Making Time for Hobbies as a Form of Self-Care

4 October 2025

Life as a parent is a whirlwind of responsibilities—school drop-offs, diaper changes, meal prep, bedtime routines, and somehow squeezing in work or household chores. Your calendar is packed, your to-do list never ends, and “me time”? That feels like a long-lost luxury.

But here’s the truth: making time for hobbies isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Just like kids need playtime, adults need hobbies. They’re not just "fun extras"; they’re a form of self-care, a way to recharge your mental and emotional batteries.

So, if you’ve put personal interests on the back burner for too long, it's time to reclaim them. Let’s talk about why hobbies matter and how you can carve out time for them in your busy life.

Why Hobbies Matter for Parents

Before you roll your eyes and say, "I barely have time to shower, let alone pursue a hobby," hear me out. Hobbies aren’t just fun; they serve a deeper purpose in your well-being.

1. Hobbies Reduce Stress

Life gets overwhelming—kids fighting, work piling up, dishes stacking in the sink. Hobbies act as an escape. Whether it's painting, running, knitting, or fishing, doing something you enjoy helps lower stress hormones and promotes relaxation.

2. They Improve Mental Health

Ever feel like you've lost yourself in the chaos of parenting? Hobbies give you an identity outside of "mom" or "dad." They boost self-esteem, provide a sense of accomplishment, and help battle anxiety and depression.

3. Hobbies Set a Positive Example for Your Kids

Kids mirror what they see. If they watch you prioritize self-care and make time for what you love, they’ll learn that personal well-being is important. It’s a valuable lesson in balance and self-respect.

4. They Enhance Productivity

It might sound counterintuitive, but taking breaks actually makes you more productive. Engaging in a hobby can improve creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills, making you more efficient when you return to your daily responsibilities.

Common Challenges to Making Time for Hobbies

Let’s be honest: finding time for yourself isn’t always easy. Here are some common roadblocks:

- “I’m too busy.” Your schedule is packed, but with a little prioritization and time management, small pockets of free time can be found.
- “I feel guilty.” Some parents feel bad spending time on themselves. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. When you take care of yourself, you're a better parent.
- “I don’t even know what I enjoy anymore.” If hobbies feel like a thing of the past, it’s time to experiment. What excited you before kids? Try new things and see what sparks joy.

Now that we’ve tackled the “why” and “what’s stopping you,” let’s dive into practical ways to make time.

How to Carve Out Time for Hobbies

1. Schedule It Like an Appointment

Think about the way you block off time for doctor’s visits, work meetings, or school events—you prioritize them because they matter. Do the same with your hobby. Set a specific day and time each week, put it on the calendar, and treat it as non-negotiable.

2. Wake Up a Little Earlier (or Utilize Nap Time)

Mornings before the kids wake up can be golden. Waking up just 20-30 minutes earlier could give you time to read, write, exercise, or work on a craft. If early mornings aren’t your thing, make use of nap time or bedtime.

3. Get the Kids Involved

If your hobby allows, include your kids. Love painting? Let them have a mini canvas. Enjoy gardening? Hand them a small plant to take care of. This way, you bond while still doing something you love.

4. Trade Off with Your Partner

If you and your partner both need time for hobbies, make a deal. You take an hour for yourself while they handle the kids, then switch. It’s a win-win, and both of you get a break.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

Your pre-kid hobby time might have looked like hours of uninterrupted creativity. Now, it might be 20-minute chunks. That’s okay. Any time spent on something you love is better than none.

6. Combine Hobbies with Existing Routines

Not enough time? Pair hobbies with everyday habits. Listen to podcasts while doing laundry, sketch while waiting at soccer practice, or knit while watching TV.

7. Embrace Mini-Hobby Sessions

You don’t need huge blocks of free time. Sometimes, five or ten minutes is enough to de-stress. Sketch for a few minutes, dance to your favorite song, or write a page in your journal—it all adds up!

8. Say No to Time Wasters

Be intentional with your time. Scrolling social media for an hour? That’s precious hobby time lost. Track where your time goes and cut out unnecessary distractions.

9. Join a Group or Class for Accountability

Sometimes, having a commitment makes all the difference. Join a book club, sign up for a yoga class, or connect with a hobby group. It keeps you accountable and makes it harder to skip.

10. Give Yourself Permission

This might be the hardest part. You’re allowed to enjoy something just for you. No guilt, no justifications. Your happiness matters.

Finding the Right Hobby

Still not sure what hobby to pick up? Here are some ideas:

- Creative Hobbies: Painting, writing, knitting, photography, baking, DIY crafting
- Physical Activities: Yoga, dancing, running, hiking, cycling
- Relaxing Hobbies: Reading, journaling, meditation, gardening
- Social Hobbies: Joining a book club, volunteering, learning a language with a group
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzles, coding, playing an instrument, learning a new skill

Choose something that excites you, not something you feel obligated to do.

Prioritizing Yourself Makes You a Better Parent

At the end of the day, making time for hobbies is about self-preservation. Parenting is wonderful, but it’s also exhausting, and you deserve joy outside of it. When you care for yourself, you become a more patient, happy, and fulfilled parent.

So, the question isn’t "Do I have time for hobbies?"—it’s "How can I make time?" Start small, be consistent, and watch how a little self-care transforms your life.