Sometimes I envy people who have a singular mental focus. You know the sort. The people who at six years old said they are going to be a fireman and then go on to become a fireman. Or people who collect “Magic the Gathering” cards and know everything there is to know about them. Kids are particularly good at this, find a kid that collects Pokémon and I guarantee they can breathlessly tell you everything you wanted to know about Charizzard.
I on the other hand, have a wandering mind. I’m a little interested in everything. What I find even more compelling is other people’s fascination in things.
For example, there is a TED talk on mantis shrimp by Sheila Patek. She obviously fascinated by the shrimp, which helps make this presentation compelling. In it, she explains the questions she asked and the issues she faced trying to answer those questions. She tells the audience what she’s discovered. Now this is her job, being a researcher, but you might decide to keep mantis shrimp as a hobby.
Mental hobbies engage our intellectual curiosity and cognitive capabilities, challenging us to think in new ways and expand our understanding of the world. These pursuits stimulate our brains, sharpen our analytical skills, and often provide frameworks for making sense of complexity. They offer the satisfaction of solving problems, discovering patterns, and continually learning—activities that research consistently links to cognitive health and reduced risk of mental decline as we age.
These mental health hobbies come in a wide variety of types. I have engaged in many different types. For example, I have tried learning new languages; I studied both Japanese and Chinese. Frequently I’ll play video games, in particular strategy games which can help with problem-solving. I have built websites in my spare time improving my programming skills. I have taken a variety of workshops and courses. As evident by this blog, I spend a lot of time writing. All of these help to keep my mind elastic.
I have been a collector. When I was younger, I collected D&D figures and hand painted them. I had a stamp collection. In fact, I think I still have it somewhere. I have also researched family genealogy, collecting old photographs and preserving them for future generations.
I think there are two types of mental hobbies. There are those that actively engage the mind. They require thought and analysis. These are things like learning a new language or crossword puzzles. They require a certain amount of focus.
The other kind are those that clear the mind. For me, cycling is one of the hobbies in this regard. Physical activity can help to reduce stress and improve sleep. It can also help to regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and promote the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can help to improve mood.
Cycling is a mental hobby too
In addition, the rhythmic motion of cycling can be meditative and help with mindfulness. For me cycling is like chanting a mantra. My sister asked me what I thought about while cycling long distances and the only thing I could think of was the Beatles, “Good day sunshine, do do do,” Repeating over and over. Literally just that chorus, not the whole song. If you watch videos of kids going something like cycling or skiing, they are often singing to themselves.
If you are riding hard, you can also get lost in your breath, which is paramount in meditation. You will often hear, “focus on the breath” when meditating. You can bring that same awareness to cycling. Regular involvement in hobbies is linked to improved mental health, increased happiness, and greater life satisfaction. A study published in Nature Medicine found that individuals with hobbies reported better overall health and happiness compared to those without.
Another reason that cycling may have a positive impact on mental health is that it can help to reduce feelings of isolation and promote social connections. Many people enjoy cycling as a group activity, which can provide an opportunity for social interaction and support. I was a member of a cycling club and it was very enjoyable as a social activity. We would usually ride with riders of various levels to a bakery or café, chatting along the way.
Could the Speed of travel matter?
Although I am not sure how I would prove it, I am sure there is something about the speed at which you travel when cycling. A car, or train are too fast for you to really see things, plus if you’re driving your attention should be on the road. You are separated by metal and glass from the world around you.
And walking, while lovely, is a bit slow. Cycling however is the perfect speed because you constantly see new things but get to see them long enough to really get a good look, and it is easy to slow down if you need more time.
I often wish that dirigibles were still a thing. I love the idea of passing over houses and streets at thirty kilometers an hour from a hundred meters up. High enough to be out of the fray but still able to see it. Airplanes are too fast and too high.
Use it or Lose it
Mental hobbies should help you improve your mind in some way. Whether it is sharpening a skill or calming your anxiety. Humans evolved to carry around these massive brains and it seems to be a case of use it or lose it.
A longitudinal study of a group of nuns showed that the secret to longevity and graceful aging is a variety of mental tasks. The nuns would spend time during the day praying, doing volunteer work, doing puzzles, cooking, and so on. Researchers looked at the journals of these nuns and “Subjects were shown to have a longer lifespan based on the amount of purposeful and reflective behavior shown in their writing.”
Examples of mental hobbies might include chess or other strategy games that require tactical thinking and anticipation of future moves. Reading widely across genres and disciplines exposes us to diverse perspectives and ideas, while puzzles—from crosswords to Sudoku to complex jigsaw challenges—offer the distinctive pleasure of finding solutions through persistence and creative thinking. Learning new languages opens windows into different cultures and ways of conceptualizing the world, while studying astronomy connects us to the cosmos and our place within it.
The beauty of mental hobbies lies in their accessibility and diversity. They can be pursued at virtually any age, require minimal equipment or expense, and offer endless variety to prevent stagnation or boredom. Whether you’re analyzing historical events, debating philosophical questions, or exploring scientific concepts, these activities provide intellectual stimulation that complements and contrasts with the mental demands of work and daily responsibilities. Often, I will find myself going down a YouTube rabbit hole on some topic: black holes, neanderthals, and historical cooking being the latest ones.
Nowadays there are many ways to engage in mental activities as well. There are apps for your phone, online videos and games, books, interactive websites and more!
Libraries are a good place to start
A good place to get started in finding a mental hobby is to get a library card. Libraries are one of the last places you’re allowed to be in without spending money. Many libraries in the US were built by Andrew Carnegie who saw the importance of access to information. He funded the building of over 2,500 libraries! And they are so much more than just books. You can access the internet, periodicals, magazines, DVDs, digital comics and more.
“The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.” – Carl T. Rowan
Libraries also become spaces for additional social education programs. They frequently offer kids programs and a meeting location for hobby groups. By getting a library card, which is usually free, you not only have access to a wealth of information you get visibility into community social groups. As Mary McNear once said, “Public Libraries are the heart and soul of any community”. I remember going to the Osoyoos Library with my parents on weeknights. Returning stacks of books and collecting a bunch more. Usually Tintins and Asterix comics.
If you are having difficulty finding a suitable hobby, start at your local library or community center. They are great resources!