Hobbies That Inspire Women in Their 30s to Live Their Best Life

Call me when you’re free, and we can start our own party—so let’s go like it’s 1999.

At this point, it’s common knowledge that the secret to success lies in a consistent daily routine. What you do repeatedly shapes the quality of your life and aligns with the identity you aim to embody. This is why daily routines—particularly the “that girl” routine—have garnered significant attention online. The concept involves early mornings, lemon water, green juice, avocado toast, journaling, reading, exercise, skincare, to-do lists, meditation, and a perfectly made bed with a high-thread count duvet cover—all before the sun has risen.

Social media algorithms have transformed into aesthetically pleasing productivity rabbit holes, and it’s easy to feel entranced. Even as someone who practices many of these habits, I sometimes feel that my efforts fall short of this ideal. At 31, calling myself “that girl” feels off—like I’m ignoring the beauty of aging. Instead, I’ve started embracing the idea of being “that woman”—an adult who acknowledges that social media trends often prioritize aesthetics over genuine health and productivity.

My reality includes a full-time job, multiple side hustles, caring for two animals, exercising daily, eating healthy, planning a wedding, and maintaining a social life. It’s productive, even if it doesn’t fit the curated image of Lululemon outfits and sunrise yoga. Reflecting on my routine helped me recognize that productivity isn’t about perfection but about what works for you.

For me, productivity starts the night before. Around dinnertime, I list three things from the day that brought me joy or satisfaction and three areas for improvement. This reflective practice helps me identify patterns and make necessary adjustments. I also prepare my outfit for the next day—usually workout clothes—and fill my water bottle, placing it by my bedside. I set my alarm a few minutes earlier than planned to allow myself time to either snooze or quietly meditate before getting up.

Waking up early is part of my nature, but even if you’re not a morning person, the first hours of your day can be transformative. For me, mornings are sacred. It’s my “me time,” free from distractions and full of focus. I avoid my phone during the first 30 minutes to an hour, prioritizing mindfulness over reactive habits like checking texts or emails. Hydrating first thing helps me feel energized and sets the tone for the day. I even incentivize habits—for example, I only allow myself coffee after drinking a liter of water.

Throughout the day, I stay mindful of boundaries and avoid micro-distractions like mindless scrolling or unnecessary meetings. Turning off notifications and setting specific times to check my phone keeps me focused. Time-blocking is another essential tool. By dedicating specific blocks of time to individual tasks, I complete them without the stress of multitasking. Using digital planners or apps helps me stay organized and productive.

Personal time is non-negotiable. At least 15 minutes of my day are reserved for something I enjoy, whether it’s reading, meditating, or spending time outdoors. This small commitment helps me recharge. I also prioritize tidying one area of my space daily—something as simple as wiping down surfaces or unloading the dishwasher. Small acts of cleanliness not only keep my environment pleasant but also boost my motivation.

Meal prep is another productivity hack that supports both my schedule and my health goals. Preparing lunch in advance ensures I avoid last-minute unhealthy choices and keeps me on track with nutrition. Similarly, I engage in daily movement, whether it’s a walk, group fitness, or a fun workout. Making exercise enjoyable ensures it becomes a sustainable habit.

Ultimately, consistency is key. By automating certain habits, I save my energy for more significant decisions and tasks. While routines provide structure, I always allow for flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and having a “slush fund” of time helps me manage surprises without stress. If everything goes smoothly, that extra time becomes an opportunity to treat myself.

Striving to be “that girl” or “that woman” is really about self-improvement. Whether you embrace a structured routine or adapt elements that resonate with your lifestyle, the goal is to create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic. Productivity doesn’t come from mimicking someone else’s routine but from finding what works for you.

I hope this serves as inspiration to prioritize your health, happiness, and productivity in your own way. Let me know in the comments if you’ve adopted similar habits or have your own unique approach to daily routines. Until next time!

[Music]Call me when you’re free, and we can start our own party—so let’s go like it’s 1999.

The first time my grandmother mentioned knitting, I thought, “No way, that’s not for me. I’m not old!” Years later, my sister-in-law gifted me a crochet starter kit, and I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I was hooked! While knitting isn’t my thing, I love crocheting. You can create modern, funky, and interesting pieces with it.

Baking is another fantastic hobby. There’s nothing quite like the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread or cookies wafting through your home. Whether it’s chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies, you can find amazing recipes online or invest in a good cookbook for your kitchen.

Although technology allows us to store photos digitally, there’s something deeply therapeutic about scrapbooking. Holding printed photos in your hands, smelling the glue, and jotting down little memories associated with each picture is incredibly rewarding. Scrapbooking doesn’t have to be expensive either. You can repurpose household items like foil, old buttons, magazine cutouts, and even ribbons to add flair to your scrapbook.

If you enjoy wearing jewelry, why not try making it? Jewelry-making can be a creative outlet and a thoughtful way to craft special gifts for loved ones. If you get good at it, it might even turn into a small business opportunity. The possibilities are endless.

Drawing is one of my favorite pastimes, even though I don’t get to do it often. You don’t have to be a Picasso to enjoy it! Doodling is a form of drawing, too. You can explore figure drawing, cartooning, photo realism, or simply let your creativity flow through illustrations.

For music lovers, learning to play an instrument can be a fulfilling hobby. Whether you’re playing your favorite song or composing your own, it’s a skill that brings joy and self-expression.

Sports are another great way to spend your time. While the initial costs for equipment might be higher, they’re often worth the investment. Fishing, for example, is one of my favorite sports—it’s relaxing, helps you stay fit, and keeps you connected to nature.

Photography has been a passion of mine for years. With the amazing specs on modern smartphones, you don’t need an expensive camera to start. Experiment with different types of photography, like portrait, landscape, editorial, or street photography, to find your style.

Renovating and restoring old furniture can be a creative and practical hobby. Platforms like YouTube and Pinterest are great resources for ideas to transform outdated furniture into modern, stylish pieces.

Pewtering might be a new concept to some of you. It involves crafting designs on sheets of tin and is a unique way to create personalized decorations for items like jewelry boxes. A family member introduced me to this a few years ago, and I was amazed at how creative and rewarding it can be.

Pottery is another hobby I’ve always wanted to try. There’s something therapeutic about working with clay and creating something with your own hands. It’s also a beautiful reminder of how we, like clay, are uniquely molded and created.

Backpacking and camping weren’t always my cup of tea, but now I cherish the peace and tranquility that nature offers. There’s nothing like sitting by a campfire, breathing in the fresh air, and watching a stunning sunset. It’s a great hobby for outdoor enthusiasts.

Gaming was another unexpected hobby for me. When I met my husband, Daniel, I decided to give it a try to spend more time with him. To my surprise, I loved it! It became something we could bond over and enjoy together.

Origami, the art of paper folding, is a surprisingly engaging hobby. It helps improve focus, concentration, and memory while allowing you to create beautiful designs.

Lastly, gardening is not only relaxing but also beneficial for the environment. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or herbs, it’s a rewarding way to connect with nature. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, with a bit of research and practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Learning a new hobby might seem daunting at first, but it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone. You owe it to yourself to try something new, expand your skills, and uncover hidden talents. If you’ve recently started a hobby or have suggestions for ones I should try, share them in the comments below. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video. Bye!