.
“Hobbies are a form of self-care and a way of calming the mind. Most, if not all, people who are in the health profession are in a consistent mode of the ‘Doing Mind’. Having hobbies accesses the ‘Being Mind’, it is a curious, no agenda, go with the flow feel that hobbies can provide. It is healthy for the individual to have time to distract from day-to-day commitments to rejuvenate and refresh to re-engage the Doing Mind. The state of mind that requires balance is strengthened when the reasonable and rational focus of tasks are consuming the mind and body. The hobby brings out a playful experience which can have the side effects of being more focused when returning to doing,” Ms Bahar said.
In addition, hobbies also can make a person happy and feel more engaged in life in another capacity, this creating balance and harmony, she said.
Life Outside of Work
“It is very easy to lose sight of the overall landscape among the pressures of our daily routines. Sooner or later, no matter how dedicated we are, the grind gets to all of us, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a progressive decline in motivation. And we are too busy to sit down and think about what we might do to break that vicious cycle. This is detrimental to our own well-being, as well as that of our patients,” said Joe Eastern, MD, who is in practice in Belleville, NJ. Dr Eastern and his wife are avid travelers (Figures 1 and 2). “It is important to step out of the ‘endless loop’ of our daily practice routine every so often and reassess the bigger picture. Hobbies are an excellent way of doing that. In our nearly 40 years of marriage, we have visited 43 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico), and 58 countries,” he said.
“It is important to have a hobby to relieve stress and to appreciate activities outside of work,” said Doris Day, MD, who is in practice in New York, NY. She has practiced photography since childhood at her mother’s encouragement.
“Taking pictures helps me with composition and with paying attention to detail. I see things in and through the camera that are not as noticeable without the focus of the frame of the photo. It also helps me see light and shadow and this helps me in evaluating patients aesthetically in the office.
Photography has enhanced my vision in a way that goes beyond the superficial and the surface of what is visible. I look for details, I see color and light more clearly, and I look for angles and subtleties that are not otherwise obvious,” she said.
Dr Eastern noted that being outside the office allows his mind to wander and generate new ideas subconsciously. “In addition to helping me maintain my intellectual and emotional health, it helps me improve my practice. For example, last January, my wife and I packed our carry-ons, bought rail passes, and took off for Japan. As we whisked around the archipelago on those incredibly punctual Shinkansen bullet trains, I didn’t have the time—or the slightest inclination—to worry about the office. But I did accumulate some great ideas—practical, medical, and literary. Original thoughts are hard to chase down during the daily grind; but in a refreshing environment, they will seek you out. When the trip was over, I returned ready to take on the world, and my practice, anew,” he said.
Article continues on page 2
{{pagebreak}}
Family, Life, Work Balance
Balancing work, family, and personal interests or hobbies can be a challenge. Ms Bahar suggested that people protect the structured time. “It is a challenge when family, work, and self are all coming at once; however, it is essential to make time for self-care which includes hobbies. Ideally, hobby for self and hobby with family can help with a sense of connection,” she said, adding that there is generally a lack of balance that creates agitation if the individual is not taking time for themselves.
Hobbies do not have to mean traveling around the world, they include simple activities like daydreaming in a hammock or reading, and they do not have to be the craft oriented or activity focused.
While it is not always easy to make time for hobbies or trying something new, Dr Day strongly recommends this. “It is so great to have activities to relieve stress and to be able to enjoy outside of work. I also love reading and writing and I make time for these activities every week,” she said. “Everything is a balance but it is important to make time for things you enjoy doing. I don’t think of it as work/life balance, it is all life and it is all connected. I’m better at work when I spend time on my hobbies.”
Edit Olasz, MD, PhD, who is with the department of dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI, recommends choosing a hobby you love and you can share with your partner or children, one where you are forced to slow down and spend time together. “My hobby is being on a boat on the water, whether it is a classic wooden boat or sailboat. It helps me to ‘unwire’ my brain and disconnect from my high-paced wired work environment. Its purpose is to relax, refresh, and recharge us,” she said.
Dr Olasz grew up in Hungary and spent her summers at her families’ summer house on Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Her husband is in the sailing hardware manufacturing industry and a member of the US National Sailing Hall of Fame (Figure 3). “He travels to beautiful places filled with spectacular yachts and race boats sailed by fun, fascinating, and handsome sailors. We hardly ever travel without purpose or sit at a beach. We try to stay with local friends, meet our old friends from all around the world, renew our relationships in the sailing world.”
She also suggests committing to spending quality time together. “We both work all day and when we have free time we want to enjoy it together; we really want to have those fun memories together. In my world (but then I am pretty social), sailing and skiing are one of those, you can’t run away from a boat or a ski lift, you are there to reconnect with your inner self, your family and friends, and not with the internet.”
Lifelong Fitness and Energy
Harold Farber, MD, who is in practice in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs, explained, “I am passionate about both dermatology and weightlifting (Figure 4). I find the latter helps me maintain balance with work, health, and play. It keeps me physically fresh—the same way an article keeps me dermatologically abreast. There are times where a good workout clears my head and helps me process new and existing ideas. I find I am able to immerse myself in this recreational activity that releases any frustration and gives me a noticeable boost in energy. It enhances my overall well-being.”
Dr Farber started weightlifting in high school to increase strength and endurance. “I chose a hobby that I enjoyed, didn’t conflict yet enhanced my lifestyle, and with appropriate modifications I could do throughout life. I understood that there were certain age changes that would be necessary to make in any athletic activity, but tailored with maturity and health appropriately, I could exercise throughout life,” he said.
He offered a few tips. “In choosing any hobby, remember it is meant to enjoy and enhance your state of mind, to be adaptable throughout life in some form with age, and any physical or mental adversity as well as to provide benefit—not conflict—with life in general. I desire to workout in some form throughout my life.”
Cathy Kroger, DO, who is in practice in Boulder, CO, said that hobbies keep her balanced and focused. She started biking in the late 90s after she was injured racing marathons. “I loved it, learned to swim, and my triathlon passion was born,” she said. “When I’m running, or hiking, or mountain/road biking, or swimming, that is my time to think, reflect, work out cases, be thankful, and enjoy the world around me. I don’t train nearly as much as I used to, as family and work are a priority, but I treasure the time I have outside when I get it.”
While working and living in Boulder, she trained for Ironman distance triathlons and also raced for a triathlon team. “I have met some of my best friends racing and training for triathlons. I have also had some of my most memorable adventures. Racing has taught me perseverance, patience, and persistence. Balance, learning new things, keeping sharp, and getting out of your comfort zone are nice things that hobbies offer,” she said.
Dr Kroger acknowledged that it is sometimes hard to fit everything in. “I try very hard to be in the moment. Then, when those nice windows open up for a little time to myself, I try to enjoy every bit of them.”
Dr Olasz concurred. “Work hard, play hard. I try to live every day as it was the last one. I try not to say no or postpone possibilities to enjoy my hobbies, travel, or meet people that can enrich my life and give the gift of memories. Those stay with you forever, the rest is just material,” Dr Olasz said.
There’s not time for hobbies when the pace of life is nonstop, you might say. Yet, hobbyists and experts agree: hobbies are a necessity not a luxury. It is important and healthy for people to have hobbies, according to Lisa Bahar, MA, CCJP, LMFT, LPCC, licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor in practice in Orange County, CA.
“Hobbies are a form of self-care and a way of calming the mind. Most, if not all, people who are in the health profession are in a consistent mode of the ‘Doing Mind’. Having hobbies accesses the ‘Being Mind’, it is a curious, no agenda, go with the flow feel that hobbies can provide. It is healthy for the individual to have time to distract from day-to-day commitments to rejuvenate and refresh to re-engage the Doing Mind. The state of mind that requires balance is strengthened when the reasonable and rational focus of tasks are consuming the mind and body. The hobby brings out a playful experience which can have the side effects of being more focused when returning to doing,” Ms Bahar said.
In addition, hobbies also can make a person happy and feel more engaged in life in another capacity, this creating balance and harmony, she said.
Life Outside of Work
“It is very easy to lose sight of the overall landscape among the pressures of our daily routines. Sooner or later, no matter how dedicated we are, the grind gets to all of us, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a progressive decline in motivation. And we are too busy to sit down and think about what we might do to break that vicious cycle. This is detrimental to our own well-being, as well as that of our patients,” said Joe Eastern, MD, who is in practice in Belleville, NJ. Dr Eastern and his wife are avid travelers (Figures 1 and 2). “It is important to step out of the ‘endless loop’ of our daily practice routine every so often and reassess the bigger picture. Hobbies are an excellent way of doing that. In our nearly 40 years of marriage, we have visited 43 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico), and 58 countries,” he said.
“It is important to have a hobby to relieve stress and to appreciate activities outside of work,” said Doris Day, MD, who is in practice in New York, NY. She has practiced photography since childhood at her mother’s encouragement.
“Taking pictures helps me with composition and with paying attention to detail. I see things in and through the camera that are not as noticeable without the focus of the frame of the photo. It also helps me see light and shadow and this helps me in evaluating patients aesthetically in the office.
Photography has enhanced my vision in a way that goes beyond the superficial and the surface of what is visible. I look for details, I see color and light more clearly, and I look for angles and subtleties that are not otherwise obvious,” she said.
Dr Eastern noted that being outside the office allows his mind to wander and generate new ideas subconsciously. “In addition to helping me maintain my intellectual and emotional health, it helps me improve my practice. For example, last January, my wife and I packed our carry-ons, bought rail passes, and took off for Japan. As we whisked around the archipelago on those incredibly punctual Shinkansen bullet trains, I didn’t have the time—or the slightest inclination—to worry about the office. But I did accumulate some great ideas—practical, medical, and literary. Original thoughts are hard to chase down during the daily grind; but in a refreshing environment, they will seek you out. When the trip was over, I returned ready to take on the world, and my practice, anew,” he said.
Article continues on page 2
{{pagebreak}}
Family, Life, Work Balance
Balancing work, family, and personal interests or hobbies can be a challenge. Ms Bahar suggested that people protect the structured time. “It is a challenge when family, work, and self are all coming at once; however, it is essential to make time for self-care which includes hobbies. Ideally, hobby for self and hobby with family can help with a sense of connection,” she said, adding that there is generally a lack of balance that creates agitation if the individual is not taking time for themselves.
Hobbies do not have to mean traveling around the world, they include simple activities like daydreaming in a hammock or reading, and they do not have to be the craft oriented or activity focused.
While it is not always easy to make time for hobbies or trying something new, Dr Day strongly recommends this. “It is so great to have activities to relieve stress and to be able to enjoy outside of work. I also love reading and writing and I make time for these activities every week,” she said. “Everything is a balance but it is important to make time for things you enjoy doing. I don’t think of it as work/life balance, it is all life and it is all connected. I’m better at work when I spend time on my hobbies.”
Edit Olasz, MD, PhD, who is with the department of dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI, recommends choosing a hobby you love and you can share with your partner or children, one where you are forced to slow down and spend time together. “My hobby is being on a boat on the water, whether it is a classic wooden boat or sailboat. It helps me to ‘unwire’ my brain and disconnect from my high-paced wired work environment. Its purpose is to relax, refresh, and recharge us,” she said.
Dr Olasz grew up in Hungary and spent her summers at her families’ summer house on Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe. Her husband is in the sailing hardware manufacturing industry and a member of the US National Sailing Hall of Fame (Figure 3). “He travels to beautiful places filled with spectacular yachts and race boats sailed by fun, fascinating, and handsome sailors. We hardly ever travel without purpose or sit at a beach. We try to stay with local friends, meet our old friends from all around the world, renew our relationships in the sailing world.”
She also suggests committing to spending quality time together. “We both work all day and when we have free time we want to enjoy it together; we really want to have those fun memories together. In my world (but then I am pretty social), sailing and skiing are one of those, you can’t run away from a boat or a ski lift, you are there to reconnect with your inner self, your family and friends, and not with the internet.”
Lifelong Fitness and Energy
Harold Farber, MD, who is in practice in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania suburbs, explained, “I am passionate about both dermatology and weightlifting (Figure 4). I find the latter helps me maintain balance with work, health, and play. It keeps me physically fresh—the same way an article keeps me dermatologically abreast. There are times where a good workout clears my head and helps me process new and existing ideas. I find I am able to immerse myself in this recreational activity that releases any frustration and gives me a noticeable boost in energy. It enhances my overall well-being.”
Dr Farber started weightlifting in high school to increase strength and endurance. “I chose a hobby that I enjoyed, didn’t conflict yet enhanced my lifestyle, and with appropriate modifications I could do throughout life. I understood that there were certain age changes that would be necessary to make in any athletic activity, but tailored with maturity and health appropriately, I could exercise throughout life,” he said.
He offered a few tips. “In choosing any hobby, remember it is meant to enjoy and enhance your state of mind, to be adaptable throughout life in some form with age, and any physical or mental adversity as well as to provide benefit—not conflict—with life in general. I desire to workout in some form throughout my life.”
Cathy Kroger, DO, who is in practice in Boulder, CO, said that hobbies keep her balanced and focused. She started biking in the late 90s after she was injured racing marathons. “I loved it, learned to swim, and my triathlon passion was born,” she said. “When I’m running, or hiking, or mountain/road biking, or swimming, that is my time to think, reflect, work out cases, be thankful, and enjoy the world around me. I don’t train nearly as much as I used to, as family and work are a priority, but I treasure the time I have outside when I get it.”
While working and living in Boulder, she trained for Ironman distance triathlons and also raced for a triathlon team. “I have met some of my best friends racing and training for triathlons. I have also had some of my most memorable adventures. Racing has taught me perseverance, patience, and persistence. Balance, learning new things, keeping sharp, and getting out of your comfort zone are nice things that hobbies offer,” she said.
Dr Kroger acknowledged that it is sometimes hard to fit everything in. “I try very hard to be in the moment. Then, when those nice windows open up for a little time to myself, I try to enjoy every bit of them.”
Dr Olasz concurred. “Work hard, play hard. I try to live every day as it was the last one. I try not to say no or postpone possibilities to enjoy my hobbies, travel, or meet people that can enrich my life and give the gift of memories. Those stay with you forever, the rest is just material,” Dr Olasz said.
