Fun Ways to Balance Your Mom Time with Me Time
How do you combat boredom when you’re a stay-at-home parent? Is boredom possible when you’re a stay-at-home mom? You might not think so, but yes, it is. If you’re a stay-at-home mom looking for a little balance and change of routine, this list of Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms will give you a place to start.
There are a lot of benefits to being a stay-at-home mom. Being with your kids full-time is at the top of the list. But, being a full-time parent is not without its challenges either.
Stay-at-home parenting can be stressful and lonely. This is detrimental to mental health and well-being.
Finding a way to maintain a sense of self while being fully immersed in the care of others can be difficult.
To help balance the mental and emotional stress of being an at home parent, it’s important to seek personal time away from family responsibilities.
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Why Stay-at-Home Moms Need a Hobby
There’s a common misconception that stay-at-home moms sit around and do nothing but eating chocolate and watching daytime T.V. It’s said in a sort of tongue-in-cheek manner, but it’s a running joke that never seems to die out.
The reality is that being a stay-at-home mom is akin to having 2.5 full-time jobs.
Think about it. The very nature of being an at home parent is that you are — at home. You never clock out. You’re always there. This is not the experience for parents working outside of the home. They go to work, do their thing, then come home.
Even with the working parent at home, stay-at-home moms are still relied upon to make sure everyone is cared for. You’re the pillar in the family and the go-to person for all things, kid, partner, home.
Given that, don’t you think you deserve a little time for a personal outlet?
Finding ways to refuel and re-energize yourself is important. As much as you love being a parent, keeping a sense of balance between Motherhood and Identity is vital.
Related Article: Scheduling Self-Care for Busy Moms
37 Things for a Stay-at-Home Mom to Do
Hey mom! What do you do in your spare time?
You’re probably wondering, ‘what spare time’? I know, free time is hard to come by for most parents. But, you have to try.
Think about what makes you laugh, or relax or feel fulfilled.
It can be something you enjoyed before becoming a parent. If you prefer, you can find something new to do.
There are a lot of things that can be done at home. But, when you have an opportunity to leave the house on your own… go for it!
Exercise
Some people may not think of exercise as a hobby, but it can be. For some people, exercising is the thing they not only look forward to, but also where and how they spend their time and money.
Exercise is great because it can be a solo or group activity. It’s also something you can do with your children in tow if necessary. A number of mommy and me classes include exercise. You can also take a walk or run with baby in the stroller.
When you do get out on your own, there are several options for exercise that will energize your mind and body.
- Yoga/ Acro Yoga
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Cycling/ Spin
- Running (Running Club)
- Adult Intramural Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Softball)
Purpose
What drives you? Outside of your family, what matters to you most in the world?
If you have a passion for something and time to give back, there are a lot of organizations that would love to have your help.
If need be, there are also ways for you to volunteer from home. Think of the people that sewed masks during the pandemic. What skills do you have that can be done at home but shared with your community.
- Volunteering (ex. Animal Rights, Children’s Welfare, Homelessness Advocate, Equal Rights, Gender Equality, etc.)
- Fundraising
- Homesteading
- Knit Blankets, Scarves/ Hats (For the Elderly and Newborns)
Education
Keeping the mind active, keeps it strong. An easy way to do this is by learning something new. Learning something new is challenging and stimulating. It might be just what you need to change your routine.
- Take a Class (Online or In-Person)
- Reading
- Discover What Bitcoin and NFTs are About
- Learn an Instrument
- Teach a Language Online (Zoom)
- Learn a New Language
Well-being
Many of the previously shared suggestions also fall under well-being. The entirety of this post is for the betterment of your well-being as a stay-at-home mom.
The ideas below are those that bring about a sense of peace and calm. They are meant to center you in your faith, in your spirit, in yourself.
- Bible Study Group
- Guided Meditation
- Gardening
- Journaling
- Write a Book/ Scrapbook
- Photography
- Art (Sculpture, Painting, Drawing)
Related Article: How to Transition to Being a Stay-at-Home Mom
Social
Take an activity, add people and it’s a party! Well, not necessarily a party, but definitely an opportunity for socialization.
You can really turn any solo activity into a social one, and vice versa.
Revisit something you enjoyed with friends before becoming a mom. You may even want to do something that you can do with your kids and other moms.
- Book Club (Mystery, Romance, Cookbooks, Fantasy, etc.)
- Mommy & Me Groups
- Wine Tasting
- Guided Hikes
- Dance Classes
- Pub Trivia
Don’t overlook what social media can do for you. Write a blog, or record a podcast or become an Instamom!
If you have a desire to be a content creator, you can do that too! Sneak in a little creator time after the baby has gone down for nap time or bed time. It might be a little tricky, but it really is made for stay-at-home parenting and is a great creative and emotional outlet.
Money Maker
Think about your life as a stay-at-home mom. Some people thrive in that environment, just as it is. Is that you?
If so, your hobby could be helping women, new to that lifestyle, find their way. You could start a local Facebook group for new stay-at-home moms.
And, consider this. A lot of businesses start out as hobbies. Your hobby could bring in a few dollars.
If you like jewelry making, you can sell your creations on Etsy. Use your skills in graphic design to create wall art, stickers and home décor to sell.
Let’s face it, finances can be a real challenge for single income families. If a little money in your pocket would be helpful, turn your hobby into a money maker.
There are just things that people hate doing and would be willing to pay for. Use your skills to ease that pain point and you’ve got a business.
Can you help with meal planning, organization, or household management systems?
- Help Meal Prep
- Tutor
- Homeschool/ Daycare
- Sew Costumes (Halloween, School Play)
- Party Planner
- Gift Wrapper
- Baking (Cupcakes, Character Cakes, etc.)
- Organizer (Life, Closet, Kitchen, Garage)
Concluding Hobbies for Stay-at-Home Moms
Are you a stay-at-home mom looking for a little change in routine?
Whether you’re in search of a change of pace or just hoping to add some variety into your life, you deserve it. You cannot be a happy, effective parent if you’re burned out.
A lot of stay-at-home moms feel depleted by the constant need. But if you thrive on people and want to get connected or reconnect with others, your hobby can fulfill that desire as well.
Your mental health is something that cannot be ignored or scheduled for a more convenient time. There’s no such thing.
Think about what you need to enhance your life. What do you like to do? What do you miss doing?
When was the last time you had a hobby? The hobbies for stay-at-home moms shared here is to spark your interest and curiosity.
Whether for exercise, purpose, well-being, social or to make money, your happiness is the goal. Your hobby should be for you. Don’t feel obligated to include anyone else if you don’t want to.
Whatever you decide to do, make time for it. It’s important. You’re important. You deserve it. Have fun!
Do you have any hobbies that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it.
I am not a mum myself, but can only imagine that you need to take care of yourself too and hobbies are sucha. great way to spark that. Thanks for sharing x
Hi Cristina! Thank you for your response. I have never really been one into hobbies until I had a child. I guess I took care of myself in different ways before then. But now, I can see the benefits of doing something just for me. Sometimes she’s helps me, but otherwise, I try to take a little time for myself early in the morning before she gets up. I absolutely encourage parents to find something that allows them to disconnect in one way and connect back to themselves in another.
~ Cassie
This was a great list; I know a number of mums who will enjoy reading this and get a lot from it. I think there are things I could do too as hobbies even without having a family of my own. Fab!
Yes, Molly! But, maybe you already are. Blogging is a hobby for a lot of people. I know it is for me. There’s definitely no reason to wait to get a hobby until you have kids. You deserve to do something now, just for you, just because. Highly recommended.
~ Cassie