As a kid, I was all about hobbies – playing sports, reading, scrapbooking, weaving friendship bracelets, writing stories, and dancing up a storm. Some hobbies stuck around for the long haul (dancing, I’m looking at you), but others faded away like a summer fling (farewell, friendship bracelets). Now, if someone asked me about my hobbies, I’d be like, “Uh, wait, what are hobbies again?” Adulting hit hard, and my free time seems like a distant memory. I mean, sleeping counts as a hobby, right? With work, bills, and adulting taking over, fitting in fun activities becomes an uphill battle. 

But here’s the thing: what you do with your free time matters! It affects your mood, productivity, and overall well-being. So, why not add a dose of joy and fulfilment to your life through hobbies? They’re like little self-care nuggets, just for you, with no career ties. Trust me, there is always time to pick up a new hobby and make room for it in your busy life. Read on for our tips on finding a new hobby as an adult.

How to Find Hobbies as an Adult

To begin a new hobby, start by selecting one. Use these tips to discover an activity that brings you joy.

1. Reflect on your childhood interests

Tap your inner child and rediscover hobbies that make you feel like a kid again! Remember the activities that brought boundless joy when you were young? Well, they can be a fantastic guide to finding hobbies that resonate with us now. For me, dance and Lawn Tennis were my absolute favorites as a child. I’ve carried that passion into adulthood through being a gym girlie, trying adventurous sports and exploring different dance styles (by that, I mean Tiktok, jk). 

Maybe you were a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, or a master chef with your Easy-Bake Oven. No matter what it was, there’s likely a grown-up version of those cherished activities just waiting for us to try. So, dab into that nostalgia and find hobbies that light up our adult lives with the same delight and excitement!

2. Turn everyday activities into hobbies

Seek inspiration in the little things. You don’t need to go on a quest to find hobbies! Sometimes, they’re right there in your everyday activities. Just think about those things you do without even realizing how much you love them. Let’s spill the tea – reading, gaming, cooking, TikTok dances, doodling in your journal – these are all low-key hobbies hiding in plain sight!

For all my bookworms out there, make bedtime reading a vibe. And if your cooking game is strong, save some recipes for the weekends. Or turn your space into a green oasis by starting a little herb garden on your windowsill. Boom – plant parent in the making! So, no, you don’t need to go big or go home. Just keep it real and keep it you.

3. Explore new interests

As an adult, life becomes more about exploration and personal growth. Don’t hesitate to venture into uncharted territories and dive into those hobbies that have always piqued your curiosity. How about dabbling in pottery, creating those crazy DIY pieces you’ve seen all over Insta, or trying your hand at painting to experience life as an artist?

Exploring new hobbies is not just about expanding your horizons; it’s about discovering new skills and experiences that add excitement to your journey. Hear me out; trying fresh hobbies won’t just broaden your horizons; it might also score you some cool party tricks and skills to flaunt. And hey, capturing those “candid” moments for your Insta feed might just make your life as fun as your favourite influencer makes it seem, but fr.

4. Connect with like-minded people

Connecting with others who share your interests can truly enrich your hobby experience. Whether seeking out a local photography club or joining an online community of fellow bakers, being part of these groups allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. You’ll gain valuable insights, tips and even form new friendships, like having your very own squad of hiking buddies or yoga enthusiasts. So, nurture your hobbies and make your journey even more rewarding with the support and camaraderie of those who truly get it. 

For me, as a beginner in the world of reading, opening a Bookstagram account was a game-changer. It gave me a platform to share my journey. Plus, it connected me to an incredible community of book lovers who offered tips, recommendations, insights, and genuine encouragement.

5. Incorporate hobbies into your schedule

To make time for hobbies, effective time management is the name of the game. Create dedicated slots in your weekly schedule for indulging in your passions. Treat these moments as non-negotiable appointments, just like you would for important work commitments or health check-ups. By prioritizing your hobbies in your schedule, you ensure that you have time for what brings you joy, sending a powerful message to yourself that your well-being matters. 

So, go ahead, set a date with yourself every week for 1-2 hours, and immerse yourself in the bliss of your chosen hobby, whether it’s something new you’re trying out or an old passion reignited. Your journey to balance and happiness begins with these moments of self-indulgence!

6. Start small and be realistic

Enthusiasm can be contagious! However, it’s essential to strike a balance and not overwhelm yourself by diving too deep into things at once. The last thing you’d want is to invest heavily in supplies for your new hobby, only to discover that your interest fades away within a month.

To start, explore hobbies that can be done at home with items you already own or can easily purchase on a budget. Allow yourself to gradually immerse in the experience and take small steps towards growth. Take classes, join clubs, or upgrade your equipment as your passion develops. Remember, rushing headfirst into everything might lead to burnout and losing that spark of excitement too soon. So, take it at your own pace and don’t forget to enjoy every step.

40+ hobbies for adults

Looking for some inspiration to kickstart your new hobby? We’ve got your back! Whether you want a wallet-friendly hobby you can start right away, a relaxing activity to unwind after work, or an active one to enjoy with your loved ones, we’ve curated the perfect list for you. No experience or special skills required – just pure excitement and curiosity to dive in and discover the joy of new hobbies.

• Learn Calligraphy
• Grow Your Own Herbs
• Become a Wine Connoisseur
• Practice Mindful Meditation
• Experiment with Plant-Based Cooking
• Dive into Astronomy
• Try Your Hand at Origami
• Start a Blog
• Practice Journaling
• Master the Art of Mixology
• Try Pole Fitness
• Make Pottery
• Try DIY Home Improvement Projects
• Train for a 5K Run
• Get Creative with Mosaics
• Join a Comedy Improv Group
• Learn Salsa or Latin Dancing
• Dive into Mind-Bending Escape Rooms
• Dive Deeper into a Topic of Interest
• Practice Nail Art
• Become a Home Fermentation Guru
• Create Custom Scented Candles
• Vintage Vinyl Record Collecting?
• Design Your Own Clothing Line
• Practice Mindfulness Through Digital Detox
• Pilates, Anyone?
• Master the Craft of Homebrewing
• Join a Community Choir or A Cappella Group
• Try Your Hand at Blacksmithing
• Uncover Antique Collecting
• Embrace Disc Golf as a New Hobby
• Take Up Astronomy with Stargazing
• Explore the Art of Leatherworking
• Train Your Palate with Gourmet Cooking
• Dive into Martial Arts and Self-Defense
• Experiment with Aerial Yoga
• Learn the Art of Espresso Making
• Immerse into Digital Art with Graphic Design
• Explore Drone Flying and Photography
• Take up Jogging
• Master the Skill of Home Bartending
• Create DIY Terrariums and Mini Gardens
• Learn to Perform Hand Magic
• Dive into DIY Soap and Skincare
• Try Your Hand at Furniture Upcycling
• Master the Art of Storytelling
• Start a Book Club
• Learn Urban Cycling and Commuting
• Learn to Play an Instrument