Hobbies for Moms: Taking Time for Yourself

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Mothers are so very busy, or am I the only one? (Doubtful!) Hobbies for moms are more like mythical unicorns because who has time?

We tend to our husbands, children, jobs, homes, and a laundry list of other tasks.

And, if you are like me, we are more stressed than ever before and in need of lifestyle choices that help us live more balanced lives.

Pursuing a hobby may be the answer.

When asked if I had a hobby, my mind immediately replied with “blogging,” but hobbies that make money can easily feel like doing a chore. And no one likes to do chores.

My husband loves to create electronic music. He could spend hours creating sounds. Meanwhile, I’m a little jealous.

But I am determined to find and maintain time for myself with a hobby.

Reasons why moms need a hobby

When was the last time you spent time doing something you loved to do? Even more, when was the last time you spent time on YOURSELF?

Somewhere in history, motherhood became synonymous with self-sacrificing. And more often than not, the feeling of deprivation (coupled with exhaustion) can bring out the yelling mom in every mother.

But you and I have needs that can be met through a hobby.

Having a hobby relieves stress and tension.

Spending time with a hobby replaces negative thoughts with positive thoughts and feelings. Your mind can drift from the cares of the day and shift to a restorative calm.

Having a hobby or creative outlet can lift your spirits and help you overcome being a depressed mother. When you are creating something, the accomplishment yields an immediate boost to your self-esteem.

Hobbies make you smarter.

Unlike passive activities like television viewing, a hobby provides intellectual stimulation while simultaneously relaxing you.

Playing an instrument, arranging music, or dancing can actually help your brain grow. [SOURCE] Working with word puzzles can help you think creatively. And cooking teaches you to multitask.

Hobbies help you parent better.

We are so good at signing our children up for lessons and classes and encouraging them to have hobbies, even paying for these classes and driving them to and fro! But we forget that we also need to learn new things and grow as people.

RELATED: How to Get Kids to Obey Without Yelling

Our kids need to grow socially, but so do we! Hobbies connect you with other people who share your interests.

A hobby can help you maintain your separate identity as a real person and not just as Mom. This models healthy habits and boundaries for our kids.

Hobbies provide a refreshing change from your daily routine.

Are you frustrated because at the end of the day you can hardly point to anything you’ve “done.” (Just me? Probably not!)

This is because of the repetitive nature of jobs, housework, and childcare. It feels like the same thing every day. And remembering that we have to do it all again tomorrow makes it seem we have never completed a project.

Pursuing a hobby gives you a break from monotony by focusing you on a project you can finish. The results of your time are tangible and gratifying.

Hobbies can serve multiple purposes.

I mention that blogging is my hobby but also my business.

Many women pursue hobbies like quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery not only because they are enjoyable but because they provided value to the family, either providing clothing for their backs or much needed income.

RELATED: Hobbies That Make Money

Some hobbies like tennis, gardening or running can even provide great exercise with all of its accompanying benefits.

The best exercise activity is one that combines mind and body and is enjoyable to pursue.

Hobby Ideas for Busy Moms

So what can you do? What are some hobbies for moms that don’t involve a lot of money and can be worked into a busy schedule?

• Scrapbooking – Save memorable items and images from life and compile them into a keepsake book. If you are afraid that the scrapbooking tools will place a strain on your budget, work together with a group where everyone shares. Or, create a digital scrapbook with a photo book from Shutterfly.
• Needle Crafts – My mother used to crochet large afghans. Others I know love cross stitch and knitting. My aunt is an amazing seamstress. A quick trip to my A Needle Pulling Thread board on Pinterest should fuel you with tons of inspiration.
• Photography – And I don’t mean the kind with a fancy camera because those cost money. Use your phone and look for tutorials to take the best pictures you can. Then, challenge yourself to take a creative picture every day.
• Hand Lettering – This is my newest fascination. My friend, Lisa at CreativLei, has an amazing hand lettering series that walks you through the basics and beyond. I’m excited to have found something I can focus on and enjoy without the pressure of making money.
• Creative Writing – A simple journal can yield and amazing outlet for capturing the details of your day and transforming negatives into positive thoughts. If you prefer a more transparent format, you could start a blog and write online.

Need more ideas? CreativeLive offers free online classes every week. Browse their listing and dabble until you find something you love.

Browse the free courses at CreativeLive

More possible hobbies for moms:

• Gardening
• Kickboxing
• Martial Arts
• Fishing
• Camping
• Geocaching
• Hiking
• Running
• Homesteading
• Swimming
• Biking
• Aerobics
• Musical Instruments
• Painting
• DIY Projects
• Thrifting
• Antiquing
• Cake Decorating
• Poetry
• Reading
• Coloring
• Quilting
• Embroidery
• Board Games
• Trivia
• Team Sports
• Puzzles
• Graphic Design
• Organizing
• Pallet Projects
• Pet Training
• Horses
• Astronomy
• Candles
• Bows
• Wreathes
• Paper Crafts

See what others mothers are doing. Join the conversation on Facebook.

Why not carve out some time to pursue a hobby?

Don’t let a shortage of time stop you. Rearrange your schedule and put YOU back in it, and start carving out time for your favorite pastime.