Hobbies don't have to be impressive.

"I don't really have any hobbies."
I hear that phrase a lot lately.

But I want to say it out loud:
"Me neither!"

According to a survey I read recently, about 30% of women in their 40s and 50s say they have "no hobbies." Looking at the reasons, they say things like, "I don't have time," "It seems like it would cost money," or "It seems kind of difficult..."

I couldn't help but nod and think, "I get that."
Come to think of it, in my own home, my family loves spending their time off relaxing on the sofa.
I sometimes think, "That's not so much a hobby as it is becoming one with the sofa," but they look very happy, so maybe it's not such a bad way to spend time.

Now, on a more serious note.
They say that having a hobby can be a refreshing change of pace, lead to new encounters, and broaden your daily conversations a little.

When you put it that way, my recent conversations have been nothing but talk about menopause and family.
That's an important part of my daily life, but I thought I'd like to see a different view once in a while.

"So, what should I start?"
When I think about it that way, it seems hobbies don't have to be anything grand.

If it's reading, just opening one book is enough. "I was able to read a little bit today."
Just having that small sense of accomplishment can make you feel a little more fulfilled.

There is also a way to enjoy yourself called "tea activity," where you whisk matcha in the morning.
Moving the bamboo whisk during a quiet moment seems like it would clear your mind.
Matcha is said to contain antioxidant components and ingredients that are said to calm the mind, so it seems like it would be a gentle time for both your body and soul.
Even if it's difficult on a weekday morning, maybe just a little bit on a day off.
Boil some water and whisk some tea.
Maybe that kind of time can be called a hobby, too.

It's wonderful to have even just a few minutes of time for yourself in your busy daily life, isn't it?

If you don't want to spend much money, walking or yoga are perfectly good hobbies.
There are days when just walking while looking at the scenery helps clear my head a little.

And, it's also good to "try remembering things you used to like."

I took piano lessons when I was in elementary school.
I can only play "Chopsticks" now, but even so, I felt like I wanted to touch the keys for the first time in a while.

And there is one phrase that stayed with me the most.
"It doesn't have to be an impressive hobby that others recognize. You should just do what you like, the way you like it."
I felt this phrase applied not just to hobbies, but to how we spend our days as well.

Not to be praised by someone else, but to have time where you can feel a little comfortable yourself. That might be enough.

If you're thinking, "I don't have any hobbies," it's okay not to rush to find one. "I'm a little curious about that."
That small feeling might actually be the beginning of a hobby.

🌿Things I was a little curious about today🌿

While writing this article, I looked up a little bit about "tea activity".

Matcha is said to contain antioxidant components and ingredients that are said to calm the mind.
That might be why more people are enjoying tea slowly lately.

Even if it's difficult on a weekday morning, maybe just a little bit on a day off.
Whisk some tea in your favorite bowl and have one seasonal sweet.
I felt that kind of time could become a hobby that cherishes yourself.

When I looked at sets for beginners, I saw thata tea bowl, whisk, tea scoop, and matchacan all be obtained at once, and I felt, "This seems easy to start."

🍵Holiday Tea Activity Starter Set🍵
What caught my eye was
a beginner's set that includes a tea bowl, whisk, tea scoop, and matcha all at once.
The price is alsoaround 3,000 to 5,000 yenso it seemed easy to start for someone who thinks, "I'll try it once on my day off first."

If you are interested, please try searching for "beginner matcha set."

Thank you for your hard work today✨
I hope you can relax a little bit tonight🌿

If this is your first time here, I would be happy if you could also take a look at this😊🍀