Right now, you might feel like you’re going more than a bit stir-crazy. However, you now have the perfect opportunity to adopt a new hobby. What should you do with this quiet time? You have a ton of options. YouTube offers a host of how-to videos, and with the nation in lockdown, other companies have gotten into the act of providing free online resources. Teach yourself one of these best hobbies for busy moms and reclaim your sense of identity — even in isolation.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hobby
When you decide to adopt a hobby, you need to ask yourself several questions.
- What sounds interesting? Sure, you’ve seen spots on the news about how you can learn how to play the ukulele for free on YouTube. However, as cool as it would be to strum “Over the Rainbow” like the phenomenal Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, if you don’t have the interest, you won’t stick with it. You can explore nearly any passion, and you don’t have to worry about what the entire gang enjoys.
- How much time do you have? Yes, right now, you might respond, “I have all the time I need.” However, life will return to normal eventually. If you intend to continue your hobby after your isolation period, consider how hectic your life typically is. Busy moms might not have time to keep up a blog, but they can fit in 30 minutes of cross stitch in the evening.
- How much money do you have? Some hobbies, such as sketching or journaling, require relatively little money. Others, like knitting, entail a more significant investment — you can never have enough yarn!
- Do you want to return to the old or forge on with the new? You can adopt a new hobby during the quarantine. Nevertheless, if your quilting project has collected dust on a shelf in your closet, now is an ideal time to dust it off, too.
Hobby Ideas for Busy and Bored Moms of Babies Through Teens
If you’re looking for ideal hobbies for moms with babies, consider the following ideas.
Creative/Art Hobbies
Do you picture yourself as an artist? If you don’t have much money, all you need is paper and a pencil to start drawing. You can find online tutorials on how to draw anything, such as wild horses that don’t resemble stick figures.Want to work with your hands? Depending on the materials you choose, sculpting need not cost much. You can even let the kiddos join in the fun of making homemade clay with cornstarch, salt and water. If you have a bankroll, you can invest in a kiln, but you can let the sun dry your creations, too.
Craft Hobbies
Is there an elaborate recipe you’ve wanted to try forever? Now is the perfect time to get in the kitchen. Plus, you can delight your family with the delicious dishes you whip up.Do you enjoy working quietly with your hands? Any type of needlework, such as knitting, crochet and quilting, is ideal for bored moms because you can engage without disturbing your little one’s slumber. Once you master your craft, you can earn a side income by selling your creations on Etsy.
Outside/Active Hobbies
You can still get outdoors if you opt to go solo. Plus, it will benefit your mental health, alleviating stress and mental fatigue. Now is the ideal time to hike the trails, especially those close to home. Decreased pollution creates incredible views.Prefer to run rather than walk? Even if you think you can’t make it around the block, you can improve and get better every day. Doing so can give busy moms a sense of identity because you work toward a concrete goal. Think how amazing you’ll feel when you crush it.
Digital Hobbies
When it comes to hobbies for busy moms, nothing is better than taking pictures of your babies — both the two- and four-legged ones. Maybe you prefer landscape photography. If you get talented, you can sell your visions for $100 or more on websites like Shutterstock, Etsy and SmugMug Pro.Do you have a passion for writing? Why not start a blog about #momlife or any other topic that suits your fancy? It takes a while to build engaging content, but you have plenty of time.
Is This the Right Hobby for Me?
Don’t be afraid to try a new hobby if your first attempt doesn’t go as you hoped. Consider these questions as you experiment with new ideas:
- Are you looking forward to it during the day? Your hobby should engage your passions. If it feels like a chore, choose an alternative.
- Are you having fun? Again, your hobby should be a soothing activity that you want to do. If it feels like an obligation, you incur no penalty for walking away.
- Is this activity inconveniencing the rest of your day and causing more stress? The whole point of adopting hobbies for bored moms is to help relax.
Busy and Bored Moms, Explore Your Passion With a New Hobby During Your Quiet Time
Working a hobby into your day can be difficult. Starting slowly with just a few minutes a day can lead to a healthy pattern of personal time. Find something you feel passionate about by trial and error. Don’t be afraid to try a few hobbies and see which is right for you. Getting your brain active is healthy and fun! Remember — don’t forget to enjoy yourself!