Psychologist Bec McWilliam on the Psychological Benefits of Hobbies for Small-Business Owners

Registered psychologist Bec McWilliam, founder of a private practice on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh Country and Australia-wide via Telehealth, argues that hobbies are crucial for small-business owners. She explains that hobbies create psychological breathing room, reminding the nervous system that not every moment must be productive. Research links leisure activities with lower stress, better mood, and improved wellbeing. Hobbies diversify identity, preventing self-worth from being solely tied to business success. They build confidence through mastery. McWilliam advises business owners to have at least one non-monetized activity—something done "badly" and unseen. She challenges the misconception that hobbies are indulgent or lazy, emphasizing that rest and play are not rewards but necessities. For those short on time, she suggests starting small: 10 minutes of reading, a weekly class, sketching, or a phone-free walk. Easy, cheap hobbies include phone-free walks, reading fiction, journaling, gardening, drawing, cooking new recipes, yoga, learning something random, and community activities like run clubs or book clubs. McWilliam specializes in mental health, burnout, neurodivergence, and personal development.