Before you became a mum, you probably had a hobby or two that you enjoyed making time to do…it doesn’t have to stop just because you have a child or children to raise.
Having a hobby can be a great way to help relive some of the stresses that being a busy working mum or mumpreneur can bring on…therapy without the cost and it will help you find your identity again.
Still not convinced? Here are a three more reasons why a hobby is a great idea, even for a busy working mum.
Having a hobby relieves stress and tension
Spending time on a hobby replaces negative thoughts about money, work or worries about the kids or your other half and replaces them with positive thoughts and feelings. Having a hobby or creative outlet can lift your spirits and help have something positive you can look forward to.
Unlike passive activities like watching telly, a hobby really does provide intellectual stimulation while relaxing you at the same time. Repetitive actions like those used in knitting, painting etc are especially calming and you can lose yourself in the moment and bring some calm to your day.
Hobbies help you parent better
We are so good at signing our kids up for extracurricular lessons that we feel will help them, or that they’ll enjoy, and encouraging them to have hobbies, even paying for these classes and driving them to and fro! But we forget that we also need to learn new things and grow as people, too…that need doesn’t stop just because we become parents.
Hobbies also connect you with other people who share your interests. They can help you maintain a separate identity as a real person and not just as a mum, which is a positive thing.
Hobbies can give you a refreshing change from your daily routine
If you’re a stay-at-home mum, you may be frustrated because at the end of the day you can hardly point to anything you’ve “done” for yourself. This is because of the repetitive nature of housework and childcare.
In generations past, women pursued hobbies like quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery not only because they were enjoyable, but because they provided tangible value to the family, by providing clothing or some much-needed income.
Some hobbies like tennis, gardening or belly dancing can even provide great exercise with all of its accompanying benefits. The best exercise activity is one that combines mind and body and is enjoyable to pursue.
Why not carve out some time to pursue your hobby? Don’t let a shortage of time and/or money stop you. Use your commute to knit if that takes your fancy, or set aside a couple of hours a week to start carving out time for your favorite pastime…it doesn’t have to break the bank, and you can do many hobbies from the comfort of your own home if you’re worried about childcare costs and arrangements.
