Finding time for hobbies as an adult can be a daunting task. Doing something purely for enjoyment might even start to seem like another item on your to-do list. But hobbies are important, even if they are not contributing directly to your overall productivity. They can help relieve stress, provide mental stimulation, or help you build new skills.
Whether you are looking to start a new hobby or start back up on an old one, the first thing you have to do is make time. Juggling work, school or other personal responsibilities can leave you with a busy schedule, and it is hard to cut into time you do not have. However, taking small steps such as carving out dedicated time for your hobby into your schedule can provide the boost you need to keep going.
If you want to read more, then start by bringing a book with you on the bus, listening to an audiobook on walks, or downloading an e-book to read while waiting for takeout. Soon, these small actions will help motivate you to make larger time commitments because you want to read more and you are enjoying it.
Having a friend who will join you in your hobby or is willing to take on a new hobby with you can also be a great motivator. By committing to the hobby with someone else, you can hold each other accountable for setting aside time to work on your hobby and check in with each other about progress.
A roadblock some face is comparison issues. Maybe you are starting an old hobby and realizing you are not as good as you used to be. Perhaps you picked up a new hobby and it is turning out to be more difficult than you thought. The most important thing to remember is that you are supposed to be enjoying yourself. There is no pressure to be the best, and there is no shame in letting go of a hobby if it is just not for you.
Figuring out what hobbies you would like requires inner reflection. Think about things you enjoyed when you were younger or what you feel is currently lacking in your life. Maybe you need more social interaction, exercise, or creative outlets. It is important to keep in mind that this is something just for you, so do not worry about what others might think of your hobbies.
The most important thing when picking a hobby back up or starting a new one is to reflect on what has been holding you back in the first place. Identify why you stopped with your hobbies or what you think has been stopping you. If you started feeling bored with a hobby, find something adjacent to your hobby to try or a way to make it more challenging. If you are spending too much time on screens, set screen limits and stick to them.
Hobbies can improve your overall well-being. They help improve mental health by reducing stress, they can help you feel more fulfilled by learning new skills or completing new projects. If you are choosing a more active hobby, it can improve your physical well-being, which also has mental health benefits. If you are doing a hobby with friends, it can bring you closer and help you form other personal relationships with people who have similar interests.
Remember to start small. Figure out what gaps are in your schedule and what you might be able to fill them with, identify your time sinks and reflect on what you want to be doing. Hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable and fulfilling activities, so treat yourself to some self-care and take care of your mental health by incorporating hobbies into your routine.
Have suggestions about hobbies? Share your tips for sticking with a hobby or what hobbies you enjoy doing.
