Which Hobbies Keep You Grounded and Balanced?

Ever feel you need a breather from academia?

What do you like to do when you’re looking to recharge?

For many of us, a refreshing break isn’t just about escaping work—it’s about recharging in ways that bring us joy, balance, and sometimes a little personal growth.

Personally, I have a couple of hobbies that bring me peace and a sense of accomplishment outside my academic life. One of my favourite ways to unwind is knitting or crocheting. Currently, I'm crafting a warm blanket with leftover yarn, aiming to complete it before Christmas. I try to work on it for a couple of hours each week—about as much time as I can spare! It’s a hobby that fits well with family time because I can do it while we watch a movie or catch up on a Netflix series. It’s calming, productive, and lets me feel present with loved ones, all at once.

Another part of my daily routine that helps me reset is walking my dogs. Not only is it good exercise, but it’s also a kind of meditation for me. I usually pop in my earbuds and listen to a podcast—something outside my usual academic focus, like history or geography. This way, my 20-25 minutes of walking become my daily "learning time," which, believe it or not, is one of my hobbies! Exploring new fields outside of ecology or biology brings variety to my day and keeps my mind curious and open.

These hobbies bring calm, keep me grounded, and give me a fresh perspective.

These hobbies might seem unrelated to my work, but they contribute so much to my academic life. They bring calm, keep me grounded, and give me a fresh perspective when I return to my academic or coaching work. Plus, they serve as reminders that our growth isn’t limited to our careers—it’s in every new stitch, every lesson learned on a walk, and every little discovery made in our downtime.

How do you recharge? How do you like to unwind?

Whether it's something creative, physical, or simply a good break with family or friends, our time outside the lab can be just as enriching as our time within it. Finding joy in these small routines is essential to maintaining balance and resilience in our academic journeys.

Share your favourite ways to recharge in the comments!

Let’s create a list of go-to hobbies and activities for anyone needing a fresh idea.

Whether it’s a daily walk, painting, cooking, or even learning a new skill—your tip might be just what someone else needs to find balance and inspiration.

?? #AcademicBalance #RechargeYourMind #HobbiesForWellbeing #CareerSuccess #AcademicJourney

I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on how to share your academic journey, time management, productivity, career success, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile or Instagram, or send me a DM. And remember, I'm here to help!