How to Find a Hobby You Love: A Guide For Women

Having hobbies and interests is key to living a meaningful life yet so many women I speak to feel like they don’t really have any (except watching tv or scrolling on social media). 

When we’re lacking meaningful leisure time, we get bored and restless… and fill our days with things that don’t really matter to us. Over time this can lead to burnout and a sense of emptiness.  If you’re craving personal joy and wondering how to find a hobby that’s right for you, this simple guide will help! And if you’re wondering how make time for the things that matter (like hobbies) you’ll want to read: How to Make Time for What Matters

To find a hobby you love, you need to work out what you want (and need) from it. Once you’re clear on that, you can begin to explore which hobbies are right for you.

Why Having a Hobby Matters

Hobbies are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. They’re an outlet for self-expression and play an important role in shaping our identity, helping us explore who we are and experience personal growth. 

They also support our wellbeing. Whether it’s something creative, active, restful, or skill-building, engaging in a hobby has many benefits. They can increase physical fitness, relieve stress and build mental resilience. When we’re doing something we enjoy, it energises us and helps to balance out all the things that drain our energy.

Focusing on a hobby also brings us into the present moment. Have you ever been so focused on something you’ve completely lost track of time? I know I have! The flow state is one of the benefits hobbies offer, a welcome escape from day-to-day worries and a chance to find peace in being fully engaged in what we’re doing. 

For anyone feeling disconnected or lonely, hobbies can reduce isolation. Whether it’s through local groups or online communities, sharing an interest creates opportunities for connection, friendship and support. 

If you’re not sure where to start, or how to find a hobby that fits you, it’s ok to try things out.

Different Types of Hobbies

Many women I speak to think of hobbies as being arts and crafts, but there are many different hobby types to explore! The best hobby for you depends on your interests, and what you want to get out of it. 

To give you some clarity on how to find a hobby that suits you, below are some different types and what they offer. You don’t have to pick just one type – you might prefer a mix. Just find what feels good for you.

How to Find a Hobby When Nothing Interests You

If you’re really not sure what appeals to you, maybe try something simple like reading, going for a walk or colouring. You could even set yourself a challenge to try something new each day to see how it feels. There’s no pressure to do it again if it’s not for you!

How Many Hobbies Do We Need?

There’s no ideal number of hobbies we should aim for, and no rule to say you have to stick with the same ones. I personally think it’s good to have a few different hobbies which offer something different. You might enjoy having an active hobby, a restful hobby, and a creative or skill-based hobby. It depends on what you need in your life right now.

It’s ok to rotate your hobbies too. You’ll probably find that some are better suited to certain times of the year. Outdoor hobbies may be better in summer, whilst indoor hobbies are ideal for cooler months. Your hobbies will likely evolve over time, you might pick up new ones (if you’re like me!) and that’s not a bad thing. If you’re wondering how to find a hobby, be curious and try new activities… You never know what you might end up loving!   

How to Find a Hobby That Fits Your Personality

Solo Hobbies or Social Hobbies?

When choosing a new hobby think about whether you want to spend time alone or with others.  If you’re craving social interaction, you could do something with a friend or join a group. Bear in mind that some hobbies need a lot of focus so being around others might be distracting.

There’s no right or wrong here – you might find that a mix of solo and social hobbies works best for you. If you’re unsure how to find a hobby that fits your personality, think about how you recharge – is it through solitude or connection?

How to Find a Hobby – Small Steps to Get Started

If you’re unsure how to find a hobby, here are some things to think about:

1. Questions to Reflect On

• What are you interested in or curious about? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try?
• What did you enjoy as a child? Could you revisit this as an adult? 
• What do you want from a hobby? Physical activity, relaxation, creative expression, personal growth, or social connection?
• Are you restricted by time, budget, or physical limitations?

2. Give Yourself Permission 

Many people hold themselves back from trying something new, worried they’re not “good enough”. But we all need to start somewhere. Hobbies are about doing something we enjoy, so try to let go of perfection and comparing yourself.

3. Let Go of Guilt 

Some people feel guilty for spending time on a hobby, especially if it doesn’t seem “productive”. But spending time on yourself is ok. Hobbies are a healthy and valuable use of your time as they support your mental health and help you recharge, which in turn makes everything else in life easier to manage.

4. Experiment 

Once you’ve an idea of what you’d like to try, give it a go! Have an open mind, maybe try a taster session to see how it feels.

Final Thoughts on How to Find a Hobby

If you’re wondering how to find a hobby, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming… Start by giving yourself some space to be curious and explore, without pressure or perfection. There’s a hobby out there for you that can bring balance, joy, and meaning into your life.  

So… take a small step, try something new – you might be surprised where it takes you.