Having a hobby outside of work is essential to both our wellbeing and career. It gives us a sense of purpose beyond work and keeps our stress levels manageable.
Our interests beyond work can also bring new insights or connections to what we do at work – adding to work-life harmony.
Many people, however, may feel they lack the time to pursue their interests. Hobbies tend to be pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists and become something we only pursue when we have the time.
Here are some ways you can discover a hobby and find the time to pursue it:
Finding the Right Hobby
Keeping a hobby starts with picking one that you will love. Here are a few ways to start:
- Do something you’ve always wanted to learn or try. An activity you were curious about could turn out to be your new hobby.
- Revisit childhood interests. What we liked as children can be a good indication of what might interest us as adults.
- Consider what you like to do in your free time. It may be easier to form a hobby out of activities you enjoy or are already doing regularly. If you like shopping for new clothes, for example, try sewing your own, or exploring photography by taking photos of your outfits.
Making Time for Your Hobbies
Having “no time” is a common reason people give for not maintaining a hobby. Instead of trying to squeeze a hobby into your schedule, see where you can find ways to work on your hobby without compromising your other responsibilities:
- Track your time. Track a week of your life in 30-minute blocks to see where you’re not using your time well (e.g., scrolling through social media mindlessly) and that could be better spent.
- Try multi-tasking. If your daily schedule tends to be filled to the brim, try picking up a hobby that you can enjoy with your other activities. If you spend a lot of time on public transport, for example, take up a hobby that you can work on while commuting – such as knitting or reading.
