Hobbies should always hold an important place in every phase of a woman’s life. Just as having a hobby is emphasized, knowing how to find a hobby as an adult is equally important. 

Do you really know the true meaning of the word hobby? 

Only then can you label an activity as a hobby or at least engage in something that brings you the real benefits a hobby is meant to offer.

Why to Find a Hobby?

We women are always proud of ourselves for being able to perform well or give our best to the roles assigned to us;being the best mom, daughter, wife, mother, friend, and in our career.

 But have you ever checked, even once, with yourself: are we doing the best for ourselves?

This is what a hobby’s relevance is for me. I believe a hobby is something that preserves my identity beyond all the responsibilities and busy schedules I have. And it’s a way to bring me back to my inner self.

A self-care routine, favorite me-time activity, relaxation from the everyday hustle, personal growth; you name it. I find the answer to all of these in a hobby.

How to find your hobby?

When was the last time you truly relaxed, felt refreshed, or felt proud of yourself-fulfilled or accomplished in some way?There lies your answer to how to find your favorite hobby.

 

How to find a hobby as an adult

1)Understand what a hobby really means to you.

I have seen many people misinterpret the word hobby. They just name any activity they do out of interest, or any extracurricular activity outside of their career or studies, as a hobby. But the actual meaning of a hobby, the real intention behind it, is to bring pleasure, not pressure. That’s the main thing anyone needs to understand. A hobby should allow you to truly relax, rewind, or grow. It should not be something that makes you emotionally or mentally drained, or gives you performance pressure instead of fulfillment.

When I was a kid, I never thought about what it means to have a hobby. I used to think that whatever my parents introduced me to, or whatever I did with my friends, I could list as a hobby. But now, when I reflect back, I really understand that some of them weren’t even my hobbies. They were just things I did because my parents introduced them to me.

And in adolescence, I gave importance to activities that helped me connect with my friends or brought validation from peers.

Then, moving into adulthood, there was a period when a hobby simply meant something to be filled in on a résumé.

Then came the real stage. At one point, when I was physically and mentally drained, I realized I needed something to hold on to. I needed a real hobby. That’s when I started sorting out what my favorite hobby truly was.

So, if you want to pick your best hobby, you need to really sit down and understand what a hobby actually means to you.

2)Talk to the little girl.

Revisiting a hobby you loved as a child can have a surprisingly therapeutic effect. It helps heal your inner child and reconnect you with your deeper self. That doesn’t mean you need to restart every hobby you had back then, but carefully examine any hobby you’d like to restart now or anything related to that hobby.

For example, if you loved drawing as a child, that creative eye might now express itself through photography. If you used to keep a diary, that habit might grow into regular journaling, blogging, or even writing a book. Hobbies can transform over time, but their roots often remain the same.

When I look back on my childhood, I remember writing, dancing, singing, and gardening as my favorite hobbies. But as I grew older, I realized that singing wasn’t something I truly enjoyed for myself it was more about the appreciation and attention I received. On the other hand, writing, dancing, and gardening still feel genuine and joyful to me.

Even now, I can feel the happiness I used to feel while dancing, and the calm it brings when I sit down to journal or tend to my plants. These hobbies still connect me to who I am. While I had many hobbies as a child, these three are the ones I’ve truly carried forward and they’ve continued to grow with me.

So, when you are seriously thinking about how to find a hobby as an adult, I suggest you sit down and choose one hobby from your childhood, if you feel you enjoyed it back then and can still connect with it now.

3)What are your goals or priorities right now?

What is your intention behind seriously thinking about a hobby? Is it for your physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, or personal growth? Or are you hoping your passion could eventually turn into a side hustle or a source of passive income?

Consider what your goal or motivation behind it is. This mindset can help you put effort into finding time, even in your busy schedule, and stick to the hobby because you know clearly why you are doing it.

So, after analyzing your priorities or motivation, you can now start identifying hobbies that closely align with your intention.

4) Bring it all together.

So now, we have reflected on the past, present, and future;the activities you once loved, the things that bring you joy now, and your current goals or intentions. Now it’s time to sit down, brainstorm, do some research, and make a list of all the hobby ideas that come to mind based on these three steps.

Don’t filter or judge at this stage. Just explore everything that excites you;anything that lights up your memories, your present self, or your future aspirations. 

You can even write down the values behind your dreams or your intentions, so that when something new comes your way, you can find out if it’s for you and consider developing it into a hobby.

Be Practical and Flexible

An important thing to note when you want to find a hobby is to have realistic expectations, especially regarding the time, energy, and resources you have available. You don’t need to limit yourself to just one hobby. If you want, you can have a variety of hobbies and divide them based on a realistic schedule. For example, you might have a hobby for weekends, one you do daily, another that requires more time to explore during vacations, or even a shared hobby you enjoy as a couple or with friends. Consider how much time your hobby needs.

If you’re a busy mom struggling to find moments to relax, choose something that fits into short periods but still offers satisfaction. Similarly, if you come home physically drained from work, a demanding sport like badminton might not be practical. The same goes for resources and space. Make sure your hobby suits your environment and lifestyle.

Being practical increases the chances you’ll stick with your hobby. If it’s hard to find time consistently, or if the hobby adds pressure or stress, you’re more likely to give it up. The takeaway is this: hobbies are meant to relax you and give you a sense of fulfillment, not create stress.

5)Don’t Hesitate to Experiment or Try New Things

Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try something new because sometimes, experimenting can bring fresh energy and excitement into your life, just like picking up an old hobby can. Exploring different hobbies also helps you understand who you truly are. Take time to reflect on your personality: What kind of activities suit you? Do you prefer something calming and solitary, or a shared hobby that allows you to connect with others?

As you explore, notice what genuinely sparks your interest. If you find that your curiosity keeps pulling you toward something, don’t ignore it;dig deeper. You can consider joining a community, taking a course, or gathering resources to learn more. These small steps can lead to personal growth and add more value to your new hobby.

There are two important things to keep in mind: First, don’t give up too early just because you don’t enjoy it right away or feel like you’re not good at it. Give yourself time to settle in. Second, if somewhere along the way you genuinely feel that this hobby isn’t for you, don’t hesitate to let it go. It’s okay to move on. Not everything you try has to stick and that’s part of the process.

6) It’s okay to push yourself at first. If you’re starting something after a long break or coming from a busy lifestyle, just thinking about your to-do list or over-scheduling yourself can make it difficult to find time for a new hobby especially when you’re still experimenting or learning. In the beginning, try setting aside some dedicated time and schedule it to help you move forward and stay committed. Over time, you’ll notice whether you naturally start making time for it or if it begins to feel like a source of stress. So, make sure to put in a little extra effort and push yourself to step out of your comfort zone especially when you’re just starting.

Reflections from Mindful Portrait 

Once you’ve done your research on how to find a hobby as an adult and have a few ideas in mind, don’t overthink it;just try one. Taking that first step is often the most important part.

Along the way, check in with yourself: Are you enjoying it? How does it make you feel?

Start living in it. Talk about it, read about it, or invite a like-minded friend to join you. Stay present and notice how it fits into your life;whether it brings energy, peace, or joy. Over time, you’ll naturally discover whether it’s something you truly love;your favorite hobby, or simply a stepping stone to something else.

Even while running behind unending responsibilities, if we can find a hobby that motivates us, that alone help us find the time and energy to keep going with it.