It’s Rachael on the blog this week. In my last blog, I talked about how feeling off, stuck, or out of balance can sometimes point to unmet core needs in your life, like safety, connection, growth, joy, or having a purpose.
When those needs aren’t being met, it can affect how motivated and fulfilled you feel. It might even make you feel like you’re in a “life slump”.
This week, I want to take the next step and talk about how to choose activities and hobbies that actually support those gaps.
This is where things get a little tricky, remember: healing isn’t one size fits all and the goal is to create a personalized healing plan and weekly routine that considers your context. If you reflect on the meaning of each gap that you seem to have in your life, it can help provide you with some direction.
It might even help you to journal about your core needs!
From there, you can start experimenting with activities and hobbies that help fill that gap.
Hobbies To Try That Can Address What Your Life is Missing
If You’re Missing Safety & Regulation…
Activities that increase your sense of safety and emotional regulation:
- Self-defence classes.
- Breathwork.
- Grounding practices. Pooja writes more about listening to your nervous system in this blog.
- Wrap yourself up in a fuzzy blanket.
If You’re Missing Autonomy & Self-Expression…
Activities to help you connect with yourself and express yourself:
- Self-reflection through journalling
- Try creative activities, like painting, making pottery, or photography.
- Take time to yourself each week, whether you’re reading, taking a bath, or going out for a solo dinner!
If You’re Missing Connection & Belonging…
Connect with your community and spend time in places that you feel safe and connected.
Here are activities you can do to support this:
- Spend time with friends and family at home.
- Lay on one of our couches in the Dóchas office! Book an appointment here.
- Try volunteering.
- Connect with others through community events or clubs. If you’re in the Parkland County area, here is the Spruce Grove Events page!
If You’re Missing Growth & Being Challenged…
Develop new skills or maintain old skills, and overcome challenging tasks.
- Take a class that interests you. If you’re in the Parkland County area, the Allied Arts Council holds art classes for adults and youth.
- Try a new hobby that requires learning new skills.
If You’re Missing Meaning & Purpose…
Put energy into value-based activities that feed your “why”, like:
- Spiritual practices.
- Volunteering.
- Spend time each week on your passion projects that you might’ve forgotten about when life got busy. If you’re finding it difficult to make time for this, there are awesome online communities like Momentum Collective to help with accountability and support.
If You’re Missing Play & Joy…
Engage in activities that are light and fun, and maybe even remind you of your childhood!
Here are some ideas:
- Dance around your house.
- Board game nights with friends and family.
- Try new athletic activities or join a sports team.
- Go hiking in the Parkland County area, or even to the mountains. Alicia’s blog explores the benefits of nature on your mental health.
Which Hobbies Are Right For Your Life?
How this looks for one person may look different for someone else, and sometimes a hobby may fill more than one area.
For example, I started taking Krav Maga to help build my sense of safety and ensure my autonomy, however I have also developed a sense of connection with my classmates and get a sense of accomplishment from learning a new skill.
It is important when making changes, like adding in alternative healing, that you take into consideration your capacity and context. This means you need to pay attention to time, money, and energy to figure out what is going to be realistic for you. Start small and be flexible, there is no “best” activity or hobby, there is only the right thing for you and the right thing is going to be something that feels good and is sustainable long-term.
Start Small and Be Patient With Your Healing Process
Figuring out if something feels right may take a little time, and you may have to try an activity a few times to see if it’s healing for you. I know if I hadn’t given Krav Maga a few tries, I would have stopped after the first few weeks. Here I am still practicing it almost 2 years later!
Figuring out what is going to be healing for you takes time. Have self-compassion and give yourself permission to explore and adjust as needed.
Not Sure Where to Start with Therapy?
Take the Dóchas Compass (1–2 minute quiz) and we’ll guide you toward the best fit therapist for you.
If you already know what you’re looking for, you can book an appointment online (in-person in Spruce Grove or virtual across Alberta) or call us at 780-446-0300.
References
Gottman relationship recipes. The Gottman Institute. (2026, January 16).
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
