How to Find a Hobby: 5 Tips for Redefining What It Means to Have a Hobby
Discover how to find a hobby that fuels your soul with these 5 simple tips.
When you think of a hobby, what comes to mind? Painting, knitting, maybe learning a new language? If you’re like many of the women and moms I work with, the idea of having a hobby can feel more like a burden than a pleasure. There’s a pressure to find that one thing you’re passionate about, something that requires time, energy, and commitment—things that are often in short supply when you’re managing the demands of daily life.
But what if I told you that your problem isn’t not having a hobby? What if the key is to shift your mindset about what a hobby really is?
Google the definition for hobby and you’ll find that a hobby is "an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure." Notice that it doesn’t say it has to be something grand or time-consuming. It’s about what brings you joy, what fuels your soul, and what fills your cup—even in small ways. So let’s explore how you can find a hobby by broadening your definition and focusing on the simple pleasures in your life.
1. Embrace the Power of the Everyday
You don’t need to take up painting or learn a new instrument to have a hobby. Start by identifying small things you already do that bring you pleasure. Maybe it’s turning on your favorite music while you shower or prep dinner. It could be the way you savor your morning coffee or take a few deep breaths of fresh air when you step outside. These moments are your hobbies. They are the things that fuel your soul, even if they seem mundane.
2. Romanticize the Simple
One of the most empowering shifts you can make is to romanticize the simple tasks in your life. Do you enjoy watering your plants? That’s gardening. It doesn’t matter if it’s a full-blown vegetable patch or a few sunflowers in a pot. When you take a moment to appreciate these small acts, you’re engaging in a hobby. For me, with two small children and limited time, I find joy in watering the plants I’ve managed to keep alive. It’s a small thing, but it fills my cup.
3. Focus on What You Already Love
Think about the activities you naturally gravitate towards when you have a few moments to yourself. Do you love reading a good book, even if it’s just a few pages before bed? Do you enjoy baking cookies with your kids or taking a stroll around your neighborhood? These are hobbies. There’s no need to seek out something new if what you’re already doing brings you joy. Focus on increasing the time you spend on what you already love.
4. Make It Manageable
Sometimes, the thought of starting a hobby feels overwhelming because we think it requires a lot of time or a steep learning curve. But hobbies can be as simple as trying a new recipe, doodling in a notebook, or even listening to a podcast while folding laundry. By keeping things manageable and low-pressure, you can incorporate hobbies into your life without feeling like they’re just another item on your to-do list.
5. Let Go of Perfection
Lastly, let go of the idea that hobbies have to be perfect or impressive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you’re not excelling at something, it doesn’t count. But the truth is, hobbies are for you. They’re about what makes you feel good, not about impressing others. So whether it’s a five-minute meditation in the morning or a weekly coffee date with yourself, embrace the things that make you feel alive.
How will you find a hobby?
At the end of the day, hobbies are about finding joy in the little things that make life a bit brighter. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but rather about recognizing and appreciating the simple pleasures that already exist in your life. So the next time you find yourself thinking you need a hobby, remember to shift your focus small. What fuels your soul? What fills your cup? Start there, and let that be your hobby.
About the author:
I am a psychotherapist who specializes in helping women and moms thrive by focusing on ways to increase positive behaviors in their lives. It’s therapy that’s more than just talk. If you find yourself wanting more in life, therapy may be a great fit. If you are in Illinois or Wisconsin, connect with me to see if we may be a good fit to meet your needs and goals. You can also check out my full website to learn more.
