What I lost in the pandemic

ISO: Hobbies

The way I think about the Covid-19 pandemic (and its aftermaths) is as an iceberg.

Usually, the part of the iceberg we can see is just a small chunk of what is lingering below the water line.

Like, so:

The small part of the iceberg — the part above the water line — for me is the physical consequences of the pandemic. Which is not to downplay them. The World Health Organization estimates the death toll worldwide from the pandemic to be 3 million people — a catastrophic loss of life.

But, the larger part of the iceberg — looming below the surface (of our consciousness) — is all the ways big and small that enduring the mental and emotional stresses of a global pandemic continue to lurk in our lives.

The evidence is clear. Mental health challenges have soared during and after the pandemic. So has substance abuse — and overdoses. Youth suicide is way up.

I’ve had my own challenges in that space. (I have struggled with anxiety for my entire adult life.) Luckily it’s been manageable for me and my family. I know we are the lucky ones.

But, of late, I’ve noticed a much more mundane — but I think important — loss as a result of the pandemic: I have (almost) no hobbies anymore.

Before I go any further, it’s probably worth noting that, for me, the pandemic and being laid off all have sort of elided into one extended period of time. I had started to go into the office — on and off — in the summer of 2022 and into the fall of that year. But I was no means all the way back when, in late November 2022, CNN laid me off.

So, my pandemic — or at least the period where I am working (either for CNN or for myself writing this newsletter) from home — has gone on longer than for the average person.

What I have noticed in that long dark teatime of the soul is that my world has significantly shrunk. Obviously, I am not going to the office. But, I have also stopped playing in the pickup basketball league where I was a frequent attendee before the pandemic. I work out less than I did a few years ago.

Which is weird! Because I’ve always had lots of hobbies. I collected baseball and basketball cards as a kid. I’ve watched (and read about) pro wrestling most of my adult life. (I know, I know. That will all be explained in a future post!) I golfed. I went to concerts. I played guitar. I hiked.

I have talked to a few friends — men mostly — who have experienced the same (or at least similar) things. Their worlds narrowed during Covid and, really, that elastic never really sprung back to its original form. They, too, are more sedentary. Less willing to try new stuff.

This is — without debate — a bad thing! Hobbies are critically important to both physical and mental well being. Literally any doctor will tell you this!

“Hobbies can help with socialization and protect against loneliness, which has been associated with a higher risk of dementia,” Dr. Breyanna Grays, told Health. “Along with socialization, hobbies can improve one’s mental health and provide various cognitive benefits.” 

(Psychology Today has a good list of 6 ways hobbies help us.)

I mean, we — and I — get this when it comes to our kids. We are forever encouraging them to participate in sports, theater, dance, baking — all sorts of hobbies that are a break from their daily school routine. Because we know that having those sorts of varied experiences is a very good thing for their overall health and well being.

I’ve thought a lot about why I stopped my hobbies. (The one constant, by the way, has been reading. Which is great! But not exactly active!)

The rationalization I’ve long leaned on is that I am devoting all of my time to figuring out what to do with my life. Which means a lot of writing — and making videos — about politics. And going to coffees. And lunches. And doing Zoom calls.

I’m busy!, I tell myself. I am at a stressful moment in my career! I need to figure out what’s next!

Which is true — as far as it goes. I DO have to figure out whether I can build this Substack big enough and fast enough to make it my full-time job. Or, if not, I have to figure out what else to do.

BUT. There are plenty of times when I find myself mindlessly scrolling on my phone. (Damn you Instagram!) Or just refreshing Twitter X or Threads — over and over.

So, the idea that I am just too busy for hobbies is, well, bunk.

Why share all of this? Two reasons:

1. I have a sense that I (and my friends) are not alone in this. And if I can use my platform to make someone feel less alone, then I want to do that.

2. For selfish reasons! In sharing this publicly, I hope I can hold myself accountable. To ensure that I push myself out of the hobby-less rut — and try some new (or even old) things.

Which is where you come in! What’s your favorite hobby (or hobbies)? What, specifically do you enjoy about it? And how do you ensure you make time for it in what I assume is a busy life?

Thanks!