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Today, you are going to learn how to find time for a hobby.
Last week, I posted “Do You Need a Hobby?” Spoiler alert, the answer is yes, but head over there to read it and learn why you need one.
Today, I’m going to give you 10 Ways to Make Time for a Hobby. If you’re anything like me, you feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day to do anything else. Right?
It is possible to add in a hobby and not create overwhelm for yourself. We all really only get 24 hours a day, and we can’t add more hours. However, we can decide how we want to spend those hours (or some of them) and include a hobby in the day. In those hours, we can find time for a hobby; I promise.
Obviously, you do not have to do your hobby every day. You can do it daily, or you can do it weekly or monthly. It all depends on your schedule.
How Much Time Should I Spend on My Hobby?
To determine how much time to spend on any hobby, you should look at a few things–free time, costs, schedule, and goals.
Consider Free Time
If you don’t have a lot of free time, that will possibly limit some of your choices of hobbies. Sometimes your free time might be at different times of the day, week, or month. If you don’t know when you are going to have time to work on a hobby on any specific day, that will also influence your choice of hobbies.
How are you using that free time when you have it?
If you have a few hours of free time daily, how are you using it? Are you scrolling on Instagram or Facebook? Do the videos on TikTok keep your attention for a chunk of that time?
Evaluate how you are using your free time so you can determine what hobbies will fit in those spots.
Consider Schedule
If you have a very flexible schedule, then you will be able to spend more time on a hobby than if you have a strict schedule.
Consider Costs
Hobbies can cost money and always cost time. There are some monetarily free hobbies, but there is still time involved. Other hobbies can be extremely expensive in time and money.
We can budget time and money the same way. If you have the time to do something, you may need to save money. On the other hand, you may have the money and have to plan the time.
Be sure to know the amount of money and time you want to spend on your hobby.
Consider Goals
What are your goals for your hobby? Are you planning to relax? Do you want to learn a new skill, like an instrument? Would you like to improve a skill you have already, like photography?
Your goals for your hobby will help to determine the amount of time you need. If you want to master something quickly, it will take more of your time. When your goal is just to relax, you can take your time, and work on your hobby more slowly.
Considering all four of these things will help to guarantee that you are spending the correct amount of time on your hobby.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #1–Decide that You Want to Learn
Did you know that the excitement to learn is the first step in finding time? This will help you to determine how much time you need for the hobby and when you can or will allow that time.
Excuses and life will try to stop you, but when you have determined that you want to learn, you will make time for it.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #2–Be Realistic
Start Small. If you don’t have a lot of time, find a hobby that doesn’t require a lot of time. For example, if you work 60+ hours a week, you probably won’t be able to have a hobby that takes 10 hours a week. However, you could probably do something that takes 3-4 hours a week.
Set aside time that works for you, and don’t try to force yourself to “have” more time than you realistically do.
Ways to Find Time for a Hobby #3–Breakdown Your Schedule
By looking at your schedule and determining when you have free time (like #1 above), you can break down when a hobby will fit into your plan.
Is there something you can skip, like binging Netflix or scrolling on Instagram?
It is possible to find self-paced hobbies (or online classes) and/or flexible teachers who can work with busy schedules.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #4–Adjust When Needed
Sometimes things pop up, we know that. Just stay positive if something happens.
When possible, plan ahead for the day, week, month, or year.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #5–Schedule Time for Yourself First
When you get paid, you are supposed to put aside money for tithes. Then you should put aside money for yourself for retirement.
The same is true for when you are budgeting your time. Be sure to pay yourself first. Write down the times you will practice your hobby.
If it is in your calendar or planner, you are more likely to do it. Make sure it is written down just like any other appointment you intend to keep.
Ways to Find Time for a Hobby #6–Find a Portable Hobby
Some hobbies require a specific time and place. Other hobbies can be done anywhere and at any time.
For example, you can go for a walk around the park (or practice field) while your kids are at soccer or baseball practice.
You can read during your lunch break and draw during your child’s dance class.
If it is allowed and doesn’t draw too much of your attention, you can knit or crochet while attending an online class or meeting.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #7–Make It Part of Your Routine
If you are reading, as I said previously, you can do it at lunch or in the car rider line at school pick-up.
Dancing can be done in the kitchen while you are cooking. You can sing in the car or in the shower.
There are a million ways to fit things into your schedule; you may just have to be a little creative about it.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #8–Ditch Your Phone
There are some cases when you may need your phone, like taking a picture of a new project for Instagram or pulling up a recipe. However, most of the time you can put your phone on silent or do not disturb mode.
Let friends and family know not to call you.
Not having the phone by your side will help you to maintain focus on your hobby during your scheduled time.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #9–Let Go of Perfectionism
If you are anything like me, you want things to be perfect. This is true for me even when I am learning something.
When you are first beginning a hobby, you should understand that it could be horrible. Things will improve over time; your skills will improve.
Stop expecting perfection and allow yourself to have fun.
Ways to Make Time for a Hobby #10–Take a Class or Join a Group
Groups and classes may be a little harder to fit into your schedule, especially in the beginning.
They are great for helping you remember to work on your hobby. The members of the groups can help to hold you accountable for working and for progress.
You will be able to garner support for your hobby and build relationships if you are part of a class or group.
Conclusion
These are only 10 ways to find time for a hobby. Be sure to come back on Wednesday, I will give examples of hobbies and how to find the right one for you.
Just know that if you want to start or restart a hobby, you will have to finagle your schedule, but you will be able to do it.
Hobbies are great for you, and you should find one you love to do.