A lifelong creative, I have always been happiest when dabbling a bit in arts. Coloring and making as a small child. Trips to the museum, making a mess with paints, and even doodling during my days as an adult. Whenever my brain is engaged in something to do with color, shape, and beauty—it sets the tone for a good day.

Somewhere along the way, I lost touch with creativity as a hobby. With work, friends, and eventually a family, my love of the arts took a more passive role. I worked in the fashion industry, so I told myself that being completely absorbed in my creative job checked the box of creative outlet and I didn’t need/have time for/want to pursue a hobby.

That was the case until one night when I started painting with my three-year-old daughter during dinner. A trick I used with her when she needed a bit of calm in her life, I frequently had her painting or coloring while I cooked. One night, her “Please momma!” invited me to paint alongside her, while we ate.

Happily. Quiet. Fun. OH YES. This was the side of art that I was missing.

I started making, quite regularly, starting with one small painting a day—something quick and loose just to keep me making. Little did I know, this was the start of change.

From this little creative practice, my passion for making art grew. I began taking classes and workshops, online at first to grow in skill. I sought out artists to follow on Instagram and books to read on creativity, and began planning my weekends around museum exhibits.

Something else was happening too. In my quest to learn more and build skill, I ended up building something far more unexpected: self-confidence. You see, it seems having a hobby is especially effective in boosting confidence. Here’s why:

Having a hobby is a radical form of self-love and care.

Yes. It’s true! Taking some time, most days, to engage in something you LOVE trains your brain and your body to show up for you. To build little moments of flow and joy into your day, boosting your self-esteem and love.

Having a hobby is a radical form of self-love and care. Yes. It’s true! Taking some time, most days, to engage in something you LOVE trains your brain and your body to show up for you.

You remember that you can figure things out. Life. Art. Your hobby.

Getting the hang of a new skill often comes with a steep learning curve. As you build your knowledge of the new endeavor, you’ll gain a sense of accomplishment from tackling increasingly harder projects, reminding you that you are a learner. A problem-solver. A growing, learning being (you know, what you were meant to be the entire time).

Having a hobby can boost your happiness and reduce stress.

And I think it goes without saying that happy people are usually more interesting, more fulfilled, and more confident. The simple act of working on your hobby can often be enough to improve your mood, so even on days you’re just not feeling it, try to keep going.

It makes you a more well-rounded and interesting person.

People with hobbies are passionate, evolving, and definitely have more interesting answers to the “What do you do?” opener.

My creative hobby ended up being the invitation I needed to disrupt my life. To start a new business. To continue to grow as an artist. To make new friends and build new connections tied to my passion.

My creative hobby ended up being the invitation I needed to disrupt my life. To start a new business. To continue to grow as an artist. To make new friends and build new connections tied to my passion.

And the same still holds true almost five years later. Most days that I make some type of art are the days I’m at my best: happy, confident, and passionate.

So friends, what’s stopping you from dedicating some time to your hobby? Work? Life? Doubt? Fear?

Go for it.

Find something you are interested in (cooking, writing, learning an instrument, hiking) and make it happen, even if it’s in small increments of time.

Your mood, your life, and your people will thank you.

Jill Elliott

Jill Elliott is an artist, wallpaper designer and writer constantly seeking inspiration and balance. You can find Jill’s wallpaper and original art at Color Kind Studio. She can often be found making art and messes alongside her daughter and puppy.