Yes, you do need a hobby. Here’s how to start.

When was the last time you had a real hobby? Not going to the gym and working out – that’s more part of a healthy lifestyle. And the “loves food and travel” listed under interests on your dating profile doesn’t count either.

Whether it’s photography, learning to play guitar, going on nature walks or collecting superhero figurines, having a hobby has been shown to decrease stress and increase work productivity. Ever been told to ‘get a life’? Hobbies can help with that, too, by increasing physical health, engaging us creatively and giving us something outside of our daily routines.

Sadly, in this fast-paced, productivity-driven world, time is money: forcing us into a mindset that hobbies are a waste of time. This means we usually tend not to prioritize the things that have the potential to bring so much richness and balance to our lives.

If going back to the stamp collection you amassed as a 12-year-old doesn’t sound as much fun these days, use these three tips to get started on finding a hobby that fits – and enhances – your life.

1. Make time for it

Prioritizing time for a hobby is practical self-care – so make time for it like you would a meal prep session or rest day. Is there a dance, cooking or music class you have been wanting to try? Block out time in your calendar to take the class. Consider it as important as a meeting with your boss, giving yourself the same reason not to cancel. It may be tough to set this time aside initially, but in the long run you will be rewarded by taking some time for yourself.

...in the long run, you will be rewarded by taking some time for yourself.

2. Make it practical

In order for a hobby to be sustainable, it has to be practical. Most of us have lives that are full of work, family, and all of the daily tasks that get piled on. We have places to go and people who rely on us. Before committing to a hobby, take some time to consider how well it fits with your lifestyle: Can you commit to the weekly piano lessons? Does it take a long time to get to the dance class? Do you have a big enough kitchen for your ambitious baking plans?

If you need to think smaller, a hobby could be as simple as going to the farmer’s market once a week, taking time to learn a new recipe every Sunday, or 5 minutes of meditation every morning.

3. Make it social

Just like your fellow Legends in the Centr Facebook community help keep you accountable, you’re more likely to stick with a hobby that includes a community aspect. Attending a class with a friend, joining a book club or even an online forum dedicated to your hobby is a good way to become more engaged – not only with the activity itself but in your relationships with friends and loved ones. If your hobby doesn’t immediately seem to involve a community, is there a way you can invite others to join in? It might be time to start that garage band you’ve always dreamed of!

While the word ‘hobby’ may sound a little flippant, it’s just another way of saying you’re doing something that you love and enjoy. Balance is a huge factor in achieving your health and fitness goals, so give yourself permission to give your mind and body a break, and get a hobby!