Active Lifestyle
Nursing is more than a profession; it’s a calling. But the long hours, emotional toll, and constant demands can leave even the most passionate nurses drained. While your job often revolves around caring for others, it’s essential to carve out time for yourself to minimize nurse burnout. That’s where hobbies come in. They’re powerful tools to help you recharge, relax, and rediscover joy outside of work.
From soothing creative outlets to energizing physical activities, the best hobbies for nurses can help you achieve balance, reduce stress, and reignite your passion. Let’s dive into some rewarding ways to transform your downtime into moments of fulfillment and renewal.
#1 Creative Hobbies to Nurture the Mind
Creativity is more than a luxury—it’s a form of therapy. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in creative activities improves emotional well-being and reduces stress.1 For nurses, tapping into creativity offers an escape from the structured environment of healthcare and provides a safe space to express yourself.
Artistic Outlets
Crafting, painting, or drawing offers a therapeutic escape from the daily grind. Imagine coming home from the hospital and losing yourself in colors and textures—it’s fun and transformative. Nurses work hard, but this kind of creative expression helps you unwind while boosting your mental health. Whether it’s knitting your own scarves or crafting unique jewelry, these hobbies for nurses turn stress into something beautiful.
Writing and Journaling
Pouring your thoughts onto paper can help nurses process the emotional ups and downs of their job.2 Journaling is easy to pick up and requires minimal equipment—just a notebook and pen. Blogs, poems, or short stories can also help nurses explore their experiences and even inspire others in the profession.
Photography
Photography allows you to see the world through a different lens—literally. Whether you’re capturing sunsets after long shifts or snapping candid moments with pets at home, it’s an activity that sparks inspiration and gives you something tangible to look back on.
#2 Physical Hobbies for Fitness and Relaxation
Physical activity is essential for maintaining stamina and reducing fatigue, which is critical for nurses who spend long hours on their feet. According to the CDC, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to improve health and reduce stress.3 Physical hobbies not only strengthen your body but also boost your mental resilience.
- Yoga and Pilates: As a nurse, you spend countless hours on your feet, which can strain your body and mind. Yoga and Pilates are excellent exercises to build strength and endurance while promoting flexibility and relaxation. They help nurses relieve stress and maintain stamina for demanding shifts.
- Hiking or Walking: Walking through scenic trails or urban parks offers a chance to breathe fresh air and escape the hospital’s fast-paced environment. Plus, walking requires no specialized equipment—it’s one of the easiest ways to blend physical activity with mental clarity.
- Group Fitness Classes or Dance: There’s something invigorating about joining a group class or hitting the dance floor. From Zumba to barre, these activities help nurses stay fit while having fun and meeting like-minded people. Movement becomes more than exercise and a way to live joyfully.
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#3 Social Hobbies to Build Connections
Nursing can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re juggling demanding shifts and personal responsibilities. Social hobbies create opportunities to build meaningful connections while also enriching your life. Here are some of the social hobbies that can help you build connections in the medical field:
Book Clubs
Nurses often love learning, and a book club is a great way to combine that passion with social interaction. Whether it’s fiction, self-help, or medical-themed books, discussing stories with peers adds depth to your downtime.
Volunteering
Giving back outside of work creates a sense of fulfillment beyond caring for patients. From helping at animal shelters to supporting community health initiatives, volunteering strengthens social bonds and helps nurses feel even more connected.
Cooking Classes or Potluck Groups
Who doesn’t enjoy good food and great company? Cooking classes or potluck dinners are fun, rewarding activities where you can share recipes, stories, and laughs. It’s a perfect way for nurses to explore new hobbies while fostering meaningful connections.
#4 Relaxing Hobbies for Self-Care
Self-care for nurses include activities promoting relaxation to reduce stress-related illnesses and improve overall mental health.4 Relaxing hobbies allow nurses to unwind, decompress, and focus on themselves after long hours of care.
Here are some relieving hobbies nurses can do in their past time:
Gardening
There’s something incredibly rewarding about nurturing life, and gardening offers nurses a peaceful way to unwind. Whether you’re growing flowers for beauty or herbs for cooking, tending to plants creates a calming space where you can recharge. Even a small indoor setup can be a therapeutic retreat from the demands of your job.
Baking or Cooking
Transforming ingredients into something delicious isn’t just practical—it’s an art form. Baking cookies or experimenting with new recipes allows nurses to de-stress and enjoy the fruits of their labor. These hobbies blend creativity with self-care, turning daily tasks into moments of joy.
Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Carving out even a few minutes a day for mindfulness can significantly improve mental health. Meditation is a low-effort way to center yourself amidst a busy schedule. Apps, calming playlists, or guided sessions make this practice accessible and easy to integrate into your routine.
Weekend and Day-Off Adventures
Taking time to explore or try new activities can invigorate your mind and body. Engaging in leisure activities on days off significantly reduces workplace fatigue and improves job performance. Nurses can use their free time to embrace fun, adventurous hobbies that provide a mental and physical reset.
- Exploring Local Attractions: Nurses work tirelessly during the week, so your days off should feel like mini-vacations. Visit nearby museums, take a yoga class in the park, or try specialized activities like surfing or kayaking. High-adventure outings help you break free from the ordinary and rejuvenate your mind.
- Trying New Activities: Ever wanted to learn pottery or take a dance workshop? Your days off are the perfect time to pick up those “someday” activities. Trying new things keeps life exciting and helps you discover hidden talents.
- Unwinding Outdoors: Sometimes, the best remedy for fatigue is fresh air and sunshine. Whether you’re picnicking with pets or walking along the beach, outdoor activities can help nurses escape the confines of their job and reconnect with nature.
- Weekend Road Trips: Nothing says adventure like hitting the open road. Plan a short road trip to a nearby city, national park, or scenic destination. The change of scenery and the opportunity to explore new places can reinvigorate your spirit. These trips don’t have to be extravagant—sometimes the simplest destinations bring the greatest joy.
- Joining Sports Leagues or Recreational Teams: For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, joining a local sports league or recreational team can be both fun and rewarding. From casual volleyball games to more structured soccer or tennis leagues, these activities keep you active while building camaraderie.
Prioritizing Joy Outside of Work
Being a nurse means giving so much of yourself to others, but it’s vital to reclaim time for what makes you feel alive. Hobbies for nurses are important for maintaining mental health, building endurance, and reigniting your passion. From creative pursuits like crafting or photography to active hobbies like yoga or hiking, the options are as diverse as the nurses themselves. Investing in activities that bring you joy can improve every aspect of your life, helping you tackle long hours with renewed energy.
And remember, even the small things matter. A comfortable, stylish pair of scrubs can make a world of difference. That’s why Infinity’s women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs are designed to support your lifestyle with high-tech materials and bold designs, helping you feel confident both on and off the clock.
So why wait? Pick up a new hobby, invest in yourself, and rediscover what makes life rewarding. You’ve earned it!
Sources:
1 Journal of Positive Psychology. Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing. https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/P_Silvia_Everyday_2018.pdf. Accessed on January 27, 2025.
2 Wisconsin Nurses Association. The Power of Journaling: A Path to Wellness for Nurses. https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/the-power-of-journaling/#:~:text=Journaling%20is%20a%20versatile%20and,into%20a%20busy%20nurse's%20routine. Accessed on January 27, 2025.
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Counts as Physical Activity for Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/adding-adults/what-counts.html#:~:text=Each%20week%2C%20adults%20should%20aim,into%20smaller%20chunks%20of%20time. Accessed on January 27, 2025.
4 ResearchGate. Exploring Effective Strategies for Stress Management: Enhancing Mental Well-being through Mindfulness, CBT, Exercise, and Relaxation Techniques. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374290227_Exploring_Effective_Strategies_for_Stress_Management_Enhancing_Mental_Well-being_through_Mindfulness_CBT_Exercise_and_Relaxation_Techniques. Accessed on January 27, 2025.