My current Joys: Fishkeeping and Overnight Oats

Maybe you're bored, or maybe you want to try something new—something that’s good for you. Don’t feel guilty. Go out and show yourself to the world! "You only live once," and "you will never pass this way again"—as the saying goes. So, you might as well do the things that make you happy.

Maybe it sounds a bit narcissistic? No, my friend. What I’ve learned in my 39 years of life is that life is short, time is precious, and you should make the most of what you still have.

For me, I pick 2 things as my top favorite hobbies in 2026 and these are: fishkeeping and preparing healthy overnight oats for my calorie deficit and weight loss. 

Modesty aside, I’ve been caring for my family my whole life. I took care of my mom, who was sick for more than 15 years. I also looked after the welfare of my sisters, even though they were already adults and older than me. My mom passed away 11 years ago, and I started my own family six years ago.

A new chapter of my life unfolded and made me realize that I need to take better care of myself. I need to be healthy—holistically—so I can take care of my little child, my daughter.

With this, I started a new hobby: fishkeeping. I’m currently breeding guppies, and I find it both amusing and satisfying. Even my daughter is very fond of the guppies and the little baby fry that hatched just last month, in February.

Why I Picked Fishkeeping as my hobby in 2026?

Actually, I started this fishkeeping hobby last year (2025). My partner and I were walking outside the mall when several kids approached us, offering to sell their fish. I realized they were fish vendors. It wasn’t hard to notice the colorful fish they were selling—GloFish tetras, tiger barbs, and angelfish.

They offered the fish at a very cheap price, and when I saw the smile on my daughter’s face, I bought some GloFish tetras, tiger barbs, and angelfish for her. The fish lived for quite a while, but for some reason—likely due to overcrowding in the tank—the water quality became poor. In the end, they only lasted about 10 to 11 months.

Right now, I'm breeding guppies given to me by my friend, who is also a fishkeeper. She gave adult male and female guppies to me last January and one of them seemed to be pregnant.  

1. The fishes swimming in the tank makes me feel calm 

The swaying of the leaves caused by the current from the water flowing from the top filter, the sound of the water, and the different colors of the fishes soothes me, it's just therapeutic for me to watch them.  I spend some time  during my breaks (lunch, snacks.  Dinner) just watching them and observing what happens inside the tank and each time I do I feel like I'm in a different universe. 

2. Observing the tank and the living things inside it amazes me all the time

Observing the tank, with its entire ecosystem of fish and snails, makes me think about life in a metaphorical way and how to view it with a positive outlook. It’s like when you’re trying to build something in life—you start small, and eventually, you grow and join others who are reaping the fruits of their labor, simply enjoying what they have—just like the fish calmly feeding in the tank.

3. What I use to keep the water clean, clear, and free from nitrates

What I learned from my friend last year is the secret to keeping your fish pet alive is making sure the water is clean, there's no chlorine and free from chemicals and to achieve this, I learned that you need to apply an anti-chlorine in the water to get rid of chlorine. For m I used AMazon meds ever since as also recommended by my fishkeeper friend. 

Building Better Habits in 2026: Preparing Overnight Oats for Appetite Control

Building better habits in 2026—in other words, changing your lifestyle for health and wellness—is a meaningful goal for taking care of yourself and your well-being. Similar to the point I made earlier, taking good care of yourself also means taking care of the people you love. Being well and healthy spares your loved ones from worrying about you.

It’s also like the saying, “You cannot love others if you don’t love yourself,” or “How can you love others if you don’t know how to love yourself?” So, doing something good for yourself—like preparing simple, healthy snacks to support your fitness and weight loss—is truly a better habit to build in 2026.

The Benefits of Eating Overnight Oats

• Rich in fiber, protein, great for digestion, healthy fats like omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and iron
• Keeps your gut healthy
• Helps lower bad cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Reduces hunger and cravings
• Helps control calorie intake
• Regulates blood sugar
• Beneficial for people managing or at risk of Diabetes
• Provides antioxidants that  helps fight cell damage
• Reduces inflammation
• Support overall health and aging
• Help maintain strong bones and teeth

What We Get from Adding Chia Seeds in our Overnight Oats

Overall, this overnight oats snack is rich in nutrients like potassium from banana, calcium from almond milk and chia seeds, and magnesium and iron from the oats and chia seeds.

How to Make Overnight Oats with Fruits

Many of us tend to crave sweet or salty snacks. This is my solution for reducing cravings and even helping with weight loss.

You can enjoy this recipe for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or even dinner—it’s very easy to make. So, let’s get started!

First, add some oats—rolled oats are best. I personally use Australia Harvest. Measure about 56 grams using a food scale, and make sure it’s tared so the weight of your container isn’t included.

Next, I add almond milk. My favorite is Almond KOKA because I really like its rich almond flavor. If you can’t find almond milk, oat milk is also a great alternative. I’m sure you’re familiar with Oatside—it tastes really good too.

Then, add some plain Greek-style yogurt if possible. However, when I went grocery shopping, it wasn’t available, so I used a mixed berry flavor instead—which still tastes great!

After that, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. Slice some banana, or you can also use apples or strawberries—whatever you have available.

Mix everything together, and you’re good to go! If you’d like a bit more sweetness, you can add about one tablespoon of honey.

Conclusion

Exploring my current joys—fishkeeping and making overnight oats—has taught me the value of mindfulness and nourishment in everyday life. Fishkeeping, with its calm observation of swimming fish and a balanced little ecosystem, feels almost like meditation. Watching them move gracefully in the tank helps me slow down, breathe, and focus on the present moment. Meanwhile, preparing and creating overnight oats is a simple yet rewarding act of self-care. The process of measuring, mixing, and adding fresh ingredients gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me feel good physically and emotionally.

These hobbies are more than just pastimes—they nurture both the mind and the body. That’s why I encourage everyone to find a hobby they genuinely enjoy. Engaging in activities that bring joy is a powerful form of self-care. It helps you recharge, stay present, and prioritize your well-being. Taking the time to do something for yourself doesn’t mean being selfish—it means investing in your health, happiness, and the people you love.

So whether it’s caring for a tiny aquarium or crafting a healthy snack, starting a hobby you love is a small step toward a more mindful, balanced, and joyful life.

Don’t hesitate to spend a little when it comes to your health and wellness—especially if it helps you achieve your weight loss and wellness goals for 2026. Check out my videos for ideas on picking your hobbies!