Tips To Balance Hobbies And Motherhood As A Busy Mom

If you had asked me during my early days as a first-time mother what my hobbies were, I likely would have smiled and said, “changing diapers.” Drowning in sleepless nights, I often found it easy to set my own needs aside. Entering motherhood can feel like unfamiliar territory, and I often felt adrift, struggling to recognize my identity. Don’t misunderstand me, I cherish being a mom; however, adjusting to this new role can be daunting. I’ve learned quite a bit on this journey, one of the most significant lessons being the importance of dedicating time to myself. As a busy mother of two, I’ve decided to make hobbies a priority in my life.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, wondering how to fit those hobbies into your busy life, here’s my insight: it’s not going to be flawless. I’m not aiming to master anything at this stage, but rather I wish to experience the joy of discovering something new just for myself. Here’s how I am weaving hobbies into my life as an active mom.

The Importance of Hobbies for Moms

Believe it or not, pre-parenthood, I often exclaimed, “I’m bored.” While I can’t help but feel a bit regretful for not pursuing hobbies back then, I remind myself that it’s never too late for anything. A study published in Nature Medicine found that individuals engaged in hobbies “reported better health, increased happiness, reduced symptoms of depression, and heightened life satisfaction.” The challenge often lies in achieving a sense of “balance.”

I recall a post from Joanna Gaines, the mother and cofounder of Magnolia, discussing her perspective on “balance.” She aptly states, “The hidden truth about balance is it requires that everything in our lives be equally distributed at times.” Yet, she also notes, “But that’s just not the way my life unfolds every day.” This thought has resonated with me deeply. I’m trying to embrace the notion of engaging in hobbies without expecting it to look the same daily. Some days, I may not find much time for my hobbies as my children take precedence, and that’s perfectly fine. My most opportune moments are usually after the kids are in bed. If you know, you know.

Finding Time for Hobbies

Anyone who’s a parent knows that life can get incredibly hectic. Fitting yet another task into an already packed schedule can seem daunting, but I’ve devised a plan for myself. I’ve chosen to focus on two new pursuits this year, dedicating the first half to one hobby and the second half to another. So far, I’ve decided on a pottery class and learning how to crochet—quite the “grandma hobbies!”

To get started with pottery, I’ve enrolled in a local class, which will help establish a routine. I plan to coordinate with my husband to ensure we’re aligned on childcare responsibilities. As for crochet, it’s a bit more flexible. The Woobles company offers an array of beginner crochet kits that include everything necessary to get started.

Choosing the Right Hobby

There isn’t a secret method to selecting a hobby, but if you’re unsure where to begin, think back to activities you once enjoyed but have set aside. Whether it’s painting, singing, or running, leaning on previous experiences can make it easier as you won’t have to invest as much mental effort into them. Alternatively, you might consider starting something you’ve always wanted to try, like pottery! Take some time to ponder what seems enjoyable to you, steering clear of options that might feel burdensome.

Embracing Hobbies as a Mother on the Go

Embracing hobbies as a busy mom means shedding all unnecessary expectations. Time constraints can be significant, and when life occurs, it’s essential to be willing to reschedule. I recognize that I won’t excel at these hobbies right away, but that’s simply part of life. Who knows, I might discover that I’m not fond of the hobbies I initially selected—but that’s perfectly acceptable. My primary objective is to ensure that I’m partaking in activities that bring me joy.

Concluding Thoughts

It has taken me a few years to understand that taking care of myself enables me to invest more in my family’s wellbeing. If you’re feeling a bit lost right now, remember that you are not alone. Engaging in hobbies may feel unattainable at any stage in life. Personally, I’m enthusiastic about this journey. Whether these hobbies endure or not, I’m certain I won’t regret prioritizing something beneficial for my mental health, especially as a mother.