Trying something new as an adult can feel a bit daunting, right? Maybe you’re someone who hasn’t had a “hobby” since middle school, or maybe you're eyeing this article because you’re tired of scrolling through your phone every evening. Either way, learning a new hobby as an adult isn’t just possible—it can be genuinely life-changing. Beyond just filling your free time, hobbies are a way to de-stress, build skills, meet people, and even discover things about yourself you didn’t know were there.

But where do you even start when picking up a hobby? If you’ve been curious about adding some fun and creativity into your life, keep reading—we’ll walk you through the process step by step, and you’ll be ready to jump into something new before you know it.

Why Hobbies Matter (Especially for Adults)

First off, hobbies aren’t just for kids or retirees. They’re good for adults of all ages and in all walks of life. When you’re younger, hobbies are often built into your life, like being in a school band or joining a sports team. But for adults, time can feel more crunched, and finding space to simply “play” or relax might remind you of an alien concept. That’s exactly why hobbies are important. They give you a chance to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with something that’s entirely for you. No deadlines, no meetings, just pure enjoyment.

Research backs this up. Studies have shown that people with hobbies are generally less stressed, feel more fulfilled, and even report better mental health compared to those who don’t make time for leisure. And hey, who doesn’t need a little extra fulfillment and less stress these days?

Start With What Sparks Your Curiosity

Picking a new hobby is often the trickiest part because, well, there are SO many options. The good news? It’s not a test. You can start one hobby, decide it’s not quite for you, and move on to another. No pressure!

Ask yourself a few simple questions to get started. What’s something you’ve always been curious about? Maybe you’ve found yourself mesmerized by paintings in a museum or doodling randomly during meetings. That could be a sign that art or drawing might be up your alley. Or perhaps you’ve been glued to nature documentaries lately. Great! Maybe birdwatching or hiking is calling to you. Think back to childhood, too. Did you love writing stories, trying out science experiments, or building things? Sometimes what brought us joy years ago can still bring joy now.

If you’re totally stumped, that’s okay, too. Try thinking about the kinds of activities you already enjoy. If you like listening to music, maybe learning an instrument could be fun. If you already spend hours watching baking shows, maybe it’s time to grab an apron.

Take the Pressure Off

One of the biggest mistakes adults make when trying something new is going too hard too fast. There’s this temptation to not only learn a new skill but to get good at it. (And we see you, perfectionists!) But here’s the thing—a hobby doesn’t have to be something you excel in. It’s called a hobby, not a competition.

Give yourself permission to be a beginner. If you burn your first ten loaves of bread while learning to bake, that’s not failure—that’s just part of the process. If the first scarf you knit looks more like a potholder, wear it proudly anyway. Hobbies are about enjoyment, not mastery. Sure, you might improve over time, but starting out, the goal is simply to have fun (yes, even if you look a little silly along the way).

Look for Affordable and Accessible Options

Another potential pitfall when it comes to picking up a new hobby as an adult is the cost. You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on fancy equipment or classes just to dip your toes into a new interest. Start small.

If you want to learn to paint, look for an affordable beginner’s watercolor set. Love the idea of gardening? Begin with one or two houseplants to see if you can keep them alive. And if you’re someone who isn’t quite sure where to even start, check online platforms or YouTube for free tutorials. There are countless videos and guides to help you learn the basics of virtually anything. And don’t sleep on local community classes. Libraries, community centers, and YMCAs often offer budget-friendly workshops for all kinds of activities.

Don’t Go it Alone

While solo pursuits can be relaxing, a lot of people find that they’re more motivated (and have more fun!) when they learn with others. Joining a class can be a great way to stick with your new hobby and pick up tips from more experienced learners. Community art studios, musical groups, hiking clubs, or even book clubs are fantastic for adults looking to connect over shared interests.

If committing to a class or group feels overwhelming, even finding an online community can make a difference. Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and even TikTok have enthusiastic hobbyist communities for almost every interest you can think of. These can be great spaces to ask questions, share your progress, or just soak up some inspiration.

Make It Part of Your Routine

One of the main challenges with hobbies as an adult is...life. Between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time can seem impossible. The secret? Make your hobby part of your routine the way you would anything else. Think of it as a meeting with yourself that you don’t cancel.

Maybe you set aside 20 minutes at night to work on cross-stitching or Saturday mornings for bike rides. It doesn’t have to be hours at a time—even small windows can add up over weeks. Plus, when you schedule it into your day, it becomes a habit. And just like brushing your teeth or brewing coffee in the morning, hobbies can become something you look forward to regularly.

Try, Fail, and Try Again

Here’s the truth about starting a new hobby as an adult: It won’t always be a straight path. You might pick up your first brush and realize painting makes you more frustrated than happy. That’s okay! Give yourself permission to pivot. Maybe it’s not art that lights you up but the rhythm of chopping veggies while trying out new recipes.

Treat hobbies like sampling from a buffet. Not everything is going to be your favorite dish, but the only way to figure out what you love is by trying. Each experience brings you closer to finding something truly wonderful.

Celebrate Your Wins

This might sound cheesy but celebrate your progress—even the smallest steps. If you signed up for that dance class you were nervous about, give yourself a pat on the back. If you finished your first puzzle in years, take a second to admire it. Progress matters, even if you’re not painting like Van Gogh or knitting sweaters like a pro just yet.

Every time you try something new, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and investing in yourself. That’s worth celebrating all on its own.