NICHE hobbies may seem unusual from the outside, but they can play a significant role in improving mental well-being, says senior psychology officer Dr Zulfikar Ahmad.
The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia expert said activities such as collecting toys, board gaming or other community- driven hobbies provide a healthy outlet for managing stress by shifting attention away from daily pressures into structured, manageable pursuits.
“In a fast-paced and digitally connected lifestyle, hobbies can provide a sense of self-control and mastery that many people may not experience in their work environment,” he told StarMetro.
Zulfikar said hobbies could also improve mood regulation and reduce mental fatigue, particularly after long work days.
For some collectors, nostalgic items might help them reconnect with memories of safer or more stable periods in their lives, thus offering a restorative psychological effect, he added.
“Beyond individual benefits, many niche hobbies involve moderate to high levels of social interaction,” said Zulfikar.
“Communities built around shared interests create opportunities for people to exchange knowledge, experiences and emotional support, helping to reduce loneliness and strengthen a sense of belonging.
“These communities can become important support networks and therapeutic spaces that contribute to long-term emotional resilience,” he noted.
He highlighted board gaming as an example of a hobby that combined strategic thinking, mental stimulation and social engagement.
He said research had also shown that mentally stimulating leisure activities requiring consistent participation might help delay cognitive decline and dementia.
However, Zulfikar cautioned that hobbies could turn unhealthy when they began to dominate a person’s finances, time and relationships.
“Warning signs include compulsive spending, neglecting family or work responsibilities and feeling intense guilt after acquiring new items or participating in hobby-related activities.
“When the pursuit of a hobby starts overshadowing important responsibilities and interpersonal relationships, it may no longer be serving as a healthy escape,” he pointed out.
Zulfikar stressed that maintaining a balanced relationship with a hobby required good financial management, time management and clear priorities.
“The goal is for hobbies to remain a restorative outlet rather than becoming another source of real-world stress,” he reiterated.
