Once we enter adulthood, the leisure time to do what we love can become a frivolous luxury. Between work, family responsibilities, and mounting to-do lists, it’s often challenging to find the time for hobbies. But what if we told you that hobbies in adulthood aren’t only possible to maintain, they’re essential? 

Thomas LaGrave, Jr., LCSW, founder of the Honor Bound Academy, says, “Hobbies are wonderful for passing time, bringing joy, and [balancing] our life in meaningful ways.”

1. Active Hobbies

These types of hobbies get our blood pumping and can simultaneously be a great way to socialize. They also allow us to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Consider sports clubs (football, soccer, basketball) or fitness-based activities like yoga, rock climbing, running, or dance.  

2. Creative Hobbies

Creativity can do wonders for the mind. In fact, it has been shown to improve stress levels and subjective well-being in adults. Creative hobbies can teach us new skills and allow us to express ourselves.

The options are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Experiment with watercolors
• Grab a sketchbook
• Write a poem or short story
• Start a scrapbook
• Learn to play an instrument
• Join a theater class

3. Community-Based Hobbies

There’s power in community and bonding over a common cause. Whether you’ve just moved to a new area or have been looking to get more involved in your hometown, these types of hobbies can be great for building connections and relieving stress.

Volunteer for a cause you care about, join (or start!) a book club, or look into interest-based Meetup groups.  

4. Unexpected Hobbies

Certain hobbies fall into more niche categories, but they can still be excellent ways to build our knowledge and step out of our comfort zones. Consider the following: 

• Birdwatching
• Candlemaking or soapmaking
• Learning a new language
• Woodworking
• Filmmaking 
• Learning how to do different makeup looks

5. Hobbies You Didn’t Know Were Hobbies

Do you have a stamp collection from childhood collecting dust in an old cupboard? A deep appreciation for grinding your own coffee beans in the morning? We can turn collections or our favorite food-related routines into their own hobbies.

We might even look to skills that we’ve always been interested in learning, but haven’t gotten around to yet. These might include coding, graphic design, and cooking certain recipes. 

6. City vs. Rural Hobbies

The types of hobbies we pursue will likely be influenced by the geographic environment in which we live.

Cities have more community centers and interest-based groups, making it easier to take classes and engage in social hobbies.

Rural areas, on the other hand, may be closer to trails and green spaces, making activities like hiking and gardening more feasible. 

What Doesn’t Count as a Hobby?

It seems like so many things count as hobbies. So, what doesn’t count as one?

As much as we all love to do it, scrolling social media or bingeing the latest Netflix rom-com (though they can certainly provide an escape!) don’t fall into the scope of hobbies.  

While it’s typically fine to use these platforms in moderation, too much can be detrimental to our emotional well-being. 

Why Do Hobbies Matter?

“Now, more than ever, hobbies play a vital role in maintaining our mental health,” LaGrave says. This is due to unprecedented levels of mental health issues, burnout, and loneliness.

“As a stopgap in addressing these types of issues,” LaGrave says, “we find within hobbies an ability to build community, and create what are known as ‘third places.’”

Third places are spaces where people can gather outside their homes or workplaces. LaGrave says that such environments (think coffee shops, parks, community centers, health/fitness centers) can surround us with people from all walks of life “in order to exchange ideas, build relationships, and share mutual interests.”

Bonding with like-minded people over mutual passions can do wonders for our overall health and sense of purpose, mitigating the detrimental effects of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Why Hobbies Can Be Hard To Maintain as an Adult

Understandably, hobbies can fall to the bottom of our priorities once we reach adulthood. Dr. Alexandra Stratyner, a Manhattan-based psychologist, offers a few common reasons why they may be difficult to start or maintain:

• Lack of time: According to Dr. Stratyner, work, family, and household tasks take precedence over personal interests for many adults. “Even when an individual is interested in a hobby, their life can be so busy with obligations that it’s hard for them to make time for leisure,” she says. “Hobbies become a luxury rather than a necessity, so they are often put on the back burner.” 
• Lack of resources or access: Dr. Stratyner points out that many hobbies require materials, tools, or travel to specific locations. For example, to play pickleball, someone would need to purchase the right paddle and then head to a designated court. Not everyone has the means to make this happen (for example, if they live in an area without pickleball courts or if money is tight). 
• Fear of not being good enough: “The pressure to do well can keep people from trying at all,” says Dr. Stratyner. As adults, we often have pretty high (and unrealistic!) standards for ourselves. Holding ourselves to these expectations can lead to a fear that we’ll fall short, especially when trying something new. 
• Anxiety about being a beginner: We tend to be self-conscious about new activities, often comparing ourselves to those with more experience. “Adults have a pre-existing perception of competence or knowledge,” says Dr. Stratyner. “This anxiety can arise from a fear of saying something ‘dumb’ or being awkward in public, especially if the hobby is social and group-oriented.” 
• Fear of rejection: Humans are hardwired to seek belonging and connection. Starting a new hobby can elicit fears of criticism or rejection, especially in competitive contexts such as sports, says Dr. Stratyner. “Someone trying a new club or class may feel anxiety about not fitting in,” she says. “This dreadfulness can make starting a new hobby sound more terrifying than pleasant.”

How To Start a New Hobby

Starting a hobby can come with a fair amount of friction, especially for complete beginners. Here are some tips:

• Start slow and manage expectations. This can help you avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and stay mindful of what you do and don’t enjoy. 
• Find a buddy. “Having someone by your side can keep you motivated, establish a sense of responsibility, and give you an added boost of fun,” says Dr. Stratyner. This can look like holding yourself accountable to a Monday yoga class with a friend, which benefits well-being and also gives you the chance to socialize. 
• Prioritize having fun above all else. “One of the biggest barriers to maintaining a hobby, especially as an adult, is the pressure we put on ourselves to be good at it or to see measurable progress,” says Dr. Stratyner. “Hobbies are meant to be fun and stress-relieving. Focusing solely on achievement can make a hobby feel more like a task or obligation than an enjoyable escape.” 
• Check in with yourself regularly. Over time, ask yourself whether what you’re engaging in is truly enjoyable. If not, it’s okay to abandon it and try something else. There are plenty of options out there; it’s a matter of finding a good fit!