Why Every Female High-Flyer Needs a Hobby (Yes, You Too)

Success isn’t just about career milestones - it’s about joy, balance, and personal fulfillment. Here’s why ambitious women should reclaim their time and embrace hobbies that fuel their creativity, confidence, and well-being.

Hobbies: The Secret Ingredient to Long-Term Success

For years, my life revolved around work. Wake up, answer emails, clock in, grab a rushed lunch, work late, sleep, repeat. My creativity dwindled, my energy drained, and I barely had time to think, let alone enjoy myself.

Sound familiar?

I used to dream of detouring to the ice rink after work, but guilt and excuses held me back: “Will I get there on time? Is it really worth the 45-minute drive?”

Then, the world paused. The shift to remote work during COVID forced me to re-evaluate my routine. It was then that I made two life-changing decisions: I started my own business and joined the adult skate school at my local rink. The impact? Unparalleled.

Skating became my escape, my reset, my fuel. Now, I advocate for every high-achieving woman to find a hobby that sparks joy - because success isn’t just about how far you climb, but how fulfilled you feel along the way.

The Overlooked Power of Hobbies

Hobbies are often dismissed as indulgences or childhood pastimes, yet they are essential - especially for ambitious women juggling demanding careers. Unlike side hustles (which are great, but still work), hobbies provide pure, pressure-free enjoyment. They allow you to create, move, connect, and unwind - without expectation.

Whether it’s painting, pilates, chess, pottery, or hiking, hobbies remind us that our worth isn’t solely tied to productivity.

The Real Benefits of Having a Hobby

1. Hobbies Reduce Stress & Screen Time

We spend our days tethered to screens, bombarded by emails, social media comparisons, and relentless to-do lists. It’s exhausting. Stepping away from digital distractions is vital for mental clarity and well-being.

For me, that meant swapping endless scrolling for hours on the ice. I now dedicate up to six hours a week to skating - unplugged, focused, and fully present. The result? Lower stress, better sleep, and a genuine sense of calm.

Think of hobbies as an investment in your happiness, just as crucial as investing in your career.

2. Hobbies Expand Your Social Circle

Making friends as an adult is hard. Many post-university friendships become long-distance or work-based, and let’s be honest - work “friendships” often fade when the job does.

But hobbies? They introduce you to like-minded people who share your interests, values, and drive.

The friendships I’ve built through skating are authentic, inspiring, and uplifting. They’re not tied to a paycheck or a LinkedIn connection; they’re rooted in a shared love for something we choose to do.

Making friends as an adult can be challenging. After university, most of my friendships were either long-distance or situational, formed through work. It wasn't until I left my first job that I realized my work "friends" weren’t genuine connections.

In contrast, the friends I’ve made through ice skating are different. They share similar values and aspirations, inspiring me to dream bigger. Engaging in activities for myself, alongside newfound friends, has added joy and laughter to my week. While I initially joined skating for the activity, the community I found has become a vital part of my experience.

3. Hobbies Keep You Physically Strong

Most of us spend far too much time sitting - leading to everything from sluggishness to serious health risks. Hobbies that involve movement counteract that, improving endurance, mobility, and energy levels.

Since taking skating seriously (even investing in a private coach), my cardiovascular health has improved, my balance is sharper, and my agility has skyrocketed. Whether it’s dancing, pilates, or rock climbing, movement-based hobbies help you feel more powerful in your own skin.

How to Find a Hobby That Works for You

Choosing a hobby isn’t about following trends or doing what everyone else is doing—it’s about reconnecting with yourself.

Here’s where to start:

• Look to the past – What did you love as a child? Were you drawn to music, art, movement, or puzzles?

• Follow curiosity, not pressure – Don’t force yourself into a hobby just because it’s popular. Try a class, visit a museum, or explore an activity that excites you.

• Start small, stay playful – A hobby shouldn’t feel like another task. Try it, enjoy it, and see where it takes you—no pressure, no expectations.

The Takeaway? It’s Time to Prioritise Yourself.

As female high-flyers, we’re wired to push, achieve, and strive for more - but we often forget that joy, creativity, and self-care are just as important as success.

Whether it’s ice skating, ceramics, or playing the piano, your hobby isn’t a luxury - it’s an act of self-preservation.

So, this is your sign: Pick something that excites you. Make time for it. And watch how it transforms not just your free time, but your mindset, confidence, and overall success. You deserve this.