I can’t take the credit for this as it was posted on another forum by a friend (Bill Miller), but it makes sense and is well worth a read:
How to Make Time for Hobbies.
Hobby time can be hard to find sometimes, especially if you have a lot on your plate already. It pays though to make time for hobbies. Hobbies are great stress relievers.
Instructions
1. To find time for hobbies we need to make the hobby a priority. This may mean that priorities need to be re-evaluated. At times our priorities are in the wrong order. For example, a workaholic may think work is more important than taking time for a hobby. That is, until they have a stroke.
It has happened time and time again when people have serious health problems due to stress or too much work. While recovering they suddenly get a new perspective and opt to rethink their priorities.
2. Combine the hobby with family time or time with the kids. Kids love to learn new things and be helpful. They can shoot a picture or help grow plants as well as learn to bake. Whatever you know you can teach. You never know the hobby could turn into a family business.
Use part of lunch time for hobby time when possible. Who needs an hour to eat a sandwich? How often is time wasted walking or driving around until it’s time to go back to work? For instance, a person who does scrap booking could be happily pasting or clipping away instead.
3. Get rid of people who waste your time. You know the ones you can’t say no to and you dread being around. These people are like vampires sucking life out of you and stealing precious time. All that time spent in misery could be used for a fun hobby instead. Get them out of your life now!
Delegate duties or chores to someone else. Why are you the one doing everything? Give the kids more responsibility and put them to work around the house. Don’t forget the spouse or anyone else living in the home.
4. Combine volunteering with the hobby. Many people feel as though they’re scrutinized for spending time on a hobby. This way you can say I am a volunteer helping others and my community. While this may be true you have also found a way to do your hobby in peace. Talk about a win win!
Plan your time and time your plan. This can be done by the use of time management. If you currently don’t manage time well it’s time to do so. You will be amazed at how much time is available for a hobby when you have good time management skills. No hobby time will be a thing of the past.
