Your Hobbies Could Be the Key to a More Creative, Fulfilling Work Life

Researchers from the University of East Anglia (England) and Erasmus University Rotterdam (the Netherlands) explored a concept called “leisure crafting.” This is the practice of intentionally shaping your free time through goal setting, learning, and connection with others. This goes well beyond passive relaxation.

“It’s already known that hobbies are good for your well-being,” said lead author Dr. Paraskevas Petrou. “But our study shows that hobbies don’t just make you happier, they can also help you feel more fulfilled and creative at work. This goes beyond just relaxing or having fun—like binge-watching Netflix—and turns the hobby into something that helps people grow.”

The study involved nearly 200 working adults with an average age of 46. Participants watched a short video guiding them to create a personal plan for approaching their hobbies more meaningfully. The researchers then tracked their experiences weekly for five weeks, comparing results with a control group who made no changes to their leisure activities.

The results revealed something unexpected: Leisure crafting had a stronger positive effect on participants’ work lives than on their personal lives.

“We were surprised to see that leisure crafting had a stronger effect at work than in people’s personal lives,” said co-author George Michaelides. “We had expected equal benefits in both areas. One possible reason is that people who took part in our study were already fairly satisfied with their lives outside work, but their work life had more room for improvement.”

Those who followed the leisure crafting approach reported feeling that their work had more meaning and their jobs were more worthwhile. They also behaved more creatively at work. For participants over age 61, the benefits extended even further. People in that age group  reported experiencing more positive emotions overall.

Three ways to transform your hobbies

The study asked participants to approach their hobbies with three specific strategies in mind:

Take control. Set your own goals for your hobby and pursue it in a way that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re gardening, playing an instrument, or painting, think about what you want to achieve and how it aligns with your values and schedule.

Keep learning. Use your hobby as an opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge. Challenge yourself to try new techniques, explore different aspects of your interest, or deepen your expertise.

Connect with others. Engage with fellow enthusiasts, join clubs or groups related to your hobby, or seek feedback from others. The social dimension of hobbies can enhance both learning and enjoyment.

For older people who may be thinking about retirement or struggling to find meaning in their retirement, this research offers an encouraging pathway. Rather than waiting for fulfillment to come from work itself, actively cultivating growth through hobbies can create a ripple effect that enhances professional life.

The next time you sit down with your hobby, whether it’s woodworking, photography, gardening, or playing music, consider how you might be more intentional—setting goals, focusing on the process, and immersing yourself in the practice. The benefits might extend far beyond your workshop, studio, or garden.