If you’re anything like me, you have a lot of hobbies. Many of us Nookish folk do. We love to read, craft, watch TV and movies, play video games, and dive into board games. But with jobs and other commitments, it often feels like there’s never enough time to enjoy them all. It’s frustrating, right?
Well, here’s the good news: you probably do have time – you just might not be using it wisely.
Stop Letting Procrastination Steal Your Time
The number one thing eating away at your spare time? Procrastination. And ironically, we often procrastinate even when it comes to things we genuinely want to do. I recently decided enough was enough, so I made three main changes:
- I started planning hobby time in advance.
- I began using the Opal app to limit my screentime.
- I noticed pockets of time I could use more wisely.
Schedule Your Hobbies (Yes, Really)
Planning your hobbies might sound overly structured or even a little dull, but trust me – it works. When you have a lot of interests, it can be surprisingly hard to decide what to do in the moment. That indecision leads to wasted time.
Now, I spend just five minutes every Sunday evening mapping out what hobby I’ll do each night of the week. I don’t always stick to it perfectly, but it gives me structure and removes the need for last-minute decision-making.
Tame Your Screentime
I also realized I was wasting way more time on my phone than I’d like to admit. You know how it goes – just 10 minutes of scrolling here and there, and suddenly an hour has vanished.
To break the habit, I installed Opal and set up strict restrictions. Unlike your phone’s built-in screentime limits, Opal’s blocks are tricky to bypass. This means you’re less likely to override them unless you genuinely need to.
I created blocks across almost the entire day for social media apps, certain news sites, and other time-draining apps. Before Opal, my average screentime was three to four hours a day (I was shocked when I saw the stats – no wonder I had no time for hobbies!). Now, it’s consistently below two hours, and often under one.
That hour even includes messaging apps and other productivity tools like banking apps and even the camera, which means the time I do spend on my phone has a true purpose.
I use the free version of Opal – there’s no need to pay unless you need the additional features but the free blocking tools have been plenty for me.
Think Outside the Box: Make Time for Hobbies in Creative Ways
You might feel like you have no time for crafting or reading, but what if you combined them? Switch to audiobooks and listen while you craft, drive, or cook dinner. It’s a game-changer for some although I have to be honest, audiobooks still don’t hit the mark for me in the same way a physical book does. My husband, however, has been listening to audiobooks for a few months and has found it to be fantastic. He’s absorbing more stories than ever (he’s currently listening Iron Flame, the sequel to Fourth Wing).
Also, don’t underestimate the power of short bursts. Five minutes here and there can be enough to get the ball rolling. Keep your hobby accessible – leave your craft project out on the table or keep your book handy. That way, you can easily pick it up while the kettle boils or during a spare moment.
Final Thoughts: Your Hobbies Deserve Your Time
I can’t recommend Opal (or a similar app) enough – it genuinely changed my life. I used to spend hours doom-scrolling on Instagram, gaining nothing but restlessness. Now, I rarely reach for my phone unless I have a reason, and it’s so freeing.
By planning hobby time, reducing screentime, and making the most of spare moments, I’ve rediscovered the joy of my favourite activities. You can too. Give it a try – you might be surprised at just how much time you do have.
