🌟 Positive Mental Health Through Hobbies: Rediscovering Joy and Connection

We hear it all the time, but what exactly does it mean? It can’t be something that we think of occasionally or do every so often. It is something that we integrate into our being. It becomes us. It adds not only to our quality of life, but to our identity.

This might not be my normal posting. I hope you don’t mind as I “nerd-out” here for a moment, but today I’m thinking a lot about hobbies and community. Hobbies can be more than just a pastime; they can be a key part in fostering a positive self-image and nurturing our mental and emotional health. In a world where we long for connection and are satiated by digital entertainment wanting a fast release in our feel-good chemicals and a longing for the nostalgic yesterdays, I found myself needing to slow down and want to feel something. I want to be the very best, like no one ever was. I want to be a Pokémon Master again, and so I headed to my local card shops and created a new weekly ritual for myself.

The Joy of Rediscovery

As I made my way to the gaming shops, card shops, collectors paradises, and various conventions, it didn’t take long for me to see that collecting Pokémon cards, or other trading cards and memorabilia for that matter, is more than just a pastime; it's a journey filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you're opening a booster pack or trading with others, the thrill of discovery can trigger a rush of positive emotions. I had a sense of excitement, coupled with the nostalgia many feel for their childhood days of collecting, and found myself reconnecting with my inner child. I found myself with less stress and overall feeling happier.

I restarted my journey with a goal of collecting the older cards from the Jungle, Fossil, and Base sets. Nothing too fancy, I wasn’t after the first edition cards that cost more than my rent for the next 20 years. Psychologically, collecting allows individuals to experience a sense of accomplishment. As you build and complete your collection, each card serves as a milestone that can boost self-esteem and provide a tangible reminder of your efforts. With setting this goal, I had direction to my hobby.

Connection and Community

When I first walked into the card shop, I was overwhelmed with all the memories from my past, but I was also greeted with a smile. I wasn’t judged. I started talking to a stranger about the cards and learning all the nuances about them that I had no idea on about grading and error cards. Pokémon enthusiasts are part of a global phenomenon and network of fans who share a common passion. I immediately was asked to trade and invited to meet ups for Pokémon Go and tournaments. I felt like I belonged. For many, the Pokémon community provides a safe space to express themselves, share their collections, and engage in friendly competition. These social interactions can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are often contributors to mental health struggles. I started to form positive connections with others in a support group, joined by this common thread that extended over into other aspects of life. I got to see what this hobby meant to them, but more what the collective whole meant to the group.

Lessons in Patience and Gratitude

I tried to count how many times my mind wondered or focused on stress from my daily life. It was still there and needed to be confronted, but I forgot to keep count. Engaging in card collecting requires a level of focus and attention to detail that was therapeutic. Sorting and organizing the cards, caring for the collection like an extension of myself promoted mindfulness. I think we need to keep all forms of hobbies and self-care sacred like this in our lives. When you're deeply engaged in tasks, you're more likely to be present in the moment, which brings a sense of calm. I wasn’t aware of any anxiety in these moments on the forefront of my mind and I felt energized and ready to take on what life threw at me next, and this is what self-care is all about. I found the repetitive nature of sorting and cataloging cards to be soothing, providing a mental break. For those who struggle with anxiety or depression, these activities offer a structured way to channel energy and emotions, creating a positive outlet for stress. It also was an activity that didn’t take much of my mental energy and then I felt more motivated to do other tasks like the dishes. It was a rewarding task that encouraged me to do the next thing on my list.

As I looked at my collection, crossed-off cards I had and highlighted those I still needed. I felt a bit of urgency to get it done, almost like my collection not being complete made me feel incomplete. I wanted them all right here and now. I reflected first on how the world is so fast and maybe this was seeping in, but then I turned my attention away and relearned patience. Things don’t come right away; some things take time. This is also how we must treat wellness and our own journey. I started to reflect on all the different card shops I went to, different places I explored, the people I met, and I found gratitude for the journey more than the outcome. Wellness can take time, we need to show ourselves grace and have patience for ourselves.

Family Bonding Through Hobbies

I at first started collecting in silence, but then I showed the cards to my daughter. I saw her eyes light up and I felt the same spark in her as I had at her age like when Ash met Pikachu and had to wear rubber gloves to keep from being shocked. Our energy was through the roof, it was over 9000 (crossing fandoms here). We then started watching the series, playing the games, buying the stuffed animals, drawing the characters together and making up our own new ones. We went on Pokémon hunts in the backyard. It was Pokémania all over again! I started to see her card collection grow as she fixated on getting pages filled with Pikachu’s, then Eevee’s, then the pink ones. We went to card shops together and found a new ritual of going to a specific shop on Fridays because they gave away free bulk cards to little ones. I found myself looking forward to Friday evenings at the card shops with my daughter and connecting with her from this piece of my past that is now a part of her present that she will look back fondly on. I found conversations with my partner and connecting with them making going to card shops a date night and collecting being something we did as a couple and discussions on who our favorites were or who would win in a battle. Self-care isn’t just something we have to do alone and family doesn’t have to seem daunting with packing lunches and making sure homework is done, we can have fun together taking turns doing what we all like. We grew together from having a common goal within this hobby, making it that much more special. I am proud to say after 6 months or so I have completed my search and completed the Fossil, Jungle, and Base Master sets. Now I am starting on Team Rocket and Trainer sets.

Self-Care Beyond Pampering

Self-care is more than just pampering ourselves; it’s about taking active steps to maintain and improve our well-being. Hobbies play a crucial role in this process by providing a structured way to relax, unwind, and recharge. They create a dedicated time and space for us to step away from stressors and focus on something that brings us joy. Collecting or any other hobby may begin as a simple small interest, but the impact it can have on mental health is larger than the number of cards there are in each Pokémon set (and trust me there are a lot!). I think some of the biggest take away I had from this was more than the importance of just having a hobby for self-care, but the importance that self-care has on me connecting with myself, connecting with a community, starting a new ritual with my family, and having a set goal in mind for my self-care with direction. Then also once you have reached your self-care goals, you add to it, adjust and change it. Self-care changes with you and that is a wonderful thing.

 Next time you talk down to yourself for feeling too old or mature to take part in things you once enjoyed, know that it can be self-care and the benefits are immeasurable and we don’t have to approach ourselves with such stigma. Indulge and nurture the child in your heart. Life is meant to be lived and to have fun times to counteract the negative. Be kind to you.

Hobbies Can Be Transformational

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out in a hobby again, embracing these hobbies and embracing you is a huge step toward better mental health and a happier, more connected life. You're not just collecting cardstock or whichever negative thought you may have on your hobby; you're investing in your well-being.