I’m obsessed with productivity. It’s easy for me to feel guilty for spending time on something that doesn’t have measurable outcomes, but that’s exactly why I think we need hobbies. Baking, specifically, offers a perfect example of how a simple hobby can brighten your life in ways that go far beyond the oven.

For me finding time for hobbies can feel almost impossible in this fast-paced world. Between school, work, family responsibilities and the constant pull of phones and screens, having even an hour to do something purely for enjoyment can be a luxury. Hobbies often get pushed to the bottom of my to-do list, overshadowed by tasks that feel more urgent or productive. There's also a subtle guilt that creeps in, like I’m wasting my time if I'm not doing something that leads to a grade or score, saying I won.

But that mindset overlooks how essential hobbies are for mental well-being. The challenge isn’t just about finding the time, but more about permitting ourselves to use that time for something that brings us joy, not just trackable progress. Hobbies may seem superficial or childish, yet they offer one of the few remaining spaces where we can disconnect from the constant digital distractions and reconnect with something real. Take baking, for example: you can feel the dough between your fingers, smell the sugar in the oven and witness the transformation of ingredients into something warm, beautiful and shareable.

Baking teaches patience and precision. Unlike other types of cooking, baking is less forgiving. You can't eyeball the amount of flour or casually throw in a pinch of baking soda and expect a soufflé to rise. Having to follow each step so carefully can feel calming. When so much of modern life feels out of our control, baking gives you a recipe, steps to follow and a reward if done right.

More importantly, hobbies such as baking serve a purpose beyond the physical product; they offer a place for mental escape. In moments of stress or emotional exhaustion, doing something with my hands helps quiet my mind. Psychologists have recognized the therapeutic effects of engaging in creative, tactile hobbies. The rhythmic movements of kneading dough or decorating a cake can be surprisingly calming. You’re focused, but not pressured. You care about the outcome, but there's no punishment if it's imperfect. That freedom is rare and precious.

There’s also an emotional benefit to baking that’s hard to recreate in other ways: the joy of giving. A tray of brownies, a loaf of banana bread, a jar of granola, a batch of cookies — they’re not just food. They’re small acts of kindness that show you care. I can’t bake for someone without thinking about them. Maybe that’s why baked goods are such a staple at birthday parties, potlucks and breakfast on the first day of school. With quick texts and virtual likes, that kind of physical gesture means something more now.

But baking is just one example. The broader point is this: everyone should have a hobby, something they do simply because they enjoy it. Whether it's knitting, painting, gardening or playing an instrument, hobbies give you a space to be yourself without competition or comparison. You’re not doing it to be the best. You’re doing it because it feels good. That’s not laziness, it’s self-care.

In fact, having a hobby may be one of the healthiest decisions a person can make. Studies show that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. They tend to lower stress levels and even better physical health. It turns out that when we give our brains a break from the relentlessness of school, work and social media; we’re stronger, more focused and more resilient.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture that often pressures people to turn every interest into a side hustle. The minute someone picks up a hobby, they could be told to start an Etsy store, open commissions, or film tutorials for TikTok. And while there's nothing wrong with monetizing your passion if you choose to, it’s important to remember that not everything we do has to be for profit. Sometimes, it’s okay to just do something because you like it.

So yes, bake the cookies. Paint the lopsided mug. Crochet a scarf that no one really needs. Go to that yoga class. Do it even if you’re not “good”. Do it even if no one else sees. In a time when success is measured in output and attention, having hobbies can be a quiet form of rebellion, a reminder that we’re more than our achievements.

I would love to normalize spending time on things that bring us peace, not pressure. Make room for joy that isn’t tied to validation. Permitting ourselves to be beginners, to experiment and create without judgment. Because at the end of the day, life isn’t just about meeting deadlines and forcing yourself up endless ranks. It’s also about taking the time to share a warm cookie you made with your own hands with people who are important to you.