This has been conversation topic amongst my friends for a while now. It seems that as we enter our twenties and into full-time jobs that take up 40 hours a week, the one thing that we crave the most is: time. We work all week and look forward to the two-day weekend. We work all day and look forward to having our evenings. We say we’re finally going to pursue these hobbies like reading, writing that book, starting that side business, or start running, but once we get to our free time, either on the weekends or in the evenings, our energy is drained and all we do is sit in front of Netflix and binge-watch TV for the next eight hours.

Did this strike a chord with anyone? Because, same. I think this resonates with a lot of people; whether you love your job or not, it’s important to pursue creative passions on the side even if it is picking up a book and reading. (In fact, this NYT article about languishing perfectly describes feeling “meh.”) It’s important to take breaks even if it’s taking a long walk outside. Hobbies are important for improving your overall health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. But how? How do you practically pursue your favorite hobbies when you find yourself tired and exhausted at the end of every day?

You probably resonated with that if you clicked on this article. So, how do I have hobbies when I work all week?

Surprise: you probably already have hobbies. What do you enjoy doing? Do you love reading but never have the time and energy to actually read, chances are that you probably are not going to read. Do you actually love watching TV? What about if you learned to sew, knit, make earrings, or work on that blog while you watch TV? Do you want to start running? Pick out a podcast and start walking outside. (Download Couch25k app from the App Store—it’s free!) Take that first step and try to incorporate what you love to do into your daily routine—even if it is starting small.

Fun Hobbies You Can Start Today

OK, I once searched Google or Pinterest “hobbies I can start today.” I would want a list of hobbies I start today. Sounds good, right?

Hobbies give you a creative outlet from the pressure to be perfect, the stresses of everyday life, and something that will bring you genuine joy. And let me just point out that there are no hobbies like “learn a new skill” (although some of these might involve learning something new as most new hobbies do). When you’re trying to take a break from work or chores or whatever, learning a new skill is not something that I’d want to do. (Maybe that’s just me, idk.)

These hobbies are fun and enjoyable, and if you have anything else to add, please let me know!

Begin running.

Oh my gosh, Olivia—why are you suggesting that I run? From someone who got told in the seventh grade that she has no upper body strength, and who would run a 17-minute mile, I am telling you that running can be a hobby. Even if you don’t know how to run (properly)! Watch a video, listen to a podcast, read some articles on how to begin running. I suggest downloading an app, such as Couch to 5K, to help you on your journey.

Bullet Journaling/Bible Journaling

And you don’t have to be an artist to do so! There are Bible journaling accounts on Instagram; some of my favorites include @meglovessjesus, @simblebible, and @jesus.loves.coffee. I’m personally not an artist, but you can make it whatever you want! Same goes for bullet journaling—it can be organized and planner content in your bullet journal, or you can make it into more of an art journal. Definitely worth trying and you can grab bullet journaling supplies from Michael’s or your local craft store at low prices (like, even under $10!).

Start a blog.

Whoa, so creative. Well, duh—I have to include a blog. You might be wondering, blogging could be something that you turn into a side hustle that makes you money. But hear me out—your blog doesn’t have to make money. Blogging can be whatever you want it to be; your blog can be a photo diary, a personal diary, advice column, you name it! Same goes with a YouTube channel. Not everything has to make money! Another idea, if starting a blog (aka a website) is too intimidating or expensive, then an Instagram page is a fun replacement.

Embroidery, cross-stitch—anything that your grandma would do.

Needlework doesn’t just have to be something your grandma does. Pick up cross stitch, knitting, or crocheting! You can literally pick this up while you’re on your fifth re-run of Gilmore Girls, and embroidery kits are only like, under $20 at Michaels.

Make earrings.

It seems that everyone and their sister is making clay earrings, and for good reason—they’re so fun and stylish! AND you can make a buck while doing it. Clay earrings are easy to make and once you get into a habit of making earrings, you can start your own Etsy store!

Start reselling.

Do you have a passion for thrifting? Why not sell some of your thrifted finds on sites like Poshmark or Depop—or your own Instagram page? One of my favorite thrifted accounts on Instagram, @rachgoes90, sells thrifted clothing. It pays for her college tuition! Start a thrifting Instagram page reselling your thrifted finds. You may actually make a few bucks! However, you would have to pay for your own shipping when you create a thrifting Instagram page, so you can always sell on sites like Poshmark, Depop, or eBay that provides a prepaid shipping label for you.

Start photography.

And I don’t mean it as a side business. (Go for it, if that’s your thing!) Walk around your town taking photos with your iPhone. You pay so much for the dang thing, why not put good use to it? Take photos of houses around town (be careful, don’t look like a stalker), tourist attractions, your coffee, your food, anything. Get creative. Maybe start an Instagram page for that. This allows you to get to know your town and pick up a new hobby at the same time.

Dive into your books to be read.

I see your pile of books in the corner and raise you with a big stack of books on my night stand. Take a look through the books you’ve been meaning to read. The next Great American novel might be in there. (OK, I highly doubt that but your new favorite book might be in that pile!) Need some good recommendations? Try these.

Write.

And I mean, try to write that Great American novel. JK. Don’t even try to write like F. Scott Fitzgerald or Meg Cabot. (Can’t believe I put those authors in the same sentence.) Just start creative writing. It can be fun! See where your mind takes you—and hey, it might even be good. Write some fan fiction. I’ll read it.

Try these hobbies out. And whatever you choose, make sure it brings you genuine joy. You want something that will distract you from the struggles of adulthood. If it’s not bringing a smile to your face, then put it away! Try something else. Hobbies are personal to you, and whatever makes you happy, keep doing it.

How to Pursue Creative Hobbies While Also Balancing a 9-5 + Fun Hobbies You Can Try Today