287. Beyond the Day Job: Hobbies as Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Send us Fan MailIn the third episode of our Healthy Coping Mechanisms mini-series, Debs is joined by railway operations professional and radio presenter Lee Everest to explore how hobbies can help us cope, recover and reconnect with ourselves.Lee works in a high-pressure rail environment where clear decisions, safety and service all matter. He shares how, after years of bringing work home in his head, he found a powerful release through community radio - something he had dreamed of doing since childhood.What began as a hobby became a 'happy place': a way to switch off from pressure, rebuild confidence, create community and give something back. Lee talks about the difference it has made to his mental wellbeing, especially when working shifts, handling demanding days and needing a healthy escape from the intensity of work.This episode explores why hobbies are not just 'nice to have' - they can be a vital part of staying well, building identity beyond the day job, and creating space for joy, creativity and connection.Lee also shares the importance of boundaries. When something you love grows bigger, it still needs to fit healthily around real life, relationships and rest. His reminder is simple: find something that lights you up, protect time for it, and don’t be afraid to give it a go.A warm, practical conversation about switching off, finding your release valve, and remembering that we are all more than our work.You can find Lee’s radio work at: www.danceradioshows.com