No longer able to pursue hobbies

Being unable to pursue your hobbies can have a significant impact on your daily life.

You may, for example, notice that:

• you find it less enjoyable;
• you postpone or avoid your activities;
• you’re worried that your symptoms might get worse;
• you get tired more quickly whilst doing your hobby;
• you have difficulty sitting, standing, walking or using your hands;
• you miss the social contacts that were part of your hobby;
• you are sad about what you can no longer do;
• if you are unsure which activity is suitable;
• you have less structure in your week.

Perhaps you’ll give the hobby one more go, only to find it’s not what you expected. After that, the barrier to starting again may become higher.

Hobbies can become more difficult due to pain, tiredness, reduced strength, poor balance or problems with movement. Sensitivity to stimuli, stress or concentration problems can also have an impact.

Sometimes the way you used to practise your hobby no longer suits your physical capacity. An activity took too long, was too strenuous or didn’t include enough breaks. That doesn’t always mean you have to give up the hobby altogether. It’s often possible to adapt it.

Emotions also play a part. It can be difficult to face the fact that something you used to enjoy doing no longer comes naturally. This can lead to avoidance, precisely because the loss feels too painful.

It helps to consider which aspect of the hobby is most important to you. Is it about exercise, creativity, being outdoors, socialising or relaxation?

For example, you could:

• shorten the activity;
• using assistive devices;
• take more frequent breaks;
• carry out the activity whilst seated if standing is too strenuous;
• choose a quieter spot;
• to start something with someone;
• try a lighter version;
• accept that the pace may be different.

Don’t just think about what is no longer possible. Also consider what could be adapted, scaled down or done differently.

It is wise to seek help if you give up your hobbies entirely whilst missing them. Even if symptoms, anxiety or uncertainty are holding you back, support can help.

Please also ask for help if you are unsure what is still safe or feasible. Particularly in cases of pain, tiredness or anxiety about moving, it can be helpful to work together to develop a suitable programme.

Together, we’ll look at which hobbies are important to you and what’s needed for you to take up an activity again. In doing so, we’ll take into account your symptoms, energy levels, environment and what the activity means to you.

A occupational therapist can help you adapt a hobby or develop a new one. A physiotherapist can help with strength, fitness, balance and confidence in movement. In cases of anxiety, sadness or a loss of enjoyment, it can psychological support should be appropriate. A lifestyle coach can help you think about rhythm, recovery and healthy habits.

We are looking for ways to bring more joy and meaning back into your day.