People often interpret a hobby as something enjoyable to do in their free time. Some will even consider a hobby as something that can provide you money, meaning a profession. A hobby can also be an escape, distraction, meditation, and even catharsis for some people. But most importantly, a hobby is a creative endeavor, an outlet for someone to express themselves and do self-exploration. To put it simply, having a hobby means loving doing things, and having a passion for it. But, is it also possible to fall out of love with your passion?
Well sometimes, dreams and passions die. As Tiny Buddha said, "Something that once filled me with excitement and passion had become a burden. It was time to find a new dream." Though, a lack of motivation isn't always a signal for a lost dream. But don't worry, losing passion for a dream you had is actually more common than you'd think.
Maybe you have a few days when you don't feel excited about the thing you once loved. Then, maybe those few days turn into a couple of weeks, and even a couple of months. As time passes, you start feeling sad and frustrated. You may even begin to feel guilty for not feeling the love for that thing anymore. Not only that, you may become frustrated with yourself, wondering what's wrong with you for not feeling excited about something that brought you so much joy in the past. That's why it's also important to know the cause. One of them is anhedonia.
Anhedonia is described as the loss of interest in activities someone used to enjoy. Those activities can include hobbies, passions, food, work, friends, and so on. They lose the ability to feel joy. There are two types of anhedonia. The first one is social anhedonia--it's when you feel like you don't want to socialize and spend time with other people. The second one is physical anhedonia, and it's when you don't enjoy physical sensations, like a hug for example. Sometimes it's hard dealing with someone who has anhedonia in relationships, as it'll be hard for them to spend time with others, and even will turn down invitations.
Anhedonia is also one of the main symptoms of major depressive disorder, but you don't have to have depression or feel sad to have it. It can also affect people with other mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. It can even show up in people with unrelated health concerns like diabetes. Experts believe anhedonia has to do with depression's impact on the pleasure circuits of the brain. People with anhedonia might have a problem with the way their brain produces or responds to dopamine, a "feel-good" mood chemical.
Baca Juga : Switching Career to a Different Path |
Scientifically, scientists are still working on treatments, but there are smaller and simpler ways to reconnect to your passion and to be able to feel the joy of doing things again. Ask yourself if the way you feel is disinterest or avoidance. Some people lose interest in what they love, because sometimes they face difficulties in doing it, or that it is linked to something sad. Some have concerns and feel scared to fail. Try to take some time to think about your obstacle and brainstorm the possible solution to it that's most comfortable for you.
Another way is to find some new outlets or new experiences, and maybe new hobbies. Sometimes people who play the piano might be in a place where they find comfort in dancing. People who love reading will find joy in writing. People who love to do sports will feel more peaceful and bliss when doing yoga. Each new outlet can make you understand yourself better. What you actually love and what you actually don't. It can also make you have a deeper understanding of the things you are mastering. Without realizing it, each endeavor will benefit you to gain better skills.
Also, don't forget, self-care and having balance are essential elements in pursuing anything that you love. Poor self-care will suck up your energy, and even your creativity. It'll make you feel constantly tired and unmotivated. Get used to having a good and proper sleep, eat healthily, exercise daily, and so on. Your lifestyle will surely have an impact on your daily life, even your hobbies, and passions.
Lastly, if your passion is currently causing you to feel burnt out, tired, or stressed, don't be afraid to give it some space. Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, breathe, and focus on something else for a little bit. By letting go, you are allowing yourself to be filled with renewed love and energy, or with a new passion that you would've never imagined.
