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The science of "off the clock"
Research in psychology, occupational health, and even physiology shows engaging in enjoyable leisure activities has measurable benefits. A landmark study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found people who regularly participated in hobbies reported lower blood pressure, smaller waist circumference, lower cortisol levels, and better psychological well-being.2 Another meta-analysis in Nature Medicine showed hobby engagement correlates with fewer depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction across 16 countries.2
The science is clear: doing things simply because they bring us joy is not selfish or a waste of time; it is medicine and a key part of personal and professional well-being.
When immersed in a hobby, whether painting, gardening, woodworking, or running, the brains enter what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi famously described as a flow state.3 Flow is that blissful focus where time seems to dissolve and we feel both challenged and capable. It is not about achievement; it is about presence. For veterinary professionals who often live in a constant state of alertness and emotional labor, flow works as an antidote to the chronic stress that erodes resilience.
The "always-on" culture of veterinary medicine
It is fair to say veterinary medicine glorifies overwork. Despite recent movements to change this glorification, too often, cultures reward the ones who skip lunch, always say yes, and have not taken a real vacation in years. There is a pervasive undercurrent: rest equals laziness, boundaries equal weakness, and success and passion are measured by exhaustion.
That mindset is not only unsustainable but also dangerous. The same thinking has led the field to record levels of mental health distress and attrition. The 2024 NAVTA Demographic Survey reported more than 70 percent of veterinary technicians experience symptoms of burnout, and nearly half have considered leaving the profession. The field does not lose professionals because they do not care enough, but because they have cared too much, for too long, without refilling themselves.
While not an answer to the undercurrent of unhealthy cultures and work practice values, hobbies challenge that "always-on" culture. They remind us worth is not defined solely by productivity or compassion for others but by nurturing and recharging oneself.
Beyond burnout: hobbies as identity repair
Many veterinary professionals do not have people or activities outside of their work life to help to support their personal identities. That loss of identity is subtle but profound. It happens when one's sense of purpose becomes fused entirely with their professional role.
Hobbies can help repair that fracture. They allow for self-discovery and remind veterinary professionals that they are not just healers but also creators, athletes, gardeners, gamers, musicians, parents, or painters. These activities allow exploration of autonomy and mastery, reinforcing the elements of Self-Determination Theory: autonomy (choice), competence (growth), and relatedness (connection).
When engaged in a hobby, one is reminded one matters outside what one does for others. That act of self-definition is not selfish; it is a necessary act of preservation.
Reframing "work-life balance"
The industry discusses "work-life balance," but maybe that is not the right metaphor. Balance implies equal weight, a delicate scale constantly tipping. What if instead the goal was integration, bringing one's whole self to work and life outside of it?
In this framework, hobbies are not separate from professional success; they are integral to it. They enhance creativity, empathy, and even leadership—leaders who nurture their own joy lead by example in modeling sustainable practices for their teams. When a colleague shares their weekend hiking trip or latest watercolor with the team, it also gives others implicit permission to share or curate activities outside of work.
Research on employee engagement consistently shows that when workers feel supported in their personal growth, their commitment and performance rise.4 The profession often focuses on professional development, but lacks support and encouragement for personal development.
The leadership imperative: modeling wholeness
Hobbies can be used as an opportunity to lead by example. Leaders set the tone for what is valued, and if they only value productivity, they teach teams to sacrifice themselves in pursuit of it. Worse, it may convey that the organization and management are willing to sacrifice teams and well-being to pursue productivity.
Authentic leadership emphasizes self-awareness and balanced management. Leaders who make time for personal passions tend to have higher emotional intelligence and lower rates of burnout. When people are rested and fulfilled, they can lead from abundance instead of depletion.
While there are many ways organizations might model this in practice, some ways this might look are:
- Scheduling personal time is non-negotiable. Employees are encouraged to take PTO, and clinic leadership should follow up with employees who do not.
- Sharing hobbies in team check-ins or wellness rounds. This might include small projects or engagements such as a recent home remodel or chaperoning a child's trip.
- Encouraging creative breaks or on-site art walls. Channel your inner arts and crafts camp counselor! Create a team Pinterest board where team members can add ideas of fun projects to try. Get messy, have a brain break, team build.
- Support flexible schedules that allow employees to pursue interests outside of work. Have paid volunteer days or service days. Find ways to support passions among teams in the personal ways that best suit them.
Culture change starts small. It starts with a team member bringing cupcakes baked over the weekend or sharing photos and stories from a weekend trip. These are not trivial moments but signs of a thriving, human-centered workplace.
Overcoming the guilt
Many veterinary professionals feel guilty for taking time for themselves. They think I should be studying, catching up on charts, or helping at the clinic. However, this rest and rejuvenation brings a more capable practitioner upon return.
UCLA Health summarizes it beautifully: hobbies improve cognitive function, lower chronic disease risk, and strengthen mental health.5 They also boost empathy and creativity, the very traits that make us good at what we do. Rested minds make better medical decisions.
Reframing hobbies as preventive medicine, or the heart, mind, and career, can help release guilt and embrace play as a form of professional development, even professional responsibility.
Creating a culture that values play
Many practice leaders struggle to know where to start when it comes to improving clinic culture. The good news is that building a more joyful, human-centered workplace doesn't require a major policy overhaul; it starts with something as simple as celebrating hobbies, play, and fun. A clinic where hobbies are acknowledged and embraced, where a marathon, a new book club, or a photography exhibit is seen as a win for the team, is a clinic where people feel seen as whole humans, not just job titles.
Leaders can begin by normalizing conversations about non-work passions. Opening staff meetings with a quick "something fun I did this week" check-in sets a tone of curiosity and connection. These brief moments help break down hierarchy and invite genuine engagement. Another simple way to nurture play is by hosting creative challenges. Consider organizing a painting night, scavenger hunt, or talent show, activities that allow team members to express themselves outside their roles. It is the core of team building; it's a celebration of individuality and shared laughter.
Recognition also plays a key role. Beyond years of service or professional achievements, consider acknowledging personal milestones or events, celebrations, or accomplishments of all kinds. These moments of acknowledgment may seem small, but they ripple throughout the culture, reinforcing that people are valued not only for what they do, but for who they are.
When leaders model and reward playfulness, they signal that wellness, balance, and joy are not extracurriculars but essential to a thriving team. A culture that values play becomes one that retains, renews, and reconnects its people.
From retention to renewal
The veterinary workforce crisis is real; many clinics are running short-staffed. While compensation and utilization are critical factors, they are not the whole story. Retention is deeply connected to belonging, balance, and joy. When people feel they can live whole, happy lives alongside their work, they stay and thrive.
Encouraging hobbies will not solve every systemic challenge, but it is a meaningful, human-centered step toward retention and renewal. It is even cost-effective: happier, healthier employees mean fewer sick days, better morale, and more engaged teams.
Conclusion: the wholehearted professional
Veterinary professionals are healers by nature. However, healing does not only happen in exam rooms; it happens outdoors on hiking trails, inside art studios, gardens, kitchens, and dance floors. It happens when one remembers that we deserve the same compassion we give so readily to others.
Brené Brown reminds us "unused creativity is not benign; it metastasizes." When we neglect creativity and playfulness, we lose not just hobbies but also joy, curiosity, and connection.
A New Year lies ahead, and it is time to reflect on the upcoming year, make resolutions, and set personal goals. This year, make a resolution to rediscover joy, pick up a guitar, dust off the camera, learn to knit, or try something new.
Beckie Mossor is a registered veterinary technician and current president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). She has a diverse veterinary background, including clinical practice, management, and academia. She is the practice management coordinator in the Veterinary Technology program at Appalachian State University. Mossor is the co-host of the podcast Veterinary Viewfinder and founder of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a nonprofit organization developed to help members of the veterinary community during the winter holidays.
References
- Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., & Schulz, R. 2009. Association of enjoyable leisure activities with psychological and physical well-being. Psychosomatic Medicine. 71(7), 725–732.
- Hobby engagement and mental well-being among older adults: A 16-country analysis. Nature Medicine. 2023.
- Mihály Csikszentmihalyi | The father of flow. https://www.cgu.edu/people/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/. Claremont Graduate University. (n.d.).
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. 2000. The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry. 11(4), 227–268.
- 3 proven health benefits of having a hobby. UCLA Health. 2025.
Additional resource
Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being. Harvard Health Publishing. 2023.
