Why have I lost interest in the things I used to enjoy?

Doing things we enjoy is crucial for our happiness because it prompts our brain to release chemicals, such as dopamine, which help us to feel pleasure. And so, losing interest in hobbies and socialising can put a strain on our mood. 

But why do we lose interest, and how can we regain it?

Fluctuations in mood and energy levels are a part of being human

We all have periods where it feels like everything is just a bit much. You may experience a temporary loss of interest in the fun, social activities that you usually enjoy due to:

• overworking

• strained relationships

• stress

• fatigue

There are some simple remedies for getting yourself back on track:

1. Address external stressors

   If there are specific elements of your work or relationships which are causing stress, can you take action to change them? For example, if your workload has been piling up, a one-to-one with your manager could help to make it more manageable.

2. Dip your toe back in to the things you enjoy

   Getting a taste of what you enjoyed so much will help you work your way back to it, but don’t go from zero to one hundred. For example, if you play a sport, try attending a training session before committing yourself to a match.

3. Draw on your support systems

   Talk to family and friends around you. Ask if they could support you by sticking to shorter, low-energy social plans until your energy levels are back up.

A loss of interest could be linked to your mental health

The technical term for a loss of interest in the things we enjoy doing is anhedonia. Anhedonia can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions:

• Long-term stress

• Anxiety

• Depression

This doesn’t mean that temporarily losing interest in your hobbies means that you have any of these conditions. It could be a reaction to temporary stressors, which you can address with the tactics we suggest above.

However, if you haven’t been interested in any of your hobbies for an extended period of time, if you’ve also lost interest in seeing friends, families, and partners, if you’re struggling with stress and low mood, anhedonia may indicate a mental health condition.

In this case, arrange an appointment with your GP. They’ll be able to offer professional medical advice, and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

A loss of interest doesn’t have to last forever

The important thing to remember is that, whatever the cause, you can rediscover the joy in doing the things you love. Just take it slowly, be gentle with yourself, and draw on the support of those around you. 

To find out more about how hobbies support our mental health, read this brief article from the University of Reading.