What Your Hobby Says About You: Hobby Psychology

Our hobbies, interests and passions help us discover who we truly are and help in building our personality, mindset and self-identity. No wonder what we do for fun in our leisure time can reveal a lot about ourselves. So let’s find out what your hobby says about you.

What your hobby says about you

Have you ever wondered what your hobby says about you? Apparently, what you do in your free time can tell a lot about what kind of a person you are. Here’s what your hobbies reveal about your personality –

1. Photography

Photographers, are you eager to know what your hobby says about you? If you love taking photos of people, nature, wildlife or just daily moments, then you have excellent observation and aesthetic skills. You tend to focus on details and consider even the smallest aspects of a situation when making crucial decisions. You have a dynamic and vibrant personality, however, you are also thoughtful, sensitive, creative, considerate and composed. You are emotional and understand the depth and value of different emotions. 

You have a unique view on things, are highly creative and artistic and likely prefer colors, nature and happy moments. You may also prefer your own company more than being social and enjoy solitude. However, you also have the ability to persuade and influence others and are a natural leader. Some other common characteristics of photographers include –

• Artistic & imaginative
• Extraversion
• Openness
• Social
• Enterprising
• Detail oriented
• Flexible & patient
• Passionate & ambitious
• Good communication & people skills
• Self-motivated
• Organizational skills

Studies suggest that “people generally use photography as a coping strategy.” So if you are a photographer by passion, you know now what your hobbies reveal about your personality.

Related: 15 New Skills To Learn For Rapid Self-Improvement

2. Gardening

Although gardening is typically associated with elderly people, a lot of people enjoy gardening as a hobby regardless of their age. So if you love gardening and wonder what your hobby says about you, then you will be pleased to know that gardeners are calm and peaceful individuals. Not only do they avoid confrontation, they prefer to nurture, care for and heal others, which is often manifested through their love for plants and trees. You are a perfectionist, extremely patient, determined and take great care in achieving your goals. You are also very kind, highly intelligent and generous, as you never shy away from sharing the bounty of mother nature with others.

Here are some other personality traits of someone who loves gardening as a hobby –

• Wise & knowledgeable 
• Ability to think analytically
• Patient
• Creative & imaginative
• Visionary
• Kind & generous
• Passionate and driven
• Curious 
• Physically active
• Hopeful and realistic expectation

Gardeners prefer calm and peaceful environments as it allows them to engage in deep thinking and reflection. It is believed that gardeners tend to be introverted but they also enjoy the company of loved ones, friends and family and feel enthusiastic about taking care of them. Studies show that people who enjoy gardening tend to have excellent mental and physical health and are better able to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Related: Spending Time In Nature Makes You Less Of An Asshole (Studies Suggest)

3. Fitness & Sports

Are you a fitness enthusiast? Do you love playing sports or hitting the gym in your leisure? If you are an athlete by passion, then it means you have a lot of physical and mental energy which you release through grueling physical activity. Whether you lift weights or play volleyball, tennis, soccer or even martial arts, athletes tend to have an aggressive and dynamic personality. You constantly seek action, excitement and new experiences. You are a go-getter and tend to be highly confident and assertive. 

So if you are into sports or fitness and wonder what your hobby says about you, then it shows that you have a strong personality who can easily inspire and influence others. You are more likely to set realistic goals and work hard to achieve them. Moreover, you are protective of your loved ones and take your health seriously. Here are some other personality traits that your hobby reveals about you –

• Determined
• Resilient & mentally tough
• Motivated & driven
• Competitive
• Self-reliant or a team player, depending on your sport
• Passionate 
• Disciplined
• Highly focused
• Committed to excellence
• Optimism
• Self-confidence
• Natural goal setter
• Inner desire to succeed
• Focused
• Ability to learn from failure
• Appreciation for others
• Excellent self-control
• Killer instinct
• Ability to manage stress

Studies show that athletes, especially sports champions, tend to have “a lower level of neuroticism, a higher level of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.” In fact, athletes who participate in team sports tend to be less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. It was also found that martial artists develop certain psychological skills, such as “goal setting, confidence, imagery, self-talk, fighting spirit, and concentration.”

Related: 5 Benefits of a Regular Exercise Routine for Mental Health

4. Cooking 

Is cooking your passion? Then what does your hobby say about you? If you love to cook, then you are creative, innovative and an excellent problem solver. You know how to make the most of your available time and ingredients and get the best results. You are able to make decisions fast, solve problems regardless of the situation, and can use the simplest ingredients to create complex outcomes. As a person who loves to cook, you possess a set of certain traits, such as –

• Creativity & passion
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to work under pressure and tolerate stress 
• Attention to detail
• Stamina & endurance
• Leadership, time management & organizational skills
• Ability to accept criticism
• Committed to quality
• Multitasking skills
• Detail oriented
• Observation Skills
• Intuitive 
• Flexibility
• Social responsibility

However, when you are trying to find out what your hobby says about you if you love cooking, you need to know that your hobby also shows that you are a people pleaser. While you may love cooking good food for your friends and family, you may also seek praise, appreciation and attention from them. Studies show that people who cook tend to have strong self-esteem, motivation, socialization skills, positive mood and emotions, psychosocial health and better quality of life.

5. Reading

Is staying in and reading a good book with a warm cup of coffee in your hands your favorite pastime? If you are an avid reader and trying to find out what your hobby says about you, then you are at the right place, my friend. Readers are believed to have a strong thirst for knowledge and tend to be good with research and analytical thinking. Research shows that readers are also highly empathetic as reading books allows you to understand others and see things from a different perspective. Readers are also known to be –

• Emotionally stable
• Conscientious 
• Expressive 
• Imaginative
• Think creatively & analytically
• Knowledgeable
• Self-aware
• Better able to judge personalities of others

Related: 8 Benefits Of Reading Regularly According To Science

Whether you love being lost in the pages of a book on fiction or prefer to learn more about people by reading biographies, you love exploring worlds that are different from yours and have a high degree of curiosity. Psychologically, readers tend to have an introverted personality and don’t really prefer social interactions that much. You prefer to enjoy solitude and read a good book in a calm and peaceful environment. Readers are also believed to have a higher IQ and are usually smarter than the average joe. Studies show that most people prefer to read in order to manage their mood, whether negative or positive.

According to a 2012 study, people who read fiction tend to have –

• Higher creativity and productivity
• Enhanced brain function
• Increased ability to relax and lower stress levels
• Improved empathy and understanding
• Experience better overall development & well‐being

Further psychological research suggests that “reading fiction can improve individuals’ social-cognitive abilities.”

6. Writing 

Do you love to express your deepest thoughts and feelings in the written word? Then what does your hobby say about you? If you are a writer, whether you write stories, blogs, poetry or just randomly scribble your thoughts on paper, then it means that you are creative, motivated, committed and have good communication skills. Writing is one of the best ways of self-expression. When wondering what your hobby says about you as a writer, then you should know that writers are usually introverted and tend to enjoy their own company more than others. Writers are very –

• Thoughtful
• Detail-oriented
• Artistic
• Sensitive
• Self-aware

Writers are also very empathetic as they not only understand their own emotions, but also what others are going through, especially if you prefer to write fiction.

Related: How to Use Writing for Mindfulness

You have high levels of creative imagination and are a quick learner, curious and have a penchant to learn more about things that interest you. A good writer is always well-informed and is highly intelligent. You have a unique outlook towards people and the world around you, and the more you write the better you understand yourself. As a passionate writer, you are also likely to have the following traits –

• Self-discipline
• Attention to detail
• Excellent observers
• Strong vocabulary
• Openness to change & experience
• Better clarity
• Artistic   
• Investigative, inquisitive & curious
• Empathic & compassionate
• Sensitive and emotional 
• Perfectionism 
• Willingness to learn
• Self-confidence
• Persistence
• Passionate about self-improvement

Research indicates that writers are better able to cope with stress and anxiety, thanks to their hobby.

7. Volunteering

Want to find out what your hobby says about you if you are an enthusiastic volunteer? People who are engaged in charity work or volunteer to improve their community and help those in need are selfless, highly empathetic, kind, caring and compassionate. They have the heart to help others and invest their time, energy, finances and other resources to help others live a better life. Volunteers also tend to be extroverted and social individuals who have a passion for helping people. Typically, they are –

• Natural leaders
• Enthusiastic
• Knowledgeable 
• Courageous
• Intelligent
• Active problem solvers
• Self-motivated
• Have the ability to influence others

They are also humble, regardless of their socio-economic status, and are well-rounded individuals with a positive mindset. If you are a volunteer wondering what your hobbies reveal about your personality, then you should know that you have excellent communication skills and are a passionate people-person. It also shows that you have integrity, high levels of self-confidence & self-esteem, and are seen as a reliable person. You are also more likely to experience higher degrees of life satisfaction. 

Studies show that volunteers are higher in –

• Altruism 
• Trust  
• Openness to experience 
• Competence  
• Self-discipline
• Achievement striving 
• Impulsiveness 
• Self-consciousness
• Vulnerability 

They also have low levels of  –

• Anxiety
• Angry-hostility
• Depression
• Agreeableness 

“On average, volunteers are more extraverted, agreeable, conscientious, and open, and they are also less neurotic,” explains a 2015 study. 

Related: How Purpose Changes Across Your Lifetime

8. Traveling

Is traveling around the world your passion? Then you are resilient, independent, adaptable, curious, open-minded and have good communication skills. Here’s what your hobby says about you –

• Adventurous
• Mentally flexible
• Empathetic
• Culturally aware
• Curious
• Willingness to learn & try new experiences
• Higher self-awareness
• Thick-skinned
• Strong self-esteem
• Good sense of humor
• Open to Change
• Adaptable
• Grateful
• Independent
• Observant
• Appreciative
• Extroverted
• Focused on personal growth

Want to know more about what your hobbies say about you? 

Here are some other common hobbies that can reveal a lot about your personality. Check out what your hobby says about you –

9. Fishing

If your favorite hobby is fishing, then it means you are determined, focused and patient. You love relaxing environments and enjoy solitude. Here’s what fishing as a hobby reveals about your personality –

• Determined
• Patient
• Adventurous
• Observant
• Knowledgeable
• Loves nature
• Persistent
• Believes in practice
• Resilient 
• Positive attitude
• Analytical mindset
• Enjoys solitude

10. Cinephile 

Feel passionate about movies? If you are a cinephile, then you are an introvert and prefer to spend time alone. Similar to readers, you have a –

• High IQ
• Critical thinking mindset
• Curious
• Love exploring new worlds
• Empathetic

11. Playing chess

For chess players, their hobby shows that they are very thoughtful, analytical, patient, calm under pressure and have the ability to develop crucial strategies. As a chess player, here’s what your hobby says about you –

• Passionate
• Ambitious
• Hard working
• Intuitive
• Intelligent
• Patient
• Fighting spirit
• Self-confidence
• Strong character

12. Helping Animals

If you are passionate about helping or rescuing animals, then it means that you are empathetic, kind, helpful, love nature and can easily connect with all forms of life. Here’s what your love for animals reveals about you –

• Expresses empathy openly
• Loves unconditionally
• Strong sense of altruism
• Humorous & fun loving
• Sociable & extroverted 
• Accepting & not focused on perfectionism
• Kind, compassionate & caring
• Intuitive
• Selfless
• Trustworthy

13. Gaming

If you are an avid gamer, then it is likely that you are an extrovert, technologically savvy, and a quick problem-solver. You are good with developing strategies & open to new experiences. But you may have an anxious and aggressive personality. Here are some common traits of a gamer –

• Logical & strategic thinking
• Fortitude & resilienCE
• Ability to learn from failure
• Dynamic & willingness to learn
• Efficient through practice
• Empathetic
• Innovative 
• Dexterous 
• Relaxed & fun loving

According to a 2019 study, “daily game players” have high levels of “Exploitativeness/Entitlement” and low levels of “Extraversion and Conscientiousness.” However, casual video game players have higher degrees of “Extraversion and Conscientiousness” and lower “Neuroticism.”

So what do your hobbies reveal about you?

Related: 5 Hobbies That’ll Make Your Life Better

The psychology of hobbies 

A hobby is something we do for fun in our spare time but don’t necessarily get paid for it. Our interests and hobbies help learn new skills and reduce stress. Different people can have different types of hobbies, but the most common ones include playing sports, gardening, cooking, traveling, photography etc. Hobbies are a great way to add some color and flavor into our lives, refocus our mind, redirect our energy, be productive and to just have some fun. If you are wondering what your hobby says about you, then let us delve a bit deeper into the psychology of hobbies.

According to hobby psychology, our passions and interests can greatly influence who we are as a person. What we loved doing as a child can add great value to our adult lives. Not only it can help us learn important skills, it can also enable us to develop a positive mindset and gain emotional and mental stability. Our hobbies shape our character and prepare us to face the complexities of the world. When you persistently pursue your interests and hobbies, it helps to –

• Create self-identity
• Build confidence
• Promote discipline, persistence, determination & patience
• Build good habits
• Support problem solving, goal-setting & learnings
• Encourage to think outside the box
• Increase sense of responsibility
• Build good mental health

Related: 5 Good Hobbies that can Improve Your Mental Health

Studies show that having hobbies can help us have a purpose in life, increase longevity and healthy life expectancy among older adults. “Individuals who engaged in more frequent enjoyable leisure activities had better psychological and physical functioning,” explains a 2009 study. The researchers have also found that pursuing hobbies are associated with –

• Greater positive moods and emotions
• Life satisfaction
• Life engagement
• Social support
• Lower depression and negative moods
• Lower blood pressure
• Better perceived physical function
• Mental health benefits
• Reduced substance use

Research also indicates that pursuing hobbies can help to boost self-esteem and life satisfaction. In fact, hobby engagement in your adulthood or in late-life is related to a lower risk of disabling dementia. Having hobbies in our daily lives can “help to mitigate the adverse effects of long working hours on workers’ depression and mental well-being,” states a 2019 study. 

There is no doubt that hobbies are not just fun, but are extremely beneficial for our mental, emotional and physical being. Now that you know what your hobbies and interests say about you, go ahead and celebrate your passions, interests and hobbies. 

Your hobbies define you

Understanding what your hobby says about you can help you understand yourself better. While our society pushes us to work harder and achieve goals by sacrificing our personal lives, pursuing your passions will actually make you more capable of being successful. Not only will it help you overcome stress and anxiety, it will give you a mental edge, make you happier & more positive and add to your life satisfaction.

Related: Top 50 Hobby Ideas For Men