As moms, we carry countless responsibilities. We're constantly doing things for everyone else, often forgetting to care for ourselves. Over time, this starts to feel normal, but it shouldn’t be. You deserve time for you.

One powerful way to reconnect with yourself and find joy again is through a hobby. A hobby is something you do purely for enjoyment, outside of your daily work and family tasks. It’s more than just a pastime; it can be a source of fulfillment, creativity, and peace.

Benefits of a hobby

Hobbies offer many benefits and are a powerful form of self-care. I’ve become a more present and happier person by making time for things I enjoy. If you’re still wondering whether you should try a hobby, here are a few reasons to start now.

1. Gain knowledge and skills

Hobbies require you to learn new skills to perform specific tasks. For example, if you’re learning to sew, you’ll need to understand the equipment and materials involved, as well as how to use them. This is a process that takes time, and practice is necessary to master the skill.

If your hobby is reading, you’ll gain vocabulary and learn about different places and historical events. Reading also requires you to predict, analyze, and draw conclusions, skills that can transfer to other areas of life.

Sometimes a hobby is something you’re naturally gifted at. Maybe you have a talent for drawing and want to explore it further. No matter which hobby you choose, you’ll always learn something new.

2. Activate your attention

When you’re learning something new, you need to focus and pay attention. Doing something you enjoy encourages you to stay engaged and fully present in the moment.

3. Feel accomplished

Being able to sew a shirt when you didn’t even know how to turn on a sewing machine is a major accomplishment. If your hobby is building puzzles, something that once took five hours may only take three after more practice. If you’re into reading, you may go from reading one book a month to two or three. Learning to bake when you’ve never done it before, and successfully baking a cake on your own, can feel incredibly rewarding.

Whatever your hobby is, doing something you couldn’t do before brings a deep sense of achievement. Choose something you look forward to doing.

4. Feel excited

Learning a hobby because you want to, rather than because you have to, is both exciting and fulfilling. That’s why it’s important to choose a hobby that genuinely interests you. It shouldn’t feel forced. Sometimes, just exploring different hobbies helps you discover what you truly enjoy or what you’re capable of.

5. Escape from daily reality

Some people love their jobs, while others dread going to work. Either way, having a hobby allows you to enjoy the moment and temporarily escape from everyday stress and responsibilities.

6. Allow time for yourself

Sometimes, you simply need time for yourself. As mothers, we love our children and would do anything for them, but we also deserve to rest and do something that brings us joy. Hobbies create that space where you can do something just for you, without worrying about the whole world.

7. Improve physical and mental health

Most people work 8 to 10 hours a day, and many struggle with stress and anxiety. Having a hobby you enjoy can help ease those feelings. It can reduce fatigue, lift your mood, and even help you feel healthier both mentally and physically.

How to find a new hobby

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to help you discover a new hobby that fits your interests, lifestyle, and goals:

•          Think of something you’ve always wanted to learn.

•          Try something you never even imagined learning.

•          Consider something that may help with stress relief.

• Think of someone you admire and what they do. Could that be something you're willing to try?

Some hobbies can be expensive or require you to buy materials or commit to memberships. Others are completely free. Some require more time than others. When deciding on a hobby, consider the following:

•          Your interests

•          The time you have available to dedicate to the hobby

•          Whether spending money is required and if it fits within your budget

·    You should choose something that fits your schedule and, if needed, your budget so you can stick with it long-term.

When my daughter was 7 months old, I started taking sewing classes at Joann’s, and I loved it. I started watching Project Runway and practiced at home, making shirts and skirts. I even bought a Brother sewing machine and a Serger machine, which I hadn’t even heard of before starting this hobby.

Now that I’m talking about it, I realize how much I miss sewing and want to bring it back into my life. Now, my hobbies are writing my blog and doing barre on the side.

Examples of hobbies

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some hobby ideas that other busy moms have enjoyed. You might find something that sparks your interest too!

• Sewing

• Crocheting

• Gardening

• Painting

• Doing crafts

• Baking

• Writing

• Doing photography

• Learning an instrument

• Collecting items

• Drawing

• Dancing

• Scrapbooking

• Journaling

• Doing home renovations

• Decorating

• Building puzzles

• Playing a sport

You can even create a blog about your hobby! You will be sharing knowledge about something you learn and if you commit to it can even become a business selling products or courses or teaching virtual or in-person classes.

Making time for a hobby

Start small.

You do not need to spend hours doing a hobby even though that would be amazing! Start with 15-30 minutes a day and build from there. Sign up for a class and see how it goes!

Schedule it like an appointment.

This is time for you. Treat it as non-negotiable and commit to your hobby. Hobbies help us develop new skills and help us reduce stress, so it is important to make it a priority.

Summary

If you haven’t tried a hobby yet, now is the time to consider it. Hobbies offer a variety of benefits and come in many different forms. The key is to choose something you genuinely enjoy and want to do occasionally.

If you try a hobby and find yourself getting bored or not looking forward to it, don’t be afraid to switch. Find something that makes you smile and feels worth your time.

Best wishes,

Mel