Finding Hobbies in Adulthood
In the hustle and bustle of adulthood, it's easy to deprioritize your own interest. However, digital spaces and creators like The Nap Ministry and Black Girls Breathing have many Black women and femmes being more intentional about pursuing fulfillment and peace outside of service to others. Hobbies are an essential components of a balanced and fulfilling life, but it can feel daunting to find one that fits into your daily life. We’ve got hobby suggestions for all types of new hobbyist that are looking to pursue more freedom and fun in 2024.
Minimal Free Time
Finding hobbies can seem impossible when you’re barely fitting in eating and sleep! Remember hobbies should fit YOUR schedule and can be flexible with low stakes so there’s no guilt when you need breaks.
Some Options Can Include:
Reading - diving into particular author, genre, or series and joining sites like Goodreads or Facebook to connect with others.
Cooking and Baking - you’ll always have to make time for is eating. Pick up a few cookbooks and trying out a new recipe once or twice a week. You can even host a cookbook club with a few friends.
Meditation & Mindfulness - Busy people often have the most stress. Find ways to practice stillness and gratitude. Get a +friend to join the endeavor with you for community and accountability.
Wanting to Be More Active
Fitness is a necessary part of living a long and healthy life, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Getting moving can be a great way to destress and meet people with similar goals.
You May Want to Try :
Boxing or Martial Arts - Black Women Martial Arts is one of our favorite Tik Tok creators where you can see lots of Black women kicking but and practicing the sport. Build community and your self-defense skills while you kick some butt!
Cooking and Baking - you’ll always have to make time for is eating. Pick up a few cookbooks and trying out a new recipe once or twice a week. You can even host a cookbook club with a few friends.
Areal Sports, Yoga, and Pilates - Areal sports gyms (like pole, lyra, and silks), yoga studios, and pilates studios are great places for beginners. Many are women-owned and prioritize small class sizes. There’s also a strong online and in-person communities with some even hosting conventions for students from around the world to gather and learn from others in the industry.
Learn a New Skill
Hobbies do NOT need to be productive or a way to develop a side-hustle. However, there is nothing wrong with building a skill or making time to learn something you’re truly interested in.
You Might Consider:
Learning to swim - If you’ve been putting this one off, it may be time to carve out a few weeks to do it. Private lessons are often affordable at YMCAs and community centers. Plus, think of how much more exciting vacation will be if you can enjoy the water safely.
Rollerskating or Rollerblading - After seeing the videos of Usher’s amazing skaters at the Super Bowl and during his Vegas residency, we all want to glide around. Grab a pair of skates, find an empty parking lot, and get rolling.
Sewing - Making your own clothes is a great way to develop your wardrobe and style that is built for and by you! Good quality sewing machines can be found for as low as $70 on amazon and YouTube university can help you learn the basics.
Pursue Old Talents
Many performers and athletes train for years in their younger years but instantly drop those skills once they get to adulthood. A space for artistic or athletic expression may be what is missing in your life!
You Can Explore:
Community Choir/Bands- If you were a singer or an instrumentalist in the past, a community ensemble may be what you need. Train and connect with other talent in the community. Some groups even tour!
Community Theatre - Former thespians often miss the stage and the bonding that happens during productions. You may not have pursued a Broadway career, but that doesn’t mean that the stage is out of reach forever.
Intramural Sports Clubs - High school and college athletes spend years developing their skills and often miss the competitive environment afterwards. A community league to compete with others in the area may be just what you need.
Final Thoughts
Embracing new hobbies as adult can feel daunting, but remember that you’re not just about adding leisure activities to your schedule; it’s about fostering personal growth and finding happiness outside of the workplace. Whether it's rediscovering childhood pastimes or venturing into uncharted territories, the journey of exploring hobbies as adults is exciting. It's never too late to ignite our curiosity and cultivate a more fulfilling life.
