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Brainstorm and ask yourself some questions

What are some accessible activities within your particular community? What do you wish you had more time for? What did you enjoy doing in college — or even high school?

“Just do a five-minute brainstorm of all the things you used to enjoy when you were a child,” Haselberger said. “And then try to find an adult corollary to what those things are.”

For example, if you enjoyed drawing as a kid, maybe try watercolor painting. Or if you liked playing outdoors, maybe try a recreational sport.

Ask people what they do

Ask those around you — friends, family, colleagues — what they do for fun. Or if they’re also trying to find a hobby, ask what the people around them do for fun.

Try out the activities that people around you enjoy doing, Vanderkam suggested. And even if you don’t like it, you might meet people there who share — or invite you to — other activities you might enjoy.

Take classes

Haselberger said she’s a big fan of classes to see whether you like something. And if you do, you can go deeper into it.

Although some might cost money, businesses and local libraries occasionally offer free classes to try out different activities.

Be patient but proactive

Vanderkam told me that finding a hobby just takes a bit of time, experimentation, and being open to different things.

“If you are patient with yourself, I think that over the course of six to 12 months, you can certainly find something that you genuinely want to do,” Vanderkam said. “It might not be completely perfect, but it’ll probably be pretty good.”