5 Tips On How To Make More Time For Your Hobbies In 2026

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Unsplash

We’ve all experienced it: a stressful work day, the intention to use your evening productively doing something you love, but finding yourself in bed, scrolling mindlessly on social media. Don’t be too hard on yourself; many of us “switch off” through screen time. But, did you know that what you’re doing to relax may actually be harmful and leave you even more exhausted the next day? 

Even though watching a series in bed feels like a good way to unwind, this release of “easy” dopamine can actually leave you depleted over time. It’s the hobbies that take a bit more effort that will truly have you feeling energised and happy. 

But, how can you schedule time for your hobbies when you’re tired on week nights and need to do laundry over weekends?

1. Narrow Down What You Enjoy

Ask yourself this question: “What would I do if I had free time or extra hours in my day?” Your list is probably extremely long. You want to start running, go to the gym, finally read that book, bake cookies, tidy up the garden, and start your blog. You’ve probably already got what you need to get started.  Maybe you finally want to try your luck at secure online casinos and unwind with some engaging slots, and you’ve had a list of the best online pokies Australia has to offer open on a tab on your laptop for weeks.

But having this many want-to-do hobbies can quickly overwhelm you, and you end up doing nothing. So, narrow down your list to just one or two things you would enjoy, and make them a priority. It is better to take just a few steps with a single hobby than to try to tackle ten things at once. 

2. Create A Schedule

If you have scheduled a work meeting, a doctor’s appointment, and an evening of drinks with a friend, why not also schedule in your hobby? By leaving your hobbies for when you “feel like it”, you’re unlikely to ever get to them. 

Sometimes, all it takes is getting started, and a ping on your phone or a calendar reminder might be all you need to motivate you to pick up the knitting needles. And once you get started, you might find yourself becoming completely immersed. Hobbies are meant to be relaxing, but sometimes you just have to push through a bit of discomfort at the start.

Set aside an hour after dinner to read, or two hours on a Saturday to practice your sewing skills. It’s about establishing a routine and sticking to it. 

3. Being Good Doesn’t Matter

Many of us get frustrated when we try something new and don’t immediately get the outcome we desire. Hate to break it to you, but you won’t be good at everything you do (and that is okay). 

If you want to try sketching, then do it, even if you have never picked up a pencil before. The same goes for watercolours, crocheting, and flopped brownies. There is no right way to do your hobbies, and there shouldn’t be any pressure on how good the results are. It is all about taking a moment for yourself and having fun. 

4. Start Small

Self-care shouldn’t be stressful. If journaling for an hour in the park is too much, then try writing just one page while sitting in your bed. Or, instead of knitting an entire scarf, try knitting a single small square while watching your favourite show. Any small, positive activity will make you feel better and is a start to building healthy hobby habits. 

5. Combine Your Hobbies With Other Interests

It helps if you can combine your hobby with other activities. If you want to start painting, invite friends for a sip-and-paint party. Want to become a better cook? Why not invite your family over, and everyone brings a dish? If you want to start photography, go for a hike with a local hiking group. 

Wrapping Up

Doing your hobbies should be enjoyable, but it can often be tough to make the time when you have a thousand other things on your mind. By being just a bit disciplined and applying the five tips above, you will find yourself more consistent and looking forward to your scheduled self-care time, even if it is only10 minutes in the morning.