Marina Cooley, author of *Professor Off Duty*, went to Denmark to teach a course on happiness. There, she realized that personal hobbies are an integral part of Danish life.
In one year, she picked up 17 hobbies, including baking, jigsaw puzzles, embroidery, golfing, crafting, horseback riding, painting, pickleball, pottery, rock climbing, and sewing, which boosted her self-confidence.
She also identified several habits and hobbies that helped her maintain balance, reduce stress, and find joy in everyday life.
Giving up social media: Cooley had to find time to pursue her hobbies, even though she initially thought it was impossible with her busy life as a mother and professor. She was surprised to discover she had more free time after giving up her habit of watching TV in the evenings while working and scrolling through negative social media feeds on a second screen.
With her hands covered in flour, holding a paintbrush, or clinging to a climbing wall, she couldn't use her phone. Cooley found she had better self-control and felt less stressed when focused on learning new skills, rather than being drawn into social media algorithms.
Redefining self-care: The American professor used to get regular manicures, facials, and eyelash extensions. She thought these activities provided balance, but in reality, they caused stress due to the pressure of being on time for multiple appointments.
After a few months of experimentation, she realized that instead of scheduling appointments to soothe her mind, she could channel her energy and free time into hobbies.
She said a rule that works for her is to have one hobby for the mind, one creative hobby, and one for fitness. For her, those are mahjong, crafting, and tennis.
Embracing social conversations: Cooley used to be quite reserved until she learned how the Danes inquire about each other's hobbies. She was often surprised by people's answers. Once, the head of admissions at her university, a typically serious person, revealed that she spent her weekends competitive rowing.
By sharing her hobbies, Cooley found she no longer had to engage in superficial small talk. Instead, she had deeper conversations and gained a better understanding of people beyond their professional roles.
Research also shows that these casual conversations increase feelings of connection and personal happiness.
"I feel like I get to know people better," she said.
Finding your own hobbies: Cooley noted that many of her former students in the US often experienced burnout and believed they would start a hobby once they achieved work-life balance.
However, she asserts that balance doesn't happen by chance. The secret is to have a hobby, which forces individuals to define boundaries between their roles as employees, parents, and individuals.
Hobbies continue to play a significant role in Cooley's life. She's on a tennis team, has a regular mahjong game, and learns golf with her children. One evening, her 7-year-old son exclaimed, "I have so many hobbies!"
"That's when I knew I was on the right track," she remarked.
Ngoc Ngan (*CNBC*)
