It seems that we are all busier today than ever. Between our careers and families, it’s hard to find time for anything else. The irony is that we need to find time for ourselves more than ever when life is hectic.
Having a hobby is a great way to relieve the stresses that a mom’s busy life can bring on. The stress will build up if we don’t find an outlet for it. As a mom myself, I know that if I don’t, my kids will suffer more than I do.
I had a couple hobbies at one time, but gave them up when I had my children. Now, I’m realizing that I need to find one more than ever.
I am going to discuss 10 great hobbies that you can do to help you find balance in your life. Whether it’s how to learn to play piano or sewing, finding a hobby that fits in nicely with your lifestyle and budget will benefit your overall well being, as well as the family.
So, here we go.
1. Photography
Most everyone has a reason for taking photos, to capture a special moment, vacations, or family. So, why not take it a step further and turn this into a hobby? You could take courses that will get you out of the house for a while or online if you prefer to not be tied to a scheduled event.
It’s a very creative outlet, and you just might surprise yourself in how well you do. However, even if it’s just for fun, it’s something you will be able to apply often in your life.
2. Aquarium
Aquariums can generate a very peaceful setting. Have you ever just watched the fish swim in a large aquarium with the sound of the water flowing? We even considered having one as our headboard once, but it wouldn’t fit.
You could either have freshwater, or saltwater. Freshwater tends to be a lot less expensive, but not quite as colorful as some of the saltwater fish. There is a special knack for maintaining a tank, but once you get the water in the proper balance, it’s easier than you might think.
3. Scrapbooking
This is a great hobby to bring your photos to the next level, and also explore your creative side. You will be able to enhance the story that your photo tells, with various techniques. The photo books you create can also make wonderful gifts.
I used to do scrapbooking before the kids were born, but gave it up due to lack of time. However, I’m realizing the importance of taking it back up again”¦for those very reasons.
Scrapbooking can be done in classes or clubs, or alone at your home.
4. Painting or Drawing
Painting (or drawing)
Check with your local community center to see if they have any beginner courses, if you don’t know anything about it.
5. Knitting or Sewing
Knitting and sewing are different in technique, but they are very similar in other ways. Both allow you to take your creative side to create something practical for you or the kids.
Just like painting, if you are not familiar with it, check to see if you can find a beginners course at the local college.
6. Gardening
Gardening is a great source for relieving stress, as well as a way to produce some beautiful landscaping. I like the thought of gardening because it will get me out of the house and into the sunshine.
If you don’t know much about gardening, check with local nurseries to see if they offer some courses. If you can’t find anything like that, there are online guides for various climates and designs.
7. Piano
I saved my favorite for last”¦piano. Music in general is very therapeutic, even listening to it. It has a way of speaking to people in ways they don’t even realize. In fact, this quote from the late composer Gustav Mahler sums it up very nicely:
“˜If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.’
Whenever I plan an event, I spend just as much time on picking out the music than I do anything else. I believe it could make or break any event.
So, it only makes sense that taking up a musical instrument would be my pick for choosing a hobby. To learn music theory is to appreciate the beauty of it, whether it’s through piano, flute, or even vocals.
I took piano lessons when I was younger, but regret giving it up too soon. I want to be able to get lost in keys, even if it’s just for an hour. I also want to introduce my children to music early on. If they are surrounded by it, they will appreciate a hobby that will allow their imaginations to soar.
If you would like to start piano, you need to consider a few things such as going out to classes, or taking online courses. Another option to consider is if you want an upright piano, or an electric keyboard. I know someone who has an electric keyboard which delivers the same sound and feel as an upright. You just have to pick one with high quality.
In Closing
It doesn’t matter which hobby you choose, as long as you are enjoying it. The key is to make sure that it fits into your life, as well as your budget if you want it to truly relieve stress. If it meets the criteria then you should experience less stress and be able to welcome more balance back in your life.