Hey, Mama!
I see you there, drowning in a sea of laundry and loneliness.
Life can get pretty busy between managing work, home, and kids, right? But let’s talk about something for you—hobbies. Maybe having a hobby is not something you’ve thought about in a long time. And I’m all about God first and our families next but there is something about having hobbies for ourselves that makes us better in our other roles as wives, moms, daughters, and all the other roles we may find ourselves in.
Having a hobby isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it can greatly improve your mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or balancing work-from-home duties, let’s dive into some amazing hobby ideas that will inspire you to carve out a little “hobby time” every day.
Why Hobbies Are Essential for Moms
First things first, let’s chat about why having a hobby is so important. When was the last time you did something purely for joy? If you’re drawing a blank, don’t worry, you’re not alone! We often pour ourselves into taking care of others, leaving our own passions on the back burner. I believe in having a heart of service and putting others first even if that’s not popular in the world we live in but we do need to keep ourselves fueled too.
Engaging in a hobby can:
- Reduce Stress: Hobbies can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day.
- Boost Creativity: Trying new activities stimulates your brain, making you more creative in all areas of life.
- Build Confidence: Mastering a new skill or creating something beautiful gives you a sense of accomplishment.
- Provide Balance: Hobbies offer a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial, especially when home and work life are blended.
Would any of these benefit your family?
When we’re better our families are better and stronger too! Mom anger is a real thing and easy to come back if we’re tired and unfulfilled and resentful.
So maybe it’s time to take back up an old hobby or find a new one. Here are some ideas…
Hobbies to Nourish Your Soul
1. Journaling or Creative Writing
If you have a way with words (or even if you don’t), journaling is an excellent way to process your thoughts and emotions. You can start a gratitude journal, jotting down things you’re thankful for each day. It’s a wonderful way to keep your faith at the center of your life. Not only does journaling help clear your mind, but it also serves as a beautiful reminder of how far you’ve come.
Pinterest Tip: Create a Pinterest board with journaling prompts, especially focusing on gratitude and faith. Look up keywords like my hobby or aesthetic hobbies.
2. Gardening
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, gardening can be incredibly fulfilling. From simple indoor plants to a full-fledged vegetable garden, this hobby is not just calming but also incredibly rewarding. Watching something grow under your care is a beautiful way to connect with God’s creation.
3. Crafting and DIY Projects
Crafting isn’t just for kids—there are countless DIY projects that can spark your creativity and result in beautiful, functional items for your home. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, or even making homemade candles, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your own hands.
4. Baking and Cooking
If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, why not turn it into a hobby? Experimenting with new recipes or even starting a small baking business from home can be fun and profitable. Plus, baking can be a lovely way to serve others—nothing says love like a homemade treat! Cake decorating can be fun too!
And you don’t have to turn your hobbies into a business if it’s going to suck the fun out of it. Keep the hobbies you love just for you if you want to.
Idea: Host a “bake and pray” session where you bake goodies to share with friends and neighbors while praying over them.
5. Photography
If you love capturing moments, photography might just be the perfect hobby for you. It’s a great way to document your family’s life while exploring your creative side. You don’t need an expensive camera—your smartphone will do just fine to start.
There are so many photography classes online and many free videos on YouTube you can use to learn.
6. Bible Study and Scripture Art
For those looking to deepen their faith, consider turning your Bible study into a creative outlet. Scripture art, where you combine verses with artistic expression, can be incredibly fulfilling. Whether you’re drawing, painting, or using calligraphy, this is a beautiful way to meditate on God’s word.
7. Painting or Drawing
Start with basic supplies like a sketchpad and pencils or a beginner’s watercolor set. Don’t worry about being perfect; focus on expressing yourself. Consider following online tutorials or joining a local art class to learn different techniques.
8. Sewing or Embroidery
Start with simple projects like sewing pillowcases or embroidering small designs on napkins. YouTube has countless tutorials to guide you. Invest in a good sewing machine and quality threads to make the process smoother.
9. Reading
Join a local book club or an online community like Goodreads to find book recommendations and share your thoughts. Set aside 15-30 minutes before bed each night to wind down with a good book. Consider using e-books or audiobooks if you’re short on time.
10. Learning a Musical Instrument
Choose an instrument that interests you and start with basic lessons, either online or with a local instructor. Practice a little each day to build your skills gradually. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; learning an instrument takes time.
11. Calligraphy
Begin with a starter kit that includes a few different nibs and ink. Practice basic strokes and letter formations before moving on to full words and phrases. Calligraphy workbooks can be a great help in building your skills.
12. Scrapbooking
Start by organizing your photos and mementos. Invest in quality scrapbooking supplies like acid-free paper, stickers, and embellishments. Use online resources for layout inspiration. Dedicate a quiet weekend afternoon to dive into your project.
You can scrapbook digitally too if that’s more your thing!
You can consider an online subscription like Creative Fabrica to download background paper, fonts, and graphics for your pages. I use it all the time and they have activities to keep little ones busy too!
13. Genealogy
Start with your immediate family and gather as much information as possible. Use online resources like Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org to trace your roots. Keep organized records of your findings and consider visiting local archives or libraries for deeper research.
14. Volunteering
Look for opportunities that align with your interests or values, whether it’s at your child’s school, a local food bank, or a church group. Start small with a few hours a month and gradually increase your involvement as you find your niche.
15. Podcasting or Blogging
Choose a topic you’re passionate about and start with a simple setup. For podcasting, invest in a good microphone and editing software. For blogging, use platforms like WordPress or Medium. Consistency is key—try to post or record on a regular schedule. This could turn into a ministry hobby for you too!
16. Language Learning
Use language-learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel for daily practice. Try to incorporate the new language into your daily life by labeling household items or watching movies with subtitles. Set small, achievable goals like learning a certain number of new words each week.
17. Knitting or Crocheting
Start with easy projects like scarves or dishcloths. Choose soft, forgiving yarn and larger needles to make learning easier. Join a local knitting circle or online community for support and inspiration.
18. Digital Art
Begin with free or affordable software like Procreate or Adobe Spark. Experiment with different styles and techniques through online tutorials. Consider sharing your creations on social media or in digital art communities for feedback. A similar idea is graphic design which you can start with online software like Canva!
19. Fitness Challenges
Set a realistic goal, like running a mile without stopping or mastering a new type of workout. Use fitness apps to track your progress and stay motivated. Mix up your routine to keep it fun—try cardio workouts, HIIT, or even at-home Pilates. A rebounder can be great exercise with just a few short minutes and fun too. *This is not medical advice. Talk to a professional if needed to see what you are up for especially if you are in your postpartum season.
20. Photography
Start by learning the basics of lighting, composition, and angles. Practice with your smartphone before investing in a more advanced camera. Join online photography challenges to improve your skills and build a portfolio.
21. DIY Home Décor
Start with small projects like painting a picture frame or creating a centerpiece. Look for inspiration on Pinterest or DIY blogs. Make sure to use the right tools and materials to achieve professional-looking results.
You could redo a room on a really tight budget for a fun hobby too! Check out this $26 bedroom makeover!
22. Bird Watching
Set up a bird feeder in your backyard and keep a journal of the species you spot. Invest in a good pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook to enhance your experience. Consider joining a local bird-watching group for outings and expert advice.
23. Puzzle Solving
Start with smaller puzzles or brain teasers to build your skills. Dedicate a specific space at home for your puzzle projects. Join online puzzle forums or apps to challenge yourself and connect with other enthusiasts.
24. Tea Blending
Experiment with different herbs, spices, and teas to create your own unique blends. Keep a journal of your recipes and what works best. Share your creations with friends or consider starting a small online shop.
25. Letter Writing
Gather beautiful stationery, pens, and stamps to make letter writing a special occasion. Set aside time each week to write to friends, family, or even a new pen pal. Personalize your letters with drawings, photos, or small gifts.
26. Making Your Own Body Care (Soap Making)
Start with a simple soap-making kit that includes all the basic ingredients like glycerin, essential oils, and molds. Experiment with different scents and natural additives like oatmeal or dried flowers. Once you’re comfortable, you can try creating custom recipes and even expand into making lotions or bath bombs. Remember to research safety precautions when handling lye if you move on to more advanced soap-making techniques.
Ok, maybe you can see the importance of having hobbies and maybe you even have a hobby in mind. But how do you make time for hobbies as a busy mom?
How to Make Time for Hobbies as a Busy Mom
I know what you’re thinking—how am I supposed to find time for a hobby? After all we don’t exactly have “free time” as busy moms. The secret is to start small and be intentional about it. It’s the best way! Here are a few tips:
- Schedule It In: Just like you schedule appointments, block out time for your hobbies. Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
- Involve Your Kids: Some hobbies, like baking or gardening, can be a fun way to spend time with your little ones.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect or spend hours on your hobby. The goal is to enjoy the process, not add another item to your to-do list.
- Join a Group: Sometimes, having accountability can help you stick to your hobby. Whether it’s a local club or an online community, connecting with others who share your interests can be motivating.
Your local library can be a great resource of ideas and tips and may also have a list of creative classes in your area. And you may just make some new friends if you step out of your comfort zone.
Conclusion: Your Hobby is Your Sanctuary
Mama, you deserve something that’s just for you. Whether it’s journaling, gardening, crafting, or diving deeper into your faith, hobbies can become a sanctuary where you recharge and reconnect with yourself.
Think about how you can fit your hobby into your daily routine. Your hobby does not have to take a lot of time to be fun. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about finding joy in the journey. If your new hobby stops being fun, try something else.
Think about how you can turn things you love to do into a hobby. Like thrift stores! I love thrift stores. I could schedule a weekly trip and try out different ones. I could shop for friends or I could get items in great shape and practice upcycling them or reselling them.
Remember a little bit of intention and planning goes a long way. What is a great hobby for one mom could feel far too much like work to another. This is about your mental health and enriching your life. Just because something feels hard at first though doesn’t mean you should let it stop you. Once you learn whether from a YouTube channel or by taking an online course and get into the thing you may just love it.
We may not have spare time as busy moms to try new things but we need to make time. That sense of self care will go a long way in helping us be that better mom we want to be and helping us with personal growth. Also trying different hobbies teaches our children to never stop learning. Mom life does not mean we can have no personal interest in other things. Hobbies are good for our physical health too!
So, what’s your next hobby going to be? Share it with me in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to embrace our creative sides!
Also, check out the Slow Living Cheatsheet. It makes a grid game out of slow-living hobby ideas. Our toddler and I just did some pot gardening last week!
What are your favorite hobbies? I would love to hear about it in the comments.
Leave a Reply