If you’re a stay at home mom or really just a mom in general, you’ve probably considered finding a hobby or two. Let’s be real, finding time to devote to a hobby is hard. Between diapers, bottles, endless meals and snacks and cleaning, who really has time for a hobby? YOU DO.
FIND THE TIME.
Make the time.
It’s worth it!
Moms take care of everyone… except themselves.
Take care of you, too. I promise if you devote the time to a hobby, even if it’s just once a week, you will feel better and you will have more patience and grace for yourself and your babies. Reconnect with yourself, create your own peace, and prioritize “me time”.
Check out these options – try out a few, find your joy.
Wreath Making
I consider myself a collector of hobbies, which gives me a wealth of knowledge when it comes to different types of crafting adventures. Wreath making is incredibly easy to learn and very practical as most all of us probably own at least 1 wreath if not 10. I personally have multiple wreaths for every holiday – one for almost every door in fact! Why? Because I make them myself. I learned how to make wreaths by watching youtube videos, specifically Dave’s Wreaths and Things. He gives incredibly easy to follow tutorials using supplies from the Dollar Tree. Making wreaths is relatively easy, doesn’t take a ridiculous amount of time to complete a project, and best of all – it’s super budget friendly. The Dollar Tree and I have a long standing serious relationship. That store cures all of my mommy monotony. Bonus – wreath making can become an enjoyable side hustle. After all, who doesn’t want another holiday wreath…
Jewelry Making
Yet another hobby I have dabbled in and thoroughly enjoyed. Jewelry making is easy peasy and a great venture to get into if you’re looking for something to calm your mind and give you an outlet to express your creativity. I find it is not as cheap as wreath making as dollar tree beading choices are limited but if you really want to commit, you can invest in beads in bulk through various online outlets. More time consuming than wreath making but arguably easier, I learned by watching this youtuber, Abbi Berta. Jewelry making is a great hobby and once learned can be a lucrative side hustle or a great way to make personalized gifts for special occasions. One can never have enough jewelry.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to relive all your sweetest memories over and over. It has a double purpose of giving mom a creative outlet and some time alone but also aids in decluttering all those pictures and school work we all collect. What’s better than an adorable scrapbook filled with all the little duckling’s cutest finger paintings and star student spelling tests?!
Painting
There are so many things you can do with a painting hobby. You can DIY your own home decor. You can paint beautiful pots for your sweet little plant friends, paint pictures to give as gifts or really hone in on your art talents and create an online gallery for art lovers. This is a hobby that you can totally dive into and constantly learn new skills and techniques. Bonus – get your husband a nice saw and start making door hangers and other goodies for an online store! Hobby for two, please.
Crocheting/knitting
this may be one of the few hobbies that I’ven not gotten into – but don’t worry there’s still time. My sister in law has been dabbling in it and she has made beautiful personalized blankets for my babies and recently learned how to make her own crocheted bralette. It’s really impressive and something she is truly enjoying. What could be better than making your own, one-of-a-kind tops?!
Reading
This one’s a no brainer. Reading is a great way to escape the reality of poopy diapers and spaghetti stained floors. We all have our favorite movies and shows but most of us have already binge watched the things that interest us and now spend too much time scrolling until something catches our eye. Try something different. There are endless undiscovered books you can find, and the best part? This hobby is free! Visit your local library, run yourself a nice hot bath and sink into your new book. Find a new favorite series and lull yourself into a nice warm daydream.
Writing
This is a versatile hobby as there are so many different ways to write and things to write about. You could choose to start a blog, keep a journal, write fan fiction, or even write and publish your own book (for free with Kindle Direct Publishing). The possibilities are truly endless and completely up to your imagination.
Gardening
Oh, for the love of plants. This is my current favorite hobby. I even bought a greenhouse which I plan to use to cure all of my seasonal depression. Plants are so nice because they are something I get to take care of but they never sass me, poop their pants, or cry because I told them “no”. As soon as I bought my first house, I was ready to start a garden. It took me 3 years before I learned how to truly care for plants. I had to learn which plants preferred which soil, how much water each needed, and which were sun lovers or shade dwellers. I’m still learning everyday but I am so rewarded when the seeds I’ve planted finally display their first beautiful blooms. Interested in gardening but not sure you have a green thumb? Check out my post, 13 Easy to Grow Plants for the Busy Mom. These plants are great for beginning gardeners as they are super self-sufficient.
Exercise
ok, so this is maybe more of a chore than a hobby, I guess it depends on who you are, but how awesome would it be if exercise brought you joy and peace! It can be very calming if you find the fit for you. Maybe it’s pilates, calisthenics, karate, kickboxing, zumba, or running. All of these outlets could be a great way to relieve stress and increase your energy levels. Besides, we all know “exercise gives you endorphins and endorphins make you happy!”
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to exercise and get into a state of mindfulness. It’s also something you can absolutely do at home with the right youtube channel. I recommend Yoga with Adriene for a calm, comfortable, beginner’s yoga channel. This is also an activity for all ages as you can get the ducklings to watch and do this with you. It’s a great way to entertain them while also finding your peace. But of course, this is about your peace momma and if those little rascals will disturb that peace then definitely do this as a solo activity.
Video Gaming
This is a great hobby to pick up, perhaps one your significant other already has, and in which case would be something you could do together. Video gaming can take you back to your childhood, like reading, gaming gives you a chance to escape reality and think about something else for a while, and of course, it’s incredible fun! Whether you find a game on your computer, phone, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation, or something else, there are so many choices. And yes, we can absolutely call this a hobby! Remember Mario, Spyro, Animal Crossing, SIMS… they are all still here and waiting for you to come back and love them again. What are you waiting for?
Cooking
This one might hurt your waistline but that’s okay. Cooking is seriously fun, something the whole family can enjoy doing and reap the benefits, and handy as we are all trying to plan meals anyway. Get involved in collecting new recipes and trying new things. Not only is this a great way to spend your time and find some joy but it also helps to break up the monotonous routine we often find ourselves in. Spice things up, both literally and figuratively, by adding something new to the weekly menu.
Tye-Dying
Yet another hobby that I dabbled in. You can find all kinds of things to tye-dye: bedding, clothes, bags, rugs, dog collars, shoes. This is something you can completely personalize for yourself and your friends. You could set up a side hustle and tye dye things to encourage school spirit and provide lots of school colored gear for people to wear to community events. You could make matching shirts for bachelorette parties, family vacations, and even class field trips. Its super easy, low cost, and lots of fun for the whole family.
Dancing
Hello youtube! You can find so many tutorials on youtube to learn any kind of dance you may be interested in. Bonus: CARDIO! Burn those calories momma. Go ahead and pull up Country Grammar and go crazy or turn on Dancing with the Stars to find some motivation. Want to learn the Fox Trot? Youtube can teach you. Find your outlet and get your groove on.
Learn an Instrument
So many possibilities. A crowd favorite is guitar but piano or drums would also be a nice choice. I will say, beware of what you choose as I’m sure the little gremlins will want to try their hand at it too. Hearing them bang piano keys is probably more pleasant than setting them loose on the drums. Learning an instrument is very fulfilling and you can go as in depth or as basic as you prefer. Memorize certain songs or dive in deep and learn how to read sheet music. I’m sure youtube will be more than helpful and online courses are all over the place!
Drawing
I don’t know much about drawing but again, I do know, youtube is your friend. Find a virtual art class and see how your skills size up. You can keep it simple and doodle or really dig deep and learn some new techniques. Pair this with a writing hobby and write and illustrate your own children’s book to teach lessons to your kids!
Podcasting
We’re moms. We’ve been around the block a time or two and I know you have stories to tell. Start a podcast! Share what you’ve learned as a mom, what works for you and what hasn’t, and of course all the funny stories in between. You can invite your friends on as guests and learn a thing or six about yourself in the process. You can really test your creativity here and if you’re really good at entertaining people, you can even make this a lucrative side hustle. Podcasts are up and coming so now is a good time to get your feet wet.
Golfing
This is a fun one as it can potentially be a little role reversal. Get in to golf! Do it with hubby or leave him at home with the kids and go have a round with your bestie. Good or bad? Who cares! Hit the ball hard, release some frustration, and have a fruity drink while you do it. What could go wrong?
Join Clubs/Groups
This one likely requires you to get out of the house… unless you can find a virtual book club or similar. So if you are a momma with a chance to get away from the ducklings, try joining a club or group. Find a fitness group and get into some pickleball, volleyball, or tennis. Check out your local library for book clubs or other community events to get involved in. I live in a very rural town but our library frequently has ladies night out with door hanger painting, crafts, or movies. Find out what your town has to offer and find like minded individuals to help get you out of the funk that motherhood can sometimes bring.
Bottom Line: Find a hobby or ten. It doesn’t matter what you do, how well you do it, or whether or not you commit to one thing. What matters is finding the time for yourself, where you are doing what YOU want to do and not just meeting the needs of others. Find something that brings you joy. You deserve it and your kids will thank you, after all, a happier mom is a more patient mom!
