Sometimes I look at my gaming shelf and see dozens of board games waiting to be played—cooperative campaigns, dungeon crawls and great euro strategy challenges. Then I remember the RPG campaign I’m running, the computer game I’m playing with a friend, and the pile of books I’ve been meaning to read. Add in my job running a business and my gym sessions I started seven months ago, and it’s no surprise that when a free weekend finally rolls around, I’m sometimes too tired—or too overwhelmed by choices—to do anything at all.

For a long time, I thought the solution was to find more time, but I’ve come to realize that it’s about managing the time and energy I already have. I used to try juggling everything at once—board games, painting projects, RPG prep, gaming, reading—and the result was predictable: I’d feel stuck, paralyzed by the sheer number of options, and end up doing none of them.

The turning point came when I allowed myself to focus on just a couple of hobbies at a time. Narrowing my scope meant temporarily letting some interests rest. I chose the ones that excited me most in the moment: a story-driven board game campaign and my RPG sessions. Those became my “main quests,” and everything else—PC gaming, reading, and creative projects—shifted to the background. This approach gave me direction and helped eliminate the “Where do I start?” panic.

With that clarity, I started looking at how I spent my weekends. Instead of dedicating an entire day to one activity, I divided my time into manageable blocks. Breaking my time into chunks made it easier to see progress in multiple areas without feeling drained. It also gave me the freedom to switch gears without guilt.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that rest needs to be intentional. Scheduling an hour or two of plain relaxation—whether it’s a nap, a walk, or just doing nothing—has made a world of difference. When rest is part of the plan, it feels productive instead of indulgent. That short reset often gives me the energy to jump into my hobbies with renewed enthusiasm.

Rotating my focus from weekend to weekend was another game-changer. One weekend might revolve around board gaming, while the next is dedicated to Baldur’s Gate, and another to painting or creative projects. This way, no hobby is neglected for too long, but I’m not spreading myself too thin. Cycling through my interests keeps everything fresh while ensuring progress in each area over time.

Of course, not everything can wait until the weekend. I’ve started taking advantage of small windows of time during the week. Even 30 minutes spent prepping for my next RPG session or reading a chapter of a book can add up. These little moments keep me connected to my hobbies without waiting for a perfect, uninterrupted block of free time.

I’ve also learned to manage my energy better throughout the week. A consistent sleep routine and balanced meals help ensure I’m not too exhausted to enjoy my hobbies when the time comes. I try to avoid decision fatigue by planning ahead—usually on Sunday evenings. I’ll sketch out a loose plan for the following week: which board game scenario I want to tackle, which chapters of a book I’d like to read, or what creative project I’ll focus on. Having a rough outline prevents that Saturday morning meltdown of “I don’t know what to do first.”

Life, of course, is unpredictable. Priorities change, new commitments arise, and sometimes plans fall apart. The most important thing I’ve learned is to stay flexible. If board gaming starts to feel stale, I switch to reading or creative pursuits for a while. If I’m excited about an RPG plot twist, I scale back on other hobbies to give it more attention. The key is treating my plan as a living approach that grows and evolves with me.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own list of hobbies, remember: it’s okay not to do everything all at once. Start by focusing on two or three activities that truly excite you. Divide your time into manageable chunks, rotate your focus from week to week, and make rest an intentional part of your schedule. Keep an eye on your energy levels, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plan when needed.

This isn’t a perfect system, and I’m still fine-tuning it. But it’s a far cry from the days when I’d stare at my gaming shelf and feel stuck. Now, I’m making steady progress in the things I love, one manageable step at a time. If you ever feel like you’re drowning under a pile of board games, half-finished campaigns, or unread books, just remember: you don’t need more hours in the day. You need a plan that honors your energy, steers you toward what matters most, and leaves room to breathe.