The Significance of Hobbies
So, why do the neurospicy come across as the greatest hobbyists ever? Because hobbies create so many opportunities for us to soak in the dopamine! If that’s not enough, here are some solid reasons why hobbies and neurodivergence go hand-in-hand:
Self-Expression and Identity Formation: Neurodivergent individuals often have unique ways of perceiving and experiencing the world. Hobbies provide a platform for self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate their thoughts and emotions in a way that resonates with their lived experiences. Pursuing hobbies helps shape their sense of identity and fosters a deeper understanding of themselves - what they like or don’t like.
Emotional Regulation and Well-being: Hobbies offer a means of emotional regulation and stress relief for our neurokin. Through engaging in activities they are passionate about, they can experience a sense of calm, joy, and fulfillment. Hobbies can serve as a form of self-care, it becomes an outlet to help manage anxiety and sensory overload that an individual may face.
Fostering Focus and Flow: Contrary to popular belief, many neurodivergent individuals have a propensity for intense focus and immersion in their areas of interest! Hobbies allow them to tap into this amazing flow state, where they become fully absorbed in the activity at hand. This intense concentration can enhance their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Building Confidence and Positive Self-Image: Success and growth in hobbies contribute to increased self-esteem and a positive self-image for neurodivergents. As we develop skills, accomplish goals, and receive recognition for our talents and achievements, hobbies can be super rewarding and empowering - boosting confidence and fostering a sense of pride in our abilities.
Connection and Community: Engaging in hobbies can provide opportunities for connection and social interaction, both online and offline. We can use it to connect with others who share similar interests, forming communities that understand and support their unique experiences. These communities can be a source of validation, encouragement, and friendship.
Skill Development and Learning: Through practicing their hobbies, individuals can acquire new abilities, knowledge, and techniques. This continuous learning process can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and the acquisition of transferable skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.
Advocacy and Representation: Neurodivergent individuals pursuing their passion can challenge societal stereotypes and misconceptions about their abilities. By showcasing their talents and skill, they become advocates for neurodiversity, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance in broader society.
It’s All or Nothing: Executive Dysfunction is So Annoying!
Executive Function refers to a set of cognitive processes that are responsible for goal-directed behavior, decision-making, problem-solving, and self-regulation. It involves planning, organizing, initiating, sustaining attention, shifting focus, inhibiting impulses, managing time, and flexibly adapting to new situations.
The problem here is that neurodivergent folks have Executive DYS-function, so we’re either in a state of HYPERFOCUS or zero focus. The ADHD brain can be very “all or nothing” when it comes to focus!
The Dormant Phase: A Natural Ebb and Flow
Understand that dormancy is part of the natural ebb and flow of hobbies for neurodivergent individuals. It isn't a complete sign of disinterest, but rather part of an individual's unique journey.
Dormancy in neurodivergent hobbies can be a way to prioritize self-care and manage sensory overload or burnout. Taking a break from a hobby can be helpful for individuals who find their sensory experiences overwhelming. It can also provide time to rest and recharge before re-engaging with the hobby.
So, it’s like the passion to paint, to sing, to write, or to create is still in there somewhere, but it's just taking an indefinite nap.
Tips to Nurture Dormant Neurodivergent Hobbies
Embrace Self Compassion
Understand that the dormant phase is temporary and part of your unique journey. Beating yourself up for not picking up the hobby after X amount of time, won't make you any more motivated to do it again. Especially since your brain likes feeling good. Scolding your brain = NOT feeling good = instant nope on the hobby request!
Adjust the Approach: All or Something
Break your projects down into smaller, more achievable steps to facilitate easier engagement without overwhelm. I had a sewing machine brand new in the box for over two years because I was overwhelmed by the idea of actually making the sewing projects on my to-do list... finally I allowed myself to simply open the box, take the machine out, and decorate it with stickers.
Seek Support
Seeking support from friends or support groups can also be helpful in nurturing dormant neurodivergent hobbies. Maybe do a hobby swap, those are fun!
Rekindling the Flame or Exploring New Paths?
Rediscovering passion in a dormant hobby can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Another option is exploring new avenues that align with an individual's interests and abilities. By experimenting with different hobbies, individuals can find new outlets for self-expression and creativity.
Key Points, Quotable Sass, & All That Jazz
Time to bring the fireworks with some seriously sassy key points and memorable quotes from episode 84:
"If you don't have the capacity, time, and energy to fully engage with a hobby, that does not mean that it doesn't still belong to you and with you and for you."
"Our passions matter. You don't have to always be doing them for them to still matter. Like, I'm still a painter even if I don't paint. You know, you're still a musician even if you haven't written a song in a while, you are still a writer even if you haven't written in months. These are things that are core to us in our identities."
"Maybe you love crochet and maybe you look at your yarn and you're like, “Oh, one day baby, I'm gonna crochet the shit outta you!” Good. Keep the yarn. If anybody comes into your space and they're like, 'you know, you haven't really crocheted in a while. Would you wanna get rid of this yarn?' Eat them. No, that's MY yarn. It's for later. It's for ME!"
"It's not mad at you. Your crafting supplies still love you and they will be there like an old friend when you are ready for them."
"So life might happen. You might have seasons where you don't have as much time for being creative. That's okay because there will be another season soon where you do get to be creative again."
Episode Mic Drop
Hobbies are a vital part of an individual's identity, providing a safe and fulfilling outlet for neurodivergent individuals. They empower neurodivergent individuals to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate their strengths, and contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world.
The dormant phase is a natural ebb and flow that should be embraced with understanding and compassion. By adjusting their approach, individuals can nurture their dormant neurodivergent hobbies and rekindle the flame or explore new paths to express themselves creatively.
So when you think about it, even when a hobby lies dormant, it's never really gone and it doesn't mean you suck. Your hobbies are inanimate objects, so they can't hate you.
Don't worry, once it feels fun again, you're going to find your way back to it, but even if you don’t, thank it for all the fun times you had and look forward to encountering a new wild hobby.
Now, go and be free! Love you!