We all crave it – more time for those personal interests that spark joy, ignite passions, and let us truly be ourselves.
But in a world of deadlines, commitments, and the constant buzz of notifications, finding time for personal interests often feels like a luxury, something to squeeze in if we have time.
This shouldn’t be the case.
This post is your permission slip, your nudge, to rediscover those passions and bring them back into the light.
Table of Contents:
- Why “Me Time” Is Not Selfish, It’s Essential
- But…I’m REALLY Busy
- From Hobbies To Superpowers – How Making Time For Personal Interests Makes You Better at EVERYTHING
- Beyond Productivity – The Deeply Personal Perks
- Conclusion
Why “Me Time” Is Not Selfish, It’s Essential
First things first, let’s ditch the guilt.
We’re conditioned to believe that every minute not spent on work or obligations is wasted.
But prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential for your well-being.
When you engage in activities you love, you recharge, reduce stress, and boost creativity.
These activities are important for a healthy work-life balance.
Think of those CEOs lauded for their relentless work ethic, like Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
Sending 800 emails before breakfast and forgoing basic hygiene might sound impressive in a “hustle culture” sort of way, but frankly, it seems unsustainable.
And, let’s be real, kind of sad. You deserve a creative outlet.
Making Time for Personal Interests Improves Your Mental Well-Being
There’s a clear link between pursuing your passions and improving your mental health.
Engaging in leisure activities has been shown to improve moods and reduce work-related stress.
And when you decrease stress, you sleep better, are less irritable, and overall, just a more pleasant person to be around.
It’s a win-win for everyone.
But the benefits don’t stop there.
Dabbling in creative hobbies has also been linked to increased “flourishing” – that feeling of thriving, of being at your best.
So whether it’s painting, writing a novel, or finally learning to play the ukulele, nurturing that creative side actually improves your overall well-being.
But…I’m REALLY Busy
Let me guess, you’re thinking, “This all sounds lovely, but I’m drowning in to-dos”.
We get it, finding the time for personal pursuits is tough. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re working towards realistic goals.
But here’s the thing – it’s all about mindset.
Instead of viewing finding time for personal interests as just another task, look at it as an investment in yourself.
Even if you spend time doing just one leisure activity a week, you will see positive effects on your well-being.
Setting realistic goals is key to not burning yourself out
Don’t waste time trying to fit in multiple hobbies if you can’t, start with just one.
Practical Strategies To Reclaim Your Time
Let’s shift from “I don’t have time” to “How can I MAKE time”.
Here are some practical tactics to integrate personal pursuits into your packed schedule:
- Schedule It: Seriously, block out time in your calendar just like you would an important meeting. Treat this commitment with respect. No canceling on yourself.
- Start Small: Don’t feel you need to dedicate hours each day. Even 15-minute pockets can make a difference. Read a chapter, practice a song on your commute – those moments add up.
- Combine Activities: Love to read but struggle to sit still? Listen to audiobooks while walking or cooking. Multitasking for a win.
From Hobbies To Superpowers – How Making Time For Personal Interests Makes You Better at EVERYTHING
It might seem counterintuitive, but indulging your hobbies can actually make you more productive and successful at work.
That’s right, finding time for personal interests is good for business.
It’s all about setting realistic goals and managing your time spent at work.
Boosts Creativity & Problem Solving
Research shows a clear link between engaging in creative pursuits outside of work and improved on-the-job creative problem-solving.
It’s like cross-training for your brain – flexing those creative muscles translates to sharper thinking in all areas of life.
Even history’s greatest thinkers recognized this.
It’s been said that Albert Einstein, while wrestling with complex scientific theories, would often take breaks to play his piano. Maybe playing musical instruments is the key.
Your hobby doesn’t need to be something extraordinary, it just needs to bring you joy.
You could work on cars, go fishing, or write.
Whatever your hobby is, it’s essential to set realistic goals when it comes to your personal and work time.
Sharpens Cognitive Function
Remember how we talked about ditching guilt?
Well, consider this your permission slip to indulge in those video games.
Playing video games actually has its benefits.
Playing video games can have a positive impact on cognitive functions. That’s right, gaming, when done in moderation, can improve your reaction time, decision-making skills, and spatial reasoning.
Who knew, right?
This is especially true if you work with team members. Playing games can help you work together more cohesively.
Strengthens Resilience
Life throws curveballs.
When you have outlets that you’re passionate about, you develop coping mechanisms, a way to disconnect from stress.
This is important for your social life as well. If you are feeling stressed, you may not want to spend time with people.
This, in turn, makes you more resilient – able to bounce back from setbacks and navigate challenges with a clearer mind.
You’ll have higher levels of patience in all areas of your life.
If you are thinking you need to make more time for yourself, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day.
Set a specific time each day where you can focus on your hobby.
If you find yourself making excuses, such as “I’m feeling tired today”, then you need to re-evaluate.
Beyond Productivity – The Deeply Personal Perks
The positive impacts of making time for personal interests extend beyond measurable benefits like work performance.
It also deeply enriches your life on a personal level.
Remember what those 20th-century intellectuals knew about embracing boredom.
As both Susan Sontag and Bertrand Russell emphasized, knowing how to entertain yourself, to be present with your own thoughts, is an invaluable life skill.
If you are at a loss for what you can do, maybe you can ask your team members what they do.
They may have some great ideas. It’s a great way to meet people as well.
Deeper Self-Discovery
Hobbies and personal interests help you grow as an individual, allowing you to explore facets of yourself that may get stifled by daily routines.
Maybe you discover hidden talents or passions that become an important part of your identity.
You might find you have a passion for painting, a knack for gardening, or an untapped love for writing poetry.
It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you enjoy it.
Even if the hobby you’re thinking about is something you haven’t done since you were younger, it’s never too late to pick it back up again.
It’s a great way to feel like a kid again.
Expanding Your World
Hobbies provide an opportunity to connect with others who share similar passions.
Joining a club, taking a class, or simply chatting with people online who have the same interests opens your world to new friendships, perspectives, and experiences.
These experiences don’t need to cost money either. You can go to the park and meet people or find free events in your city.
There are many opportunities out there if you just look.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and make some new friends.
Conclusion
Making time for personal interests should not be an afterthought.
It’s an act of self-care, a productivity hack, and a path to a richer, more fulfilling life.
By actively incorporating our passions into our routines, even in small ways, we can reap significant rewards – both personally and professionally.
Embrace those interests that set your soul on fire and watch as they illuminate not only your free time but every facet of your life.
Remember to take some time for yourself today, you deserve it.