How to Make Time for Hobbies

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If you’ve ever said, “I just don’t have time for hobbies,” you’re not alone. Between kids, managing a home, and keeping up with daily responsibilities, creative time often feels like a luxury.

But here’s the truth: hobbies aren’t extra. Believe it or not, hobbies are a great benefit for our mental & physical health. To read more about the benefits of hobbies, check out this blog post.

As a busy mom who loves knitting, sewing, and just creating in general, I’ve learned that making time for hobbies isn’t about finding more time. It’s about using the time you already have efficiently.

Throughout the years, our family has grown, which means the free time I used to have in abundance has shrunk.. a lot. Within the last few years, I started to prioritize my hobbies as I noticed it was very beneficial for my mental health.

I started implementing these tips as my family grew & seasons changed. And I noticed a huge difference in my health & the number of projects I needed to complete. No longer was my list overwhelming and long, but achievable.

Redefine What “Hobby Time” Looks Like

One of the biggest mindset shifts is letting go of the idea that hobbies require long, uninterrupted blocks of time.

The time you dedicate to your hobbies can look different for everyone. Whether you’re a parent or not, you will always have some sort of interruption.

As a mother, here are the ways I’m able to add hobbies throughout the day:

• Knit a few rows while my kids are napping & I have food in the oven
• Cutting fabric while I am cooking supper or my kids are having quiet time
• Taking the kids outside to play or for a walk while I knit or crochet
• Instead of scrolling on your phone, pick up your hobby
• Before kids go to bed, do a cleanup with the kids, then once they are in bed, bring out the sewing machine

Ten or fifteen minutes still counts. Those small moments add up and they keep your creativity going.

I always try to craft for 1 hour a day. It’s not a consecutive hour however, it’s broken up into 15 minutes here and 5 minutes there.

Give yourself permission to create imperfectly.

Start Small (Really Small)

If it’s been a while since you’ve touched your hobby, starting again can feel overwhelming. Instead of planning a big project, start with something on the smaller side.

As you get more practice with your skill again, you will become faster. You’ll learn how you work and, therefore, can plan how to complete this project while also managing your other responsibilities.

Small wins build momentum and confidence.

If you want to start knitting, check out this really easy, beginner-friendly dishcloth pattern.

Schedule Your Hobby Like an Appointment

Yup, you read it right. If something matters, it deserves a dedicated spot in your day.

This doesn’t mean crazy scheduling it can be as simple as making a note to craft during nap time, bedtime, or asking for 20 minutes for yourself so you can go indulge in your hobby.

When your hobby is planned, it’s more likely to happen. I dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to my hobby. It could be interrupted time, but I’m still scheduling in at least 20 minutes a day. I try to craft for 1 hour, but break it up into segments throughout the day.

By breaking up my crafting into scheduled segments throughout my day, I am able to hit my crafting goal. If you work full time, try to indulge in your hobby before bed to help you unwind from the day.

Create a Ready-to-Go Creative Space

One of the biggest barriers to hobbies is setup and cleanup time.

Try keeping a basket or a bag set to the side, full of your craft.

A fun project is making your own project bag! Try the bow bag from faye studios, it’s my go to craft bag.

When your hobby is easy to access, you’re far more likely to use those small pockets of time.

Sewing can be a much more difficult hobby to have on hand as many people (including myself), use the dining room table as their sewing table as well. Figure out what works best for you and your family.

Or, you can always use the next tip.

Involve Your Kids (When You Can)

Not every hobby works with little ones, and that’s okay. But sometimes, inviting your kids into your creative world can be surprisingly meaningful.

My daughters love to join me when I am crafting. The oldest enjoys to do her own crafts while I craft & my middle child loves to sit on my lap and help with the sewing machine.

You’re not only making time for your hobby — you’re modeling creativity.

Whenever I bake, clean, or do any duty in the home, I always try to include my kids. Including my children in the daily tasks not only helps me, but I am also able to do the things I need or want to do during the day while entertaining my kids.

Let Go of the Guilt

This is a huge one.

Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re neglecting anyone else. In fact, hobbies can make you more patient, more present, and more fulfilled. Hobbies are incredibly beneficial for our mental health.

You deserve joy that isn’t productive.
You deserve creativity that isn’t monetized.
You deserve time that’s just for you.

Remember: Seasons Change

Some seasons allow for more creativity than others. That’s normal.

Instead of quitting your hobbies altogether, think of them as something you keep on simmer. Even occasional engagement keeps the connection alive.

You don’t have to do everything all at once. You just have to keep showing up, even in small ways.

Making time for hobbies isn’t about perfection or productivity. It’s about honoring the part of you that loves to create.

Start small. Be gentle with yourself. And remember: your creativity matters.

If you’re looking for simple projects, beginner-friendly tutorials, and encouragement to create in real life, you’re always welcome here.

Happy crafting!