I recently started a hobby project that I've managed to keep going for a while after doing no programming at home for years. I think these things have helped.

I recently started a hobby project that I've managed to keep going for a while after doing no programming at home for years. I think these things have helped. I work remotely from home so don't end the day feeling nearly as fried as I did in an office environment. I also feel more productive in my job. I sketched out some days to be "hobby project days" and if I'm feeling anyway capable of working on it will drag out my laptop and do something for an hour or so. Then on other days I will do something else or rest. I think this relaxed schedule is helpful because you'll at least consider the project on those days. I borrow a pattern from my working life and keep a todo list which also acts as a done list. Moving things from todo to done is a little motivation boost. I also keep a very small diary talking about what I've done. I don't sweat missing days if I'm tired, ill, stressed out or want a break. I'm doing this for fun.