Everyone talks about not having “extra time” lying around. But remember, we all have 24 hours in a day—that’s 168 hours each week. The excuse for “not having extra time” is no longer valid. There are plenty of people with high-profile, high-stress, demanding jobs who still carve out time for hobbies, and they continue to be uber successful. So let’s break this down and help you do the same so you can reap the exponential rewards.
Between work, family, household management, and trying to get restful sleep, the idea of starting a hobby sounds about as realistic as vacationing on Mars. But the hard truth is if you’re constantly feeling burned out, unmotivated, or like you’re just going through the motions, a hobby might be exactly what you need.
Yes, really! Having a hobby isn’t just a fun distraction, which is what most of us think of when we hear the word hobby. Nope, rather it’s one of the most powerful ways to improve your productivity, energy, and overall well-being.
And NO, scrolling on your phone doesn’t count.
Stick with me here…
My Wake-Up Call
About 10 years ago, I found myself working non-stop. I was a full-time clinician, full-time owner expanding my clinical practice while wearing multiple hats, adjunct professor teaching 6 hours of lab and 6 hours of lecture each week, president of a state association, and parent to a preschooler.
My days were extremely full, but I wasn’t feeling full. I loved everything I was doing, but knew it wasn’t sustainable. I was efficient and productive, but not as energized as I needed to be day in and day out. Over time I started dreading the things I used to love because I felt so overwhelmed.
Then one day, I took the day off for a mental health break and intentionally left my phone at home. I went for a solo walk outside. Just me, the trees, and no one needing anything from me. That one hour in nature reminded me: I don’t just need to work hard—I need to live purposefully and with greater intention.
Now I have a few go-to hobbies that keep me grounded: walking in nature, reading the occasional psychological thriller book, working out, and just lying in the sun doing absolutely nothing. I shifted my mindset from thinking of these things as occasional luxuries to instead being my lifelines.
.
What Counts as a Hobby?
Let’s define this word as simple as possible:
A hobby is something you do for the joy of it—not because you’re getting paid, not because it’s productive, and not because someone else told you to or persuaded you to.
A few examples:
- Reading a thriller just for fun
- Gardening
- Playing music
- Hiking new trails
- Drawing or crafting
- Dancing in your kitchen
- Learning a new language
- Baking ridiculous cakes
- Doing puzzles
- Building LEGO sets
- Training for a 5K
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be yours.
Why Hobbies Actually Make You More Productive
This might sound backward, but here’s what has been proven through research:
Taking regular breaks to do something you enjoy and love makes you more focused, efficient,
and creative.
Here’s why:
When you gather with other CEOs and business leaders in your industry—not just to vent, but to strategize, share resources, and sharpen each other—you tap into collective wisdom that you can’t find alone.
A collaborative retreat is not only about personal reflection, but it’s about exchanging ideas, solving challenges together, and leaving with real tools you can implement immediately.
Mental Reset
Your brain can’t be “on” all day. Hobbies give your mind something else to focus on, which actually improves clarity when
you return to work.
Increased Motivation
When you spend time doing something you enjoy, it lifts your mood and builds momentum. You’re more likely to power
through your task list when you’re not running on empty.
Better Problem Solving
Ever notice how you suddenly solve a problem while walking or showering? That’s not magic—it’s your brain benefiting
from space. Hobbies help ideas breathe.
Burnout Prevention
Work without rest leads to burnout. Hobbies are a form of proactive rest. Without them, you’re always running on the
verge of empty.
Stronger Identity
When your whole life is work and responsibilities, you lose your sense of self. Hobbies remind you who you are outside of your job title.
For Parents and Professionals Who Are “Too Busy”
If you’re reading this thinking, “Nice idea, but I have zero time”—this part is for you so listen up!
You do have time. You’re just spending it in ways that aren’t actually recharging you. It’s time to reflect and make some small changes.
Example:
- 45 minutes of doom-scrolling Instagram → not refreshing
- 30 minutes walking outside listening to a podcast → hobby + fresh air
- Watching Netflix while folding laundry → not a hobby
- Sitting on your porch with a book and a drink → hobby
You don’t need “more hours.” You need to make a mental shift and a time prioritization shift.
Start with 15 minutes, 3 times a week.
Put it on your calendar as an appointment with yourself and protect this time. Don’t let anyone infringe on what you’ve already scheduled.
And if your hobby involves your kids (like baking, gardening, games, or puzzles), that’s even better. It’s still for you, and you’re modeling healthy habits for them too!
Don’t Overthink It—Just Start
You don’t need a perfect plan. Just pick something you’re curious about and give it a try for 15 minutes.
Not everything you try will stick or be enjoyable, and that’s okay. You’re not trying to become a world- class painter. You’re just making space to be a person again.
I tried cooking for a few weeks as a new hobby and found that each time I attempted this I truly hated being in the kitchen. I wanted so badly to like it, but it just wasn’t for me. So be sure to experiment and listen to yourself to determine if it’s truly something you enjoy, or if it’s something you wish you enjoyed. There’s a difference, and it can be huge in terms of the benefits (or not).
Here’s a very simple 3-step way to start today:
- Pick something low-pressure. Something you’ve always wanted to try or used to love.
- Schedule it. Even 15 minutes. Make it non-negotiable.
- Protect it. Turn off notifications. Let people know you’re unavailable.
Bonus: If you love reading…
One of the most accessible and enriching hobbies? Reading.
If you love reading and have a stack of books just waiting for “more time,” then listen up! No more excuses. I’m hosting a book club discussion in August and taking book recommendations now.
Want to grow and learn together? Send me your non-fiction book suggestions and be sure you’re signed up for my weekly Time Tip Tuesday emails so you can register once a book and a date has been set.
Final Thoughts
We aren’t meant to just work, sleep, and repeat.
We’re meant to create, enjoy, explore, grow, learn, and breathe (in between the work and sleep).
Hobbies are not indulgences. They’re essential maintenance for your brain and body.
So if you’ve been feeling off lately—disconnected, tired, stuck—it might not be a lack of discipline. It might be a lack of joy.
Go find it.
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