Stop feeling guilty about your hobby!
Why carving out time for joy may be the most radical act of self-care!
“Find three hobbies you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to keep you creative.” – Anonymous
Sounds simple, right? Yet for many women, carving out time for hobbies feels almost impossible. Between the demands of work, domestic responsibilities, and the invisible weight of expectations, personal pursuits often slip to the bottom of the list.
But here’s the truth: hobbies aren’t a luxury. They’re a lifeline.
Why Hobbies Matter?
A hobby is any activity you do for pleasure outside of work. It doesn’t have to be competitive or expensive.
It could be as small as going to a nearby local cafe to read a book once a week. Or it could be as simple as gardening, running, bird watching or even writing in a journal.
When life gets tough whether it’s grief, divorce, or the quiet loneliness of an empty nest, hobbies offer comfort and stability. They reduce stress, provide joy, and remind us of who we are beyond our roles.
Physical hobbies like walking, dancing, or yoga add an extra benefit. They boost both body and mind. Creative hobbies like drawing, writing, crafting give you space to express yourself and process emotions. And group hobbies, like book clubs or fitness classes, create connections that fight isolation and build community.
The Gender Hobby Gap
Here’s a sobering fact: women spend about five hours less on hobbies per week compared to men. Why? Because we’re still carrying the heavier load of domestic work and caregiving. And when women do make time for themselves, hobbies are often dismissed as “wasting time.”
Even today, stereotypes persist in hobbies where certain hobbies are classified as “feminine” or “masculine”, with women often being discouraged from pursuing activities traditionally associated with men.
When family members or society downplay your interests, it’s easy to internalize that message and give up. But here’s the thing - hobbies aren’t selfish. They’re essential for mental, physical, and emotional health.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. And a hobby is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to refill yours.
How to Reclaim Your Hobbies?
If you’ve drifted away from your hobbies, ask yourself:
When was the last time you did something just for you?
What’s stopping you? Time, energy, or guilt?
Do you have the support system you need to protect that time?
The answer often comes down to time management and boundaries. Start small. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Block off time like you would for any other commitment. Keep it simple. And if someone questions your hobby, do remember that their dismissal doesn’t devalue your joy.
Finding the Right Hobby
Don’t have a hobby yet? It’s never too late to start. Think back to your childhood and see what activities lit you up? What excites you now? Write down five ideas and pick one or two to try. The key is consistency, not perfection.
Your hobby could even evolve into something more. If it makes you money, that’s a bonus. If it helps you stay active, even better. If it simply makes you smile, perfect!
The Bottom Line
For women, hobbies are more than pastimes. They are a reminder that joy matters, creativity matters, you matter. Pursue your passion and fully embrace the transformative power of hobbies because it’s the key to recharging, growing, and living a fuller, balanced life.
Start small. Protect your time. Pick up that paintbrush, lace up those sneakers, or open that notebook.
Signing out,
Sana
This is so true! Thank you for the reminder.