Make Time for Hobbies

Having hobbies and leisure activities that you are passionate about outside of work is so important for mental health, stress relief, and overall life satisfaction. However, finding time for hobbies can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule or a demanding job.

Setting aside time for enjoyable hobbies requires intention and some strategy. With some effort though, it is possible to create more time and space in your life for activities that refresh you, spark creativity, and simply bring you joy. In this blog post, we will talk about how to make time for Hobbies and enjoy your life.

Tips for making time for hobbies

1. Schedule Hobby Time in Your Calendar

The first step to devoting more time to hobbies is actually scheduling it. Treat hobby time with the same importance you would a work meeting or appointment. Block offset times in your calendar to participate in hobbies – whether that is every evening, a few hours each weekend day, or one full weekend afternoon. Protect this hobby time, not allowing other commitments to override it.

2. Maximize Small Pockets of Time

Look for small windows of time in your day that could be used for hobby activities. Ten minutes here or twenty minutes there may not seem significant, but these minutes can add up.

Use a commute, lunch break, or in-between hours after dinner or before bed for a hobby. Have supplies ready and accessible so you can take advantage of these pockets of time when they arise.

3. Pare Down Obligations

Take a look at your schedule and determine if there are any obligations that you can eliminate, reduce, delegate, or otherwise pare down. Do you really need to attend every meeting? Can you negotiate for more flexible work hours?

Are there chores or errands a family member can help with? Freeing up even small portions of time here and there can make room for hobbies.

4. Combine Hobbies with Other Activities

Look for ways to pair hobbies with other aspects of your day. Read during your commute on public transportation, listen to a music podcast while on a run, or knit while watching TV. Combining activities helps maximize your time.

5. Wake Up Earlier

Waking up 30 minutes to an hour earlier can create time for hobbies, especially if you find your evenings filled with family or other obligations. Use this time in the morning to read, write, craft, or meditate before the bustle of your day starts.

6. Limit Screen Time

A major time-suck for many people is mindlessly scrolling apps and social media on their phones or tablets. Limit your recreational screen time and instead replace some of it with more meaningful hobby activities that stimulate your creativity.

7. Find Nearby Places to Engage in Hobbies

If your hobby is something active like basketball or painting, find places near where you live or work so that you can easily access your hobby. Even if you only have a 30-minute window available, having a conveniently located place nearby makes it more likely you will actually do it.

8. Schedule Hobby Dates

Make specific plans for hobbies with friends who enjoy the same activities. Scheduling “hobby dates” adds accountability and commitment. Plan specific days to play tennis with a friend, visit a craft fair with your mom, or take an art class with your spouse.

9. Find a Hobby Buddy

Connect with others who enjoy your hobby and make plans to pursue it together. Having a hobby buddy adds accountability and can also make hobbies more fun to do with others. Share tips and motivate each other as hobby partners.

10. Be Flexible with Your Schedule

While having set hobby times is important, also remain open to fitting hobbies in as you are able. If you finish up work early, take advantage and get in some hobby time instead of starting on the next project. Allow yourself the flexibility to capitalize on windows of time when they pop up.

11. Make Your Hobbies a Priority

Treat your hobbies as a priority instead of something extra to fit in if time allows. Hobbies bring joy and replenishment and deserve time devoted to them. Say no to other commitments if needed to protect hobby time.

Conclusion

Making time for hobbies and leisure activities is a key part of living a happy, balanced life. It does require some strategy and planning, but it is worth the effort. Start small by scheduling just an hour a week for hobby time and gradually increase from there.

Protect this time, maximize small pockets of time in your day, pare down other less essential obligations, and look for ways to combine hobbies with other tasks. Your mental health, relationships, and overall enjoyment of life will benefit when you are able to devote time to hobbies and activities you love. Learn here more about hobbies and happiness hacks.

FAQs:

Q: How can I find time for hobbies when I work full-time?

A: Schedule hobby time in your calendar, wake up earlier, maximize small pockets of time during the day, limit recreational screen time, and pare down other obligations if possible. Being intentional about carving out hobby time is key.

Q: I want to get into a new hobby but have no idea where to start. What should I do?

A: Start by thinking about what types of hobbies interest you or what you enjoyed doing as a kid. Join local clubs or classes to try out new hobbies. Ask friends what hobbies they enjoy and go with them.

Q: I get bored doing the same hobby over and over. How can I keep hobbies interesting?

A: Try new techniques/skills within the hobby, take a class to challenge yourself, set goals, find a hobby buddy to do it with, or switch up materials/mediums used. Adding variety prevents boredom with hobbies.

Q: My partner complains about the amount of money I spend on my hobby. What should I do?

A: Set a reasonable budget for hobby expenditures and stick to it. Consider selling pieces you make to recoup costs. Explain it’s something meaningful that you look forward to.

Q: I don’t seem to have the energy for hobbies after work. What can I do?

A: Schedule hobby time for when you have the most energy. For many, this is mornings or weekends. Limit chores during hobby time. Eat a snack beforehand for energy.

Q: How do I resist binging shows when I have hobby time?

A: Remove TV/device distractions during hobby time. Set a timer for shows then switch to your hobby after. Record shows to limit binging time.

Q: What are easy, inexpensive hobbies I can try as a beginner?

A: Drawing, creative writing, puzzles, photography (with your phone), origami, painting rocks/seashells, flower pressing, ballroom dancing.

Q: Where can I meet other people interested in my hobby?

A: Local hobby shops, community centers, online forums, Meetup.com groups, classes, clubs, conferences/conventions for hobbyists.