When a person has been idle for too long, it can be difficult to build structure and routine again.
Understandably, though, some people don’t have a choice but become idle. Those who are recovering from an illness may need to take it easy for weeks or months before they can actively live life again.
During support group sessions for stroke victims, for example, plenty of people talk about the challenges they face in recovery and going back to normal. But no matter the circumstances, creating a routine starts with choosing a hobby–and sticking to it. But even this can be difficult to accomplish.
Below, we share tips on how to find a hobby as an adult and learn how to stick with it.
Finding a Hobby
Go back to your childhood
If you don’t know where to begin in finding a hobby to get into, why not think back to what you loved doing as a kid? Maybe you loved writing short stories, making crafts, or building toy blocks.
Doing these hobbies as a child was a time when you easily lost track of time because you were doing something you loved. Chances are you still have an interest in them, making them a great starting point to finding a hobby you’ll enjoy in adulthood.
Try an interesting thing on for size
Is there anything you’ve always been interested in but never got the chance to try? Maybe you’ve wanted to learn how to draw or make clothes. Maybe you’ve wanted to paint or garden.
If you’re stumped about where to begin, it’s always a good idea to find a hobby that you are already interested in or think you will enjoy. So think of ones you’ve always wanted to try and see how you like them.
Attempt something you think you wouldn’t be good at
Sometimes, the unexpected things are the ones you end up enjoying the most. But because they’re out of your comfort zone or something you thought you wouldn’t be good at, you end up not trying at all.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a sport or cook certain dishes, but you didn’t think you’d be a great athlete or cook. Throw out your own preconceived notions about yourself and attempt to do them. You might be surprised to find a hobby you’ll enjoy.
Do something that will make you feel productive
Plenty of people don’t get into hobbies because they think it’s a waste of time. While it’s not true, you may be the type of person who gets the most satisfaction out of doing something productive. If so, that could give you a start on which hobbies to try.
From organizing your house to getting fit, you can choose a hobby that will let you hit goals, making you feel accomplished.
Sticking to a Hobby
Now that you probably have a list of hobbies you want to try out, the only thing remaining is sticking to them. Here’s how:
Take baby steps
You don’t need to be great at or constantly do the hobby you’ve chosen right away. If, for example, you chose to exercise, it’s daunting to stick to waking up at 6:00 A.M. every day to run or commit to exercising for an hour.
Take baby steps depending on your circumstances. Maybe schedule one day a week when you’ll do your hobby, then start building a routine from there.
Do it with a friend
Hobbies are supposed to be fun and relaxing, so what better way to enjoy them than with a friend? Apart from having someone to do your favorite things with you, a friend will make it easier to keep yourself accountable and make sure you’re sticking to your hobbies.
Set a schedule
Sticking to a schedule is one of the best ways to form a routine and with routine comes familiarity. When working up to sticking with your hobby, make sure to schedule time when you could perform it so you get used to it.
Don’t pressure yourself
Remember, a big part of finding a hobby is trying all kinds of things to find one you’ll enjoy. Don’t pressure yourself to be great at all of them or to master one right away. If you let go of your expectations, you’ll find joy in trying out exciting things.
Finding a hobby and sticking with it can seem like a giant task in itself. But once you find the one that brings you joy, all your efforts will be worth it.
