Maybe you think that a burn out is the right time to start a hobby. Caution is advised here. A (new) hobby requires energy.
A chess club, running group, playing the guitar, growing bees or an allotment garden. All hobbies, where quite something is asked of your energy and the question is whether you can afford that now.
Playing sports in a team also entails risks. Can the team rely on you? Can you afford to play that match in another city? Do you still have energy for the semi-mandatory drink after exercise? Can you just leave if you want?
These are all questions you must ask yourself before you start a hobby.
Own experience
I had to let go of the running group I was in. I couldn’t bring myself to go running 3 times a week with others. The sports that didn’t work anyway (read moving). But also, the talk of the others and the fact that I must join the group, I couldn’t do that yet. So, I stopped that.
I also signed up for a beekeeping course. I thought wonderfully in the forest with bees and nature. But that was disappointing. Growing bees is very complicated. Not useful at the time. Not even because I had to join an association and therefore had to deal with obligations and a considerable hierarchical structure.
I was also offered an allotment garden. It was about an acquaintance who was a bit older and asked if I wanted to keep his allotment garden with him. At first, I thought: nice!! But later I realized that I would again end up in the obligations and expectations of others. So, I thanked for the offer.
What is Positive?
You will notice that you are quite busy with yourself. A hobby, no matter how much fun it is, requires a lot of energy. So, look carefully at what is possible and what is not possible. Also remember that a burnout will pass. When you’re better, it’s best okay to take up a hobby again, but not yet.
Tips:
1. Hobbies be honest about that, also towards your environment.
2. Put your hobbies on the back burner. You have your hands full recovering.
3. Hold on with new hobbies, they are heavy now.
4. Resist the social pressure to find a hobby.
Don’t give up!!
Three times I have tried to get back into my running group and three times I ran into myself. So, I went to do something else. I went to exercise with my youngest daughter. Twice a week we go for a half hour run, or if that doesn’t feel good go for a walk.
I am in control and I am not dependent on others. I especially like that last one (being free).
Are you someone who belongs more in a group, you can also participate again after a while!
But give it a few months to figure out for yourself what works and what doesn’t.