Minimalism in Hobbies: Enjoying Activities Without Overindulgence

Minimalism frees up space in your life to pursue hobbies. Yes, we are aware of that. However, it defeats the purpose if we accumulate stuff just to pursue those hobbies, isn’t it? For example, if you like to paint, it makes sense to have a few art books, pencils, painting utensils such as brushes, palette, etc. But how much is too much, one might wonder, if the accumulation of hobby-related items starts to overflow into living spaces, creating clutter in your carefully crafted minimalist ethos. Or someone who likes to read might end up buying too many books, replacing one form of clutter with another.

Let’s look at some ways in which one can enjoy hobbies without overindulgence.

  1. Digitize your hobbies. A lot of hobbies today are digitized to allow for consumption by a wider audience. Drawing apps, mandala apps, e-reading apps, karaoke apps, even music apps are available at little to no cost for download on the gadgets we all already own. This not only saves space, but also allows you to pursue your hobby anywhere and at any time. Say you are travelling for a conference, and there is nothing else to do after dinner. You are bored. You can just pull up the app on your phone and draw or read a while!
  2. Enroll in a class related to your hobby. This works just like a gym membership. You get to use the equipment and tools there, without having to purchase or lug home any! The social life you get from meeting people who share the same hobbies as you is an added bonus.
  3. Finish what you started, or let it go. If you thought you would enjoy embroidery, but after a few weeks, the project lies unfinished, an ugly eyesore occupying space in your otherwise uncluttered domain. Summon up the courage to tackle the project or simply donate it. An arts and crafts class would be grateful for your generosity.
  4. Window shop. Don’t sink your teeth into a hobby until you have sampled it and are sure you want to go all in. Don’t rush to commit.
  5. Designate a space for the equipment, and form the habit of returning everything to its space as soon as you are done for the day each time. Leaving an unfinished drawing out will only bother you more than urge you to finish it.
  6. Time. Most new hobbies are too ambitious for most of us, and it is important to dedicate time to learning the new skills associated with new hobbies. Examine the amount of time you can dedicate on a regular basis to pursue the hobby.
  7. Money. I would like to learn to fly aircrafts. But guess what, I do not have that kind of money. Examine your finances and apportion a part of your budget for the hobby. The more expensive the hobby, the greater the level of commitment of time you will likely need for it.
  8. Feasibility. I did wood working for some time. It was fun. I built furniture, and even made some money doing it. Someone shared a picture of a gorgeous kayak they built themselves. As tempting as it was, I wasn’t about to build one, regardless of the fact that I did have the resources to do so. Why? Because I lived in a tiny condo back then, where was I going to park my kayak? I did help build one subsequently, when I became friends with an avid ex-marine who was building one for his use. That’s different though, isn’t it? It is thus crucial to assess the feasibility of the project or hobby that one undertakes.
  9. Responsibilities. A hobby is called a hobby for a reason. Otherwise it would be called a profession. Most of us are not fortunate enough to make a living doing our hobbies. Therefore, please remember that a hobby may not overpower your responsibilities, or it runs the risk of interfering with your life, and the relationships that you have spent a lifetime nurturing.
  10. Enjoyment. If a hobby has stopped serving its purpose – which is to nourish your soul and rejuvenate you, then it is time to take a break from it, or even thank the activity for the special moments and then let it go.

Too much of anything is bad, even hobbies. Thus, strike the right balance and enjoy the newfound space in your life.