Draven Jackson
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Whether it’s playing music, reading books, or watching old films, everyone has some sort of hobby. As humans, we almost have to have one – the stress and wear of daily life would drain us far too quickly if we didn’t have some form of relief. As we get older, our interests get pushed to the side and forgotten as we get busier and busier. However, adulthood is when it is especially important to find a new hobby you can escape to.

I know what you’re thinking – how am I going to find time for a hobby when I’m always running around like a chicken with my head cut off? Finding time for ourselves in our hectic schedules can be tough. That’s why so often, our personal needs get placed on the backburner – our workouts, the time we spend with the family, even our hygienic needs. I know there have definitely been times in my life when I’ve found myself with a packed schedule and barely any time to remember to take a shower.

Many times, we tell ourselves that concentrating on our needs or taking time out of our busy schedules to do something for just us is somehow selfish. And we all know being selfish is bad. Except, it’s not. Being selfish occasionally to take care of your own needs is completely okay. It’s a way to not only recover our physical and mental health but also to remind ourselves that we too are important.

Finding new hobbies can improve your mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as increase your self-esteem and creativity. And they’re so easy to find and fit into your schedule that you’ll wonder how you went so long without one. Here are some easy tips and tricks for finding new hobbies and making time for them, even for our busiest readers.

Try Out New Things

The most important step in finding a new hobby is figuring out what it is you like to do. While some people love to spend their free time playing video games, others may find art to be more beneficial to their personal needs. First, it’s necessary to find what it is that relaxes you and makes you happy.

There are all kinds of hobbies. For example, if you enjoy reading as a pastime but haven’t been able to in a while and don’t know where to start, there are thousands of pages online that give great book selections for every genre. Whether you’re burning through all the classics you didn’t get to read in college or you’re trying to keep up with the New York Times Bestsellers that have been published in the last decade, there’s a list of books online to fit all your literary needs.

On the other hand, if you enjoy art but aren’t necessarily the type that can come up with original ideas, paint by numbers have found their way back into mainstream culture. And while you may believe these are childish, rest assured – adult paint by numbers are much more challenging and fulfilling than the ones you remember as a kid. Plenty of sites online offer extensive template collections, all of which are mailed to you with all of the paints and paintbrushes you might need.

No matter what activity you choose, find one that makes you feel better about how you’ve spent your time. The act of completing the activity, no matter what it is or how long it may take you, can be one of the most fulfilling aspects of finding a hobby.

Find a Time Commitment You Can Successfully Achieve

The next thing to consider is how much time can you logically spend on your hobby. It’s okay if it’s more or less time than you believe you should be spending on yourself: self-care doesn’t exist on a time frame. Some people may find that they are able to give themselves a few hours a week, while others might feel that their schedules only allow for “me time” once a month. And both are completely fine!

It’s not about the amount of time you give yourself, it’s about recognizing that just like how everyone else’s needs get a part of your life, so should you. Once you are able to find your new hobby, look at your planner and tell yourself “Okay, I can schedule this much time to devote to this activity” – and then follow through with that. Don’t try to talk yourself out of it when the day comes – you wouldn’t talk yourself out of a meeting with your boss or dinner with your partner. So, don’t neglect the time you’ve scheduled for yourself either.

Take a Break If You Need One

Sometimes, no matter how much we may like an activity, we can get a bit bored with it. If you started drawing as a new pastime but find that you can’t devote as much time to it as you thought you could, that’s play! Finding a new hobby is trial and error and you may experience some bumps along the way.

That’s why it can be beneficial at times to find multiple hobbies to try out. Maybe you enjoy working with your hands but find crocheting to become a bit monotonous. Throw in some sewing or embroidery to try out during these “break” times from your first hobby and you may find you like one of them more. Finding a new hobby doesn’t mean giving yourself entirely to that hobby and forgetting that there are other options. Your time is just for you and whatever it is that relieves your stress and relaxes your mind – you can fill that time with as many things as you want to!

Find A Group to Share Your Hobby

Some hobbies are more fun when done with others, so don’t be afraid to get out there and make your new interest a group activity. If you’ve rekindled your love for reading, find a monthly book club where you can discuss your books with others. Not only can this be a good way to increase your casual social interaction, but it can also help make sure you keep true to your promise to yourself to spend more time doing what you enjoy.

If you like music and find that going to new cool shops browsing the records is how you want to spend your time, invite a friend! This shared experience can give you someone to share your interests with, as well as help you bond with someone in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Finding a new hobby doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. You can share it with as many people as you want to.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make It All About You

But on the other hand, don’t feel bad about making your hobby all about you. Finding a new hobby should be a personal journey (even if you share it with others), and deciding that this journey needs to be experienced by yourself isn’t selfish or bad. Remember, this moment is about you and reminding yourself that your needs are just as important as anyone else’s. Carving time out of your schedule that doesn’t include your partner, your children, or your friends might just be what you need to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health

Finding new hobbies – and finding the time to find new hobbies – can be a struggle at times. But it doesn’t have to be. At the end of the day, what’s most important is that you set aside time to take care of yourself and find things that make you feel satisfied and accomplished. How you spend your time is entirely up to you – so do something that just makes you happy.

About Draven Jackson

Draven is an avid writer and reader who enjoys sharing her opinions on movies, books, and music with the rest of the world. She will soon be working as a teacher in Japan and hopes to use her experience to connect with other teachers and students around the globe. Draven spends most of her time at home with her family, her dogs, and her ferret.

To see more, view all posts by Draven Jackson here.