Hobbies are great. They are the little moments of peace from the day-to-day chaos of work or school. Cooking, drawing, playing music—these are just a few hobbies that people often engage in during their free time, simply because they enjoy them and find them relaxing after a big day.

Some people also say that watching movies or TV shows is their hobby, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, TikTok has recently been abuzz about “media consumption” hobbies, or hobbies that only involve “consuming media,” like watching movies and TV shows, playing video games, or buying and listening to music.

These hobbies aren’t inherently bad, but there is a lot of good that comes from having a hobby that allows you to “create,” like painting, drawing, or playing music. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider a hobby that involves creation:

1. A “Creative” Hobby Makes Your Brain Active

While our brains can be engaged by watching a TV show or movie, it’s something entirely different to take charge of the action yourself. Watching a TV show or movie is inherently passive because you simply sit and watch what’s unfolding in front of you, sometimes getting bored and distracted midway through.

On the other hand, a hobby like painting isn’t something you can do in the background while you focus on something else. It requires your active investment and involvement in the activity, forcing your brain to actively think about your next move.

2. A “Creative” Hobby Improves Your Skills

Naturally, a hobby that involves creating something will improve your skills. There are two ways your skills can improve: First, the specific skill related to the hobby will improve, such as your guitar skills if you play the guitar or your voice if you practice singing.

Additionally, your learning skills will improve. Every time you learn something new, you also figure out how to learn lessons better, which will help you in picking up more new skills down the line.

3. A “Creative” Hobby “Creates” Works Of Your Own

One of the best things about a “creative” hobby is in the name itself: you get to create a piece of work that you can call your own. Creating your own work can sometimes be underrated, especially when you’re not used to being an “artist” or a “creator.” It is incredibly rewarding to have something that you can call your own at the end of the day, regardless of its quality, because it is simply yours.

4. A “Creative” Hobby Feels Fulfilling

Adding to the previous point, there’s an incredible sense of fulfillment that comes from creating something. There’s a unique satisfaction that arises from something made from your own effort. Sure, watching an incredibly well-made movie or TV show can be an emotional rollercoaster, but nothing beats the high of working all day to create something new.

5. A “Creative” Hobby Allows You To Share Yourself With The World.

With a “creative” hobby, there is often an end result, whether it’s just a draft or the final output. A work is made, ready to be shared if you choose, and you probably should. The great thing about art, or any piece of work, is that it is a way for people to connect with one another. A painting or song can convey many different emotions or feelings that audiences can relate to.

These emotions in the art often come from the artist or creator themselves, and by sharing your art, you share these feelings and ideas with the world. This allows for connections with people who see your creation, fostering deeply satisfying relationships and connections through just a hobby.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with “media consumption” hobbies, especially when you have had a long day and just want to relax. But there’s so much to be gained from participating in a hobby that challenges your mind, puts your emotions into practice, and creates something from scratch.

Consider all the hobbies you currently enjoy: which ones make you a passive observer, and which ones make you an active participant in your experience? If your hobbies lean towards the former, then maybe it’s time to include more new, creative hobbies in your list.