How Much Time Should You Spend on Your Hobbies?

The amount of time you are able to spend on hobbies will depend on your individual circumstances, priorities and lifestyle.

It’s important to find balance between your hobbies and other responsibilities, such as work, school, and family.

Some people may find that they are able to devote a significant amount of time to their hobbies, while others may only be able to fit in a few hours here and there throughout the week.

Here are a few things to consider when determining how much time to spend on hobbies:

  • The demands of your other responsibilities: Make sure to prioritize your work, school, and family obligations; but always leave room to explore your passions and interest and make time for yourself!
  • Your personal goals: Consider what you want to achieve with your hobbies. Do you want to become an expert in a particular field, or are you simply looking for a way to relax and unwind? Are you training for a marathon, or wanting to finish one book a month? Your hobbies and goals surrounding them are a huge factor in determining time commitments.
  • Your energy levels: Pay attention to your energy levels and make sure you are leaving enough time for rest and relaxation. Checking in on your energy levels throughout the day and making sure you have time for the things you really enjoy is important. Save some energy for your passions!

Ultimately, it’s important to find a balance that works for you and allows you to enjoy your hobbies without neglecting other important aspects of your life.

woman in hammock in the woods
photo: Zach Betten

How do you make time for hobbies with a busy work schedule?

If you have a busy work schedule, it can be challenging to find time for hobbies. However, it’s important to make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax and de-stress.

Here are a few tips for fitting hobbies into a hectic work schedule:

  • Schedule time for your hobbies: Just as you would schedule time for work or other obligations, set aside specific times in your schedule for your hobbies. This can help you ensure that you make time for them on a regular basis.
  • Find ways to multitask: If you have a hobby that you can do while doing other tasks, such as listening to podcasts while knitting or drawing, you can use this time to pursue your hobbies while still getting other things done.
  • Make time when you can: If you don’t have tons of time during the day, take adavantage of smaller breaks. You might be able to do some reading while you’re on a lunch break or spend a few minutes watching youtube while you’re waiting for your next meeting.

Remember, it’s important to find a balance between your work and your personal life. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and make time for activities that are important to you.

two women laughing and looking at a tablet

How do you make time for hobbies when taking care of young children?

Having children can make it difficult to find time for hobbies, but it’s important to make an effort to set aside time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

Here are a few tips for fitting hobbies into a busy schedule when you have children:

  • Involve your children: If you have young children, you may be able to involve them in your hobbies. For example, you could do a craft together, cook a delicious dish or head out to a nearby park for a nature hike.
  • Find hobbies that can be done while caring for your children: Look for hobbies that you can do while your children are awake and nearby, such as knitting while your child plays or reading while your kiddos nap.
  • Take advantage of small moments: If you don’t have large blocks of time available, look for small pockets of time throughout the day that you can use to work on your hobbies. For example, you might be able to do some knitting while your child is occupied with a toy or spend a few minutes sketching while your child is watching a show.
  • Get creative: If you’re struggling to find time for your hobbies, try to be creative and look for opportunities to fit them into your schedule. For example, you might be able to combine your hobby with a family outing or find a way to do it while you’re on vacation.

Remember, it’s important to make time for yourself and for activities that bring you joy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to enlist the support of your partner or other family members in order to make this happen!

grandmother walking with four children on a forest hike
photo: Juliane Liebermann

How can you make time for both you and your partners hobbies?

It’s important to make time for the things that bring joy and fulfillment to your life, including your hobbies and your relationships. Finding time to work on both at the same time can be tricky to navigate.

Here are a few tips for finding time for both you and your partner to enjoy your hobbies and leisure time:

  • Communicate with each other: Talk to your partner about your hobbies and how important they are to you. Share your goals and aspirations related to your hobbies and find out what your partner’s hobbies are and how they feel about them. What personal goals are they working on? How can you work toward your hobby goals together?
  • Find ways to incorporate your hobbies into your shared activities: Look for ways to combine your hobbies with activities that you do together. For example, you might both enjoy hiking, so you could go on a hike together and then spend some time working on your respective hobbies when you return home.
  • Take turns: Consider taking turns focusing on each other’s hobbies. For example, one week you could spend more time on your hobbies while your partner does the same the following week.
  • Seek support: If you’re struggling to find time for both of your hobbies, consider seeking help from friends or family members who can help with childcare or other responsibilities.

Remember, it’s important to make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Don’t be afraid to be proactive and find creative solutions to make time for your hobbies.

Check out our list of 25 Hobby Ideas for Couple to Do Together for tons of hobbies for you and your partner.

asian husband and wife playing keyboard sitting on the floor leaning against a couch

How can you make time for hobbies when you’re busy with school?

Here are a few tips for making time for hobbies when you’re busy with school:

  • Plan ahead: Set aside specific times in your schedule for your hobbies, and try to stick to them as much as possible. This could be during a break between classes, after homework is finished, or on the weekends.
  • Prioritize your time: Evaluate how you’re currently using your time and consider whether there are any activities that you can cut back on in order to make room for your hobbies. Often, we can find little pieces of time we didn’t even know we were wasting! ehmm… screen time.
  • Set goals: Having specific goals in mind can help you stay motivated and focused when you’re working on your hobbies. For example, if you’re learning a new instrument, you might set a goal to practice for a certain amount of time each day or week.
  • Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks from your school work and give yourself time to relax and enjoy your hobbies. Taking breaks can help you recharge and come back to your studies feeling more focused and energized.
  • Seek out resources: Look for resources that can help you make the most of your hobby time. For example, you might find online tutorials or join a club or group that shares your interests.

Remember, it’s important to have balance in your life and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. With some planning and prioritization, you can find ways to incorporate your hobbies into your busy school schedule.

young black man leaving school building with backpack, looking hopeful

How can you make more time for hobbies?

If you find that you don’t have enough time for your hobbies, there are a few steps you can take to make more time for them:

  • Prioritize your hobbies: Consider what hobbies are most important to you and make time for them first.
  • Set aside specific times for your hobbies: Just as you would schedule time for work or other obligations, set aside specific times in your schedule for your hobbies. This can help you ensure that you make time for them on a regular basis.
  • Look for opportunities to multitask: If you have a hobby that you can do while doing other tasks, such as listening to podcasts while knitting or drawing, you can use this time to pursue your hobbies while still getting other things done.
  • Take advantage of small pockets of time: If you don’t have large blocks of time available, look for small pockets of time throughout the day that you can use to work on your hobbies. For example, you might be able to do some knitting while you’re on a lunch break or spend a few minutes sketching while you’re waiting for an appointment.
  • Ask for help: If you’re struggling to find time for your hobbies, consider asking for help from friends, family, or a professional organizer. They may be able to suggest ways to make more time for your hobbies or help you streamline your other responsibilities.

Check out How to Make Time for Multiple Hobbies if you are looking for strategies on juggling a variety of hobbies with limited time.

Looking to start a new hobby?  Check out our Huge List of Hobbies from A to Z for tons of ideas…