I know what you’re thinking after reading the title of this post, “ain’t no mama got time for that”. I know, I know. We are all super busy, and most of us can’t possibly imagine having spare time for such luxuries as a hobby.
But, don’t write me off just yet. Please mama, hear me out.
If you’re even slightly familiar with the theme of this blog, then you know I’m a huge advocate for self-care, especially for moms. And a big part of self-care is having something fun to do, just for you. (Get our Self-Care Checklist)
Every Mom Should Have A Hobby
Even though you may feel like you just don’t have the time for a hobby, the truth is you probably do. I know that I waste plenty of time on the couch in front of Netlfix, or on my phone mindlessly scrolling Facebook. So, even though my life is pretty hectic and I do feel crazy busy most of the time, I know that I can find an hour or two somewhere in my week to do an activity just for fun.
Hobbies are an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Many hobbies encourage social interactions, and social connections are a key component of happiness and a meaningful life (source: Psychology Today). We spend so much of our time as “mom”, and interacting with our families as “mom”. It’s only natural to crave human interactions that don’t involve butt wiping or cleaning up after. Having a group-related hobby can fill that void. Whether it’s a book club or a knitting class, interacting with people who share your interests can help you strengthen or form new bonds and keep you inspired. Hobbies are the perfect way to connect with your mom squad.
Hobbies are also a great way to cope with stress and anxiety. I’m constantly thinking about all things work and family; the to-do list on my desk, the laundry that’s piling up, the bills that need to be paid. A hobby can be just the distraction and healthy outlet you need to blow off some steam. Balancing out the hustle of everyday life with a fun hobby can help you feel more energized and focused in all areas of life. (Read this to get 8 Strategies For Achieving Work-Life Balance)
Hobbies can improve your mental health, boost creativity, and encourage spiritual growth. Physical hobbies can help you stay active and healthy. Some hobbies can even improve career-related skills or provide extra income (hello, blogging).
Okay, okay. I think I’ve made my point. Hobbies for moms are worth penciling in on the family calendar. So, you ready to give yourself an hour or two a week to try something new?
5 Awesome Hobbies For Moms (And Their Squad)
Gardening
Okay, I’ll admit it. I don’t have a green thumb. No, my thumb is black for all the plants I’ve killed. Even still, I love the act of planting and gardening. I just stick to the really resilient plants, mainly succulents.
Gardening is actually really good for you. It forces you to get outside and get hands-on with nature. The actual practice of gardening (digging, pruning, planting) can be very soothing and relaxing. And the maintenance and care you provide can instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. It makes me so happy to see my succulents thriving.
Want to include your mom squad? Host a mimosa brunch and make little succulent gardens. One of my friends hosted one of these and it was so relaxing and fun. Plus, we all got to take home something pretty!
Crafting & Art
Who doesn’t love a good craft or DIY? What I love most about crafting is that you don’t have to be crazy creative or super talented. If you know where to look, you can find something to suit your skill level.
Trust me. I’m not the most artistically inclined. I was so hesitant to try one of those wine and paint classes because I can’t even remember the last time I picked up a paintbrush (grade school, maybe). Nevertheless, I gave it a shot and I was pleasantly surprised with my finished product. Turns out, with a step-by-step guide I can produce a decent piece work of art. Plus, the wine is an added bonus. I’ve done a few of those classes since, and I always have a good time.
Looking for inspiration? Browse the dozens of deals on Groupon and Living Social. There are so many options to try; ceramics, knitting, photography, scrapbooking, glass mosaics, and more. Don’t fancy attending a class? Pinterest has more DIY and crafting tutorials than you could every dream of. It’s the perfect activity for moms’ night in.
Exercise
Okay, so maybe you’re rolling your eyes at this one. I probably would too, if I was the one reading this instead of writing it. But, exercise can be a hobby, even if you aren’t a natural lover of working out.
About six months postpartum with baby number one, I was looking to lose the pregnancy weight and decided to give kickboxing a try. I ended up really enjoying it and consistently practiced for about a year until I got pregnant with baby number two. I’ve never been a fan of the gym, but this class kept me coming back for more. My point is, if you find a physical activity that you truly enjoy it can absolutely become a hobby you love.
Whether it’s the lasted fitness craze or a weekly hike, working out is an easy way to bond with your squad on a regular basis.
Thrifting
Hunting for killer deals is always a good time, except with cranky kids in tow. So, leave the little ones at home and head out to bargain shop with your girlfriends. I personally love browsing the aisles of a thrift store or swap meet, with a coffee in hand, of course. Even if I don’t end up buying anything, it’s so relaxing to be able to stroll and peruse without the fear of a toddler meltdown at any minute. Am I right?!
Flea markets, swap meets, and thrift stores are so underrated. Seriously, you guys. You can find some pretty cool stuff for super cheap. You can find hidden gems that are brand new, or eclectic pieces for a DIY project.
The best thing about thrifting is that you never experience buyers remorse (because the goods are all hella cheap!), and you usually walk away feeling rather clever to have found such a sweet deal. You know you’re getting old when thrift shopping gives you a thrill. Oh, well!
Volunteer
Okay, so this may sound super cheesy and many of you are probably rolling your eyes at me again, but I’m going to promote volunteering as a perfect hobby for moms anyways. Yes, as moms we do A LOT for the people in our lives and sometimes feel like we just don’t have anymore to give. But, I would like to argue that volunteering is actually really for your own benefit.
Volunteering is actually a great source of self-care, because volunteering can do amazing things for your mental and emotional wellbeing.
To put it simply, volunteering makes you feel really good. Volunteering can help combat depression, reduce stress, and keep you mentally stimulated. Helping others will leave your with a sense of purpose, like you’re actually making a difference. You can even make new meaningful connections, and feel more involved within your community.
Find a local cause you and you’re mom squad are passionate about and donate a few hours of your time to it once or twice a month. Not sure where to look? Join your community’s Facebook group and ask group members for suggestions. Check with your church, kids’ school, and local animal shelter for any volunteer opportunities they may offer or help facilitate. Volunteer Match is a website that allows you to search for all kinds of volunteer opportunities in your surrounding area.
Hobbies For Moms – The Takeaway
I know we’re all busy, there’s just no denying that. It can be really hard to make room for extracurricular activities, but mama, you’ve got to make the effort. Schedule a few hours every two weeks (or month, at the least) to do something fun just for you. Seriously though, write it down in your planner or the family calendar. Whatever you need to do to make it a priority.
Don’t beat yourself up if something comes up and you’ve got no choice but to skip your monthly flea market trip. Life is far from perfect and things are bound to get in the way from time to time. Your squad will understand. Just make sure you don’t let your hobby, whatever that may be, fall completely to the wayside. This is your wellbeing we’re talking about, mama, and that’s crazy important.
Do you have a pretty awesome hobby you’d like to share with us? Tell us about it in the comments section!
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Sam Dobson is a mom to one sassy toddler and four crazy dogs. She's a freelance writer and blogger, with a 9-5 manager of operations gig. Sam's work has been published in two national lifestyle magazines, and she has been featured on a number of online publications and blogs. In her free time, she enjoys reading to her daughter, taking her dogs for a walk, and date nights with her husband.
I am all about these fun activities. I am always in support of things to do with my friends.
So happy I could help. <3
Very good hobbies to share with your kids. Thank you for sharing.
I love all these ideas! I wouldn’t have thought to make thrifting a group activity, but now that I think about it… it’s always WAY more fun with a friend. And think of all the deals we could find if we made it a regular activity?! Awesome.
Way more fun with a friend! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for reading!
Awesome article! It’s easy to forget how important it is to disconnect and do something for ourselves. I used to have several hobbies before I had kids. You’ve inspired me to get back in the game!
Yay! I’m so happy I could inspire you to give yourself some much needed me-time. Enjoy mama! Hope you do something fun. 🙂
It’s weird how subtly the mom-guilt creeps up on you…because a couple of years ago – before kids- I would very firmly have told you that I will always be making time for myself as I want to be the best possible version on myself FOR MY KIDS.
Thank you for this reminder.
Mom guilt gets the best of us from time to time. You just have to remember that taking care of yourself and your needs ultimately makes you a better mom. Thanks for reading!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I couldn’t agree with this post more! After neglecting myself for far too long, I finally am learning the importance of having something for me and have been working on defining who I am outside of parent, employee, wife, etc. Starting hobbies and making time for MYSELF is allowing me to be happier, to be a better parent and wife, to feel creative, and to feel alive again. 🙂
Yes! I love this so much. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I was in the same boat for the first year or so of motherhood. Always putting myself and my needs last, and then wondered why I was so unhappy. Now that I prioritize myself once in a while, I’m happier mom and wife. Keep it up, mama! So happy for you. 🙂
I think it’s really important to have time and activities with friends. My favorite activity list it would be crafts I personally would like to go to a paint and sip with some girlfriends.
You should! Paint and sip is soooo much fun and therapeutic. And it’s just an added bonus that you can almost always find deals for these classes on sites like Groupon and Living Social. I hope you do it soon!
Exercise is definitely onenof my favorite hobbies! During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy I took Pure Barre classes which focus on low-impact strengtheing to the pelvic floor, glutes, and legs- i loved it! I’m now starting to get into prenatal yoga which I also love so far!
Good for you! I’m not so good with keeping up exercise during pregnancy, but I applaud those who do. It’s a great way to have a healthy pregnancy, prepare for birth, and blow off some steam. I’ll get back into after birth. Lol. Thanks for reading!
Hobbies are so important! I used to be an avid crocheter but haven’t picked it up since my daughter was born (20 months ago)! It can be challenging with her at this age but I learned from my grandma very young and I’m so excited to teach her so we can enjoy it together! In the meantime I think I need to make some time for just me to sit and work on a project. This post was a great reminder of that, so thank you!
Oh mama, I know it’s so hard to keep up with hobbies once you’re doting on your baby’s every need! Hopefully soon you’ll find the time to pick those crocheting needles up again. And I love the idea of it being a hobby you can do with your little one when she’s old enough. So sweet! Thanks for reading!
I don’t know if this counts as a hobby or just a desperate attempt to occupy my 2 year old but I like coming up with games that I think he’ll like. Sometimes its a brand new game and other times its a spin on an existing game. Sometimes I actually include crafting in these games – like Twisters but with farm animals!! Thanks for this. I think I need to find a hobby that is not kid related.
Hey, if you enjoy it then it counts! And bonus points to you for multitasking AND getting creative! Thanks for reading 🙂
I think blogging has become my hobby… or addiction. I can’t decide which! I schedule at least half an hour a day, whether it be while the little one is napping or after she’s gone to bed, I make it happen.
Okay, blogging totally counts! For me at this point in time, it’s definitelu more of a hobby. Eventually, I’m hoping it will feel more like a business. But if it’s fun and you enjoy it, it’s definitely a hobby! Thanks for reading.
I am 100% addicted to thrift stores! Never really thought about it being a “hobby” until I read this post, but I completely agree that it is!
Great post!
Thrift stores are awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading! 🙂