Finding Joy in Hobbies: A Prescription for Challenging Times

"How do you stay sane in a world that feels increasingly insane?"

Someone asked me this on social media recently, responding to yet another dispiriting news cycle. My answer? I wrote a novel. Not because I'm trying to be the next great American author, but because I needed somewhere to put all this energy. Sometimes the best response to chaos isn't to fight harder – it's to find your joy harder.

Finding Joy in Hobbies: A Prescription for Challenging Times

I'm writing this from my sick bed, where I've been recovering after my entire family caught a bug during my twins' first week of school. Any parent knows there's no such thing as a real "sick day" when you have young children – you're still taking care of everyone else while trying to get better yourself. But even in this state, I felt compelled to share something important about finding joy and maintaining sanity in these challenging times.

This post was actually inspired by someone's nasty comment online, which got me thinking about how we cope with the constant barrage of negativity. Since the 2024 election, I've deliberately reduced my consumption of political news, and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Though my work leading Diosa Ara requires me to stay informed about certain issues, I've given myself permission to take a break until the end of January before re-engaging with the more difficult aspects of our current reality.

What's been truly transformative during this time is rediscovering my love for writing. I've thrown myself into creative writing, channeling all my anxiety and stress into words on the page. The result? I've nearly completed a novel and started a series that reflects my anxieties about the world in written form. This creative outlet has provided an incredible escape from the constant stream of negativity, particularly the increasingly overt anti-Black racism that we've been fighting for so long.

So here's my prescription (and yes, I'm making this an official doctor's order): If you don't have a hobby, your weekend assignment is to find one – or reconnect with activities you used to love. Whether it's training for a marathon, picking up a paintbrush, starting a garden, writing that novel you've been dreaming about, or even skydiving – now is the time. Don't wait.

While it's important to stay informed about issues that matter, especially in the women's health space, you don't need to absorb everything. In fact, you shouldn't – it can be paralyzing. The current administration reminds me of toxic people in our personal lives: they consume an enormous amount of mental energy. Just imagine what we could accomplish as a country if 30% of our collective brain space wasn't occupied by presidential drama.

Finding an engaging hobby isn't just about entertainment – it's about creating a reliable sanctuary for your mind. It's about carving out space where you can temporarily step away from the challenges we face and return refreshed, more capable of making meaningful change. In my case, writing has become more than just a hobby; it's become a form of resistance, a way to preserve my joy and mental health in difficult times.

So take this weekend to explore something new or rediscover an old passion. Your mental health will thank you for it.