Enneagram 6 Hobbies: Which Activities Align with the Loyalist?

30 August 2024

enneagram 6 hobbies

The ideal Enneagram 6 hobbies are all those activities that help Sixes reset their nervous system and regain inner balance. They can enjoy many hobbies in different ways, and since they are naturally inclined to learn throughout their whole lives, hobbies offer many benefits to them.

In this article, we’ll explore the best Enneagram 6 hobbies and explain why some activities are particularly beneficial for them.

What is Enneagram Type 6 Like?

Enneagram Type Six, also known as the Loyalist, is driven by the need for security and stability in life. Sixes are traditional, organized, and dutiful individuals who believe that structure and order protect them from the unpredictability of life. You can often see this mindset in Enneagram 6 children, who might show a natural preference for routines and rules as they seek a sense of safety and predictability.

Moreover, their fear of unpredictability propels them to plan everything in advance, so they become exceptional troubleshooters and strategists. Another thing they value greatly is competence and knowledge, which is why they usually become experts in their fields of interest.

While they are generally very reserved and cautious in social situations, Sixes are very affectionate toward the people who are close to them. They value meaningful relationships and are devoted, loving, and loyal friends and partners.

It is important to understand that Enneagram theory recognizes two Enneagram 6 subtypes, which, depending on their Enneagram wing, may have traits of Six’s neighboring types, Five or Seven.

So, Sixes with a Five wing (6w5) are even more cautious and reserved, whereas Sixes with a Seven wing (6w7) are more relaxed and open to new experiences than typical Sixes.

9+ Hobbies Enneagram 6 Would Enjoy

Woman volunteering at a food bank

Sixes are generally very responsible, so they like to think carefully before they commit themselves to any kind of hobby. Therefore, this list of the ideal Enneagram 6 hobbies can be a great starting point. Here are some of the best Enneagram 6 hobby choices:

#1. Reading

Sixes belong to the Enneagram head triad, which means that they are intellectually oriented and enjoy mental challenges. So, it is no wonder that reading is a great hobby for them, as it stimulates their minds and can help them improve their focus.

Moreover, reading can also help them relax and shift their thoughts from constant worry about the future to more inspiring topics.

#2. Volunteering

Sixes enjoy the feeling of belonging to the community, and it is a great pleasure for them when they can actively contribute to a better life in their community. Helping others makes them feel needed and useful and relieves their fear of abandonment, allowing them to relax a bit.

Plus, considering their many skills and competencies, they can significantly improve life conditions in their surroundings, thus earning the recognition and trust of others, too.

#3. Coaching

The role of a coach fits Enneagram Type 6 perfectly because it highlights some of their most admirable qualities, including their competence, compassion, dedication, and sense of structure and organization. Plus, it involves contact with other people, allowing Sixes to build meaningful relationships and partnerships.

#4. Group Sports

Group sports appeal to Six’s need for belonging and a sense of community a hobby that Sevens also enjoy due to their love for excitement and social interaction.

Sixes don’t really care which role they play in the group as they are not particularly competitive, but they do enjoy being a support to their team.

Therefore, any group sport, from volleyball to football and everything in between, that draws them can be a great choice for the Loyalists. Moreover, any sport they choose implies plenty of physical activity, which is also very healthy for them.

#5. Chess

Boy playing chess

Chess requires a partner, and Sixes love opportunities to meet people with similar interests. Plus, chess provides many cognitive benefits, challenges Six’s sharp mind, and appeals to their strengths like strategic thinking, logic, analytical ability, and the ability to plan in advance. That is why Sixes have all the predispositions to be great chess players.

#6. Gardening

Sixes have a strong, nurturing side and enjoy watching how their efforts pay off. So, gardening can be a great choice for them, as it would allow them to directly enjoy the fruits of their labor. Plus, gardening and just being in nature have a grounding and calming effect on Sixes and help them distance themselves from everyday worries.

#7. Hiking

Like all intellectual types, Sixes tend to live in their heads and neglect their physical bodies and health. That’s precisely why an activity that doesn’t demand any special physical prowess but engages their whole bodies, like hiking, is ideal to help them stay in shape.

In addition, hiking can help them connect with nature and spend more time outdoors, which has many proven health benefits.

#8. Yoga

Enneagram 6 Hobbies

Sixes struggle with anxiety and often experience many psychosomatic issues due to their hypersensitive nature. Practicing yoga can significantly improve the quality of their lives by teaching them how to relax, find inner balance, and worry less about the future.

Moreover, the many health benefits of yoga have been widely documented, and there’s no doubt that this activity would be exceptionally beneficial for Type Six.

#9. Strategic Games

Planning and strategizing have a calming effect on Sixes because these activities make them feel like they are in control. So, this is why strategic games can have a very positive effect on their psychological health. On top of that, these games include socializing with other people, and Sixes like to connect with those who share their interests.

#10. Knitting

Loyalists have a keen eye for detail, are patient, and often have very skillful hands. Plus, they are practical people who like to see the results of their efforts. Therefore, knitting is a great hobby choice for them as it addresses all their previously mentioned strengths.

Finally, let’s not forget to mention that the repetitive nature of knitting can have a soothing effect on Six’s anxiety and help them wind down and relax.

How Can Enneagram Type 6 Choose the Right Hobby?

Enneagram Type Six can choose the right hobby by considering the activities that align with their values and support their personal growth and development. It is essential for them to reflect on what they need in life the most at the moment, what challenges they are facing, if any, and what they want to get from their hobby.

Depending on their stage of development and associated needs, they might opt for a hobby that helps them relax or one that teaches them new skills. They need to be honest with themselves and know what they are looking for in a hobby—making new friends, finding a partner, learning a new skill, or simply having fun.

Nevertheless, whichever hobby they choose, Sixes need to make sure not to take it too seriously and experience burnout as a consequence of overcommitment.

3 Tips on How Enneagram 6s Can Stick to a Hobby

Sixes, in general, don’t struggle so much with sticking to a hobby as they do with starting it. That’s because they are prone to overthinking and find it hard to make a final decision. However, once they decide which hobby they want to pursue, they are committed and consistent.

Nevertheless, there are still some essential tips that can help them maximize the benefits of their hobby of choice, including:

#1. Focus on Joy

Instead of focusing on the practical aspects of their hobby and all the benefits it provides them with, Sixes should take into account the joy and pleasure they feel when practicing. The more joy they feel, the easier it will be for them to stick to it, and the less they will worry about the future. The joy of doing something they love can significantly reduce their anxiety levels.

#2. Invite Friends

Sixes value community and enjoy being surrounded by people they love. Therefore, sharing their hobby with selected friends can improve their social life and help them fully commit to it. The presence of people they love makes Sixes feel safe, helping them overcome their everyday worries and enjoy life more.

#3. Include Hobby in Everyday Routine

It is important for Sixes to keep things simple and choose a hobby that can fit into their everyday routine without requiring them to sacrifice anything.

Otherwise, if sticking to a hobby becomes too complicated due to logistics or some other practical issues, considering that Sixes are prone to overthinking, they might spend too much energy on planning their hobby rather than enjoying it.

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Key Takeaways

There are many more great hobbies for Enneagram 6, and their choice surely shouldn’t be limited to the hobbies on this list.

Anything that sparks joy is a great choice for a hobby, as Sixes definitely need more fun in their lives!

With that in mind, let’s wrap up by highlighting key insights from this article:

  • Sixes are dutiful and responsible individuals who usually don’t have trouble sticking to a hobby. However, finding the right hobby may be a challenge since they tend to overthink everything.
  • Some of the best hobby choices for Sixes include reading, gardening, hiking, knitting, group sports, strategic games, volunteering, etc.
  • When choosing a hobby, Sixes should focus more on what brings them joy than on what is practical and useful for them.