In this week’s podcast episode, I sit down with Julie McGuire, a high school English teacher, avid outdoorswoman, and the first woman to ski all 33 Catskill High Peaks. Julie’s journey from suicidal depression to purpose-driven living highlights the remarkable power of hobbies in adult healing and growth.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here.
How Hobbies Help Us Heal
Julie shares how an invitation to try backcountry skiing—despite having no experience—became a turning point in her life. The physical and emotional challenges of skiing through deep snow, carrying heavy gear, and navigating mountain terrain helped her build confidence, regulate emotions, and find clarity.
Research supports Julie’s experience. Studies show that engaging in hobbies can lower stress, improve mood, and even reduce symptoms of depression.
The Role of Nature in Nervous System Regulation
Julie believes that nature brings out people’s highest selves, and she has seen firsthand how time outdoors transforms her students. Science echoes this: spending time in natural environments has been linked to reduced cortisol levels and improved emotional regulation (NIH).
Whether through hiking, skiing, or simply walking in the woods, connecting with the natural world is a powerful way to quiet the nervous system and open ourselves to new insights.
The Importance of Sharing Our Stories
One of Julie’s most moving insights is the “exalted purpose” that comes from sharing our struggles. When we speak openly about our darkest times, others feel less alone. Research on post-traumatic growth shows that meaning-making and storytelling play a crucial role in recovery (Psychology Today).
The Value of Unmonetized Hobbies
Julie reminds us that you don’t have to be the best at something for it to matter. In fact, hobbies that are not tied to productivity or monetization often provide the greatest psychological benefits. Scholars c
all this “serious leisure”—pursuits done for joy, skill-building, and fulfillment, rather than outcome.
Small Gestures, Big Ripples
Julie also talks about how trauma and betrayal can make us more sensitive to others’ pain. She notes how small gestures of kindness—whether from strangers, mentors, or unexpected friends—carry immense ripple effects when we are hurting. Research on social support and resilience confirms that even brief, compassionate interactions can significantly buffer stress and improve well-being. We did a whole episode on the science of kindness, which you can find here.
Listen to the Full Episode
Julie’s story is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t always come from big breakthroughs—it can emerge from a pair of skis, a hike in the mountains, or the simple act of trying something new.
🎙️ Listen now to From Struggle to Strength: Healing Through Hobbies
And if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988 in the U.S.
