20 Other Ways to Say “In My Spare Time”

“In My Spare Time” is a phrase often used to describe activities or interests pursued outside of one’s main commitments, such as work or study. Here are 20 alternative ways to express this concept, suited to a variety of contexts and tones, each with an example sentence and an explanation.

Casual Expressions

1. When I’m off the clock

• Example: “When I’m off the clock, I like to go hiking in the local trails.”
• Explanation: A casual way to describe activities done outside of work hours, suitable for informal conversations.

2. During my downtime

• Example: “During my downtime, I often find myself experimenting with new recipes.”
• Explanation: Refers to periods of rest or relaxation, where one might engage in a hobby or interest.

3. On the side

• Example: “I enjoy writing short stories on the side.”
• Explanation: Suggests an activity done apart from one’s main job or obligations, often implying a hobby or secondary interest.

Hobby-Specific Expressions

4. As a hobby

• Example: “As a hobby, I’ve taken up pottery recently.”
• Explanation: Directly specifies that the activity is pursued for pleasure or relaxation, not professionally.

5. For fun

• Example: “For fun, I participate in local theater productions.”
• Explanation: Highlights that the activity is done for enjoyment or entertainment.

6. To unwind

• Example: “To unwind, I spend time in my garden tending to my plants.”
• Explanation: Indicates an activity used as a form of relaxation or stress relief.

Time-Specific Expressions

7. In my free time

• Example: “In my free time, I volunteer at the animal shelter.”
• Explanation: A direct alternative to “in my spare time,” indicating activities done outside of one’s scheduled commitments.

8. On my days off

• Example: “On my days off, I explore different parts of the city with my camera.”
• Explanation: Refers specifically to activities done on days when one is not working or has no professional obligations.

9. Outside of work

• Example: “Outside of work, I lead a local book club.”
• Explanation: Specifies activities pursued outside of professional life, focusing on personal interests or hobbies.

Reflective Expressions

10. For personal enrichment

• Example: “For personal enrichment, I’ve started learning a new language.”
• Explanation: Indicates activities pursued for self-improvement or personal growth.

11. As an escape

• Example: “As an escape from the everyday, I paint landscapes.”
• Explanation: Describes an activity as a way to temporarily step away from daily routines or stressors.

12. As my personal retreat

• Example: “As my personal retreat, I meditate early in the morning.”
• Explanation: Highlights an activity that provides a sense of solitude, peace, or personal sanctuary.

Informal and Relaxed Expressions

13. When I’m kicking back

• Example: “When I’m kicking back, I enjoy binging on classic movies.”
• Explanation: A very casual way to describe what one does to relax or during leisure time.

14. To chill out

• Example: “To chill out, I play guitar and write music.”
• Explanation: Indicates an activity done for relaxation or leisure in a very informal context.

15. When I have some me time

• Example: “When I have some me time, I like to dive into a good book.”
• Explanation: Refers to activities done during moments dedicated to oneself, emphasizing self-care and personal enjoyment.

Specific Moment Expressions

16. On quiet evenings

• Example: “On quiet evenings, I experiment with watercolor painting.”
• Explanation: Specifies the particular times when one engages in a hobby, emphasizing the setting or mood.

17. Over the weekends

• Example: “Over the weekends, I’m usually found hiking or kayaking.”
• Explanation: Identifies the specific times dedicated to certain activities, in this case, weekends.

18. After hours

• Example: “After hours, I tutor students in mathematics.”
• Explanation: Implies activities pursued after the usual work or school hours, focusing on the time of day.

Articulate Expressions

19. As a pastime

• Example: “As a pastime, I collect vintage vinyl records.”
• Explanation: Denotes a hobby or activity pursued for pleasure, highlighting it as a way to pass time enjoyably.

20. For leisure

• Example: “For leisure, I engage in birdwatching in various nature reserves.”
• Explanation: Specifies that the activity is pursued during leisure time, typically for relaxation or pleasure.

Each of these phrases provides a nuanced way to express what one does in their spare time, allowing for descriptions that match the context of the conversation, the formality of the situation, and the speaker’s personal style. By selecting the appropriate expression, you can convey your interests and activities in a manner that resonates best with your audience.