Self-care is SO important for all people, and parents of young kids seem least likely to have time etched out of their schedule for it. So! What are some things that you lovely humans like to do for fun? Hobbies, habits, day-dreams, anything!
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BK (before kid), I used to sew a LOT! I still make some time for it here and there, but don't nearly have the spare time to devote to it that I used to. It scratches the creative itch that I get sometimes.
I also play video games (poorly) on our Xbox when DH and DD are out together (and I don't feel like getting everything out to sew).
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Go to Target by myself
...but really!
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@BadgerMom: I went to KMart by myself the other day to look at what they might have had for Thanksgiving outfits and it was GLORIOUS to just wander around by myself and look at whatever I wanted.
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I sew (nothing fancy just little baby shirts for a charity), so they're quick easy little projects. I also do Calligraphy, but I haven't done that in ages because 2 1/2 year old toddler + open ink wells make me nervous!
Fishing and Shooting have also taken back burners since having my son. Someday I will have time for things... Someday.
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@nutmeg36: Yep it's kinda sad, but since having kids I don't have a ton of "hobbies" exactly. More like ways to unwind and gain some alone time which mostly include watching netflix and going shopping by myself. Occasionally I'll get a wild hair and start a sewing or craft project.
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@BadgerMom: It is not sad! It is just a stage, a moment in time, and it won't be like this for forever.
If it makes you feel any better, above when I said I sew? Last time I sewed was Christmas stockings before Christmas last year. Time before that I don't even remember. "Making time for it here and there" really means "I look on Pinterest and make grand plans for when DD is in school in 5 years"
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Reading is my big one. I read on my commute and after kiddo is in bed (DH and I take turns putting her to bed so I get every other night). I also became a bullet journaler this year, so it's gotten me into a regular writing practice. Beyond that, nada. I need more hobbies.
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Well photography would be my go-to answer but that usually involves taking pictures of the kids.
I've started taking photos for other people though and it's a nice break/extra cash.Other than that... read, and watch reality tv. I used to craft but it's been awhile!
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Long walks through target, home goods, and Marshall’s. Only slightly kidding.
I get crafty sometimes with home decorations and Halloween costumes too- I like doing that type of stuff but sometimes it’s too much effort to get everything out. I made a bunting banner for their playroom and letters with my younger daughters name on her wall. Almost done with their semi homemade costumes for this Halloween (doc mcstuffins and lambie).
Reading- I especially like when I add a list of kindle books to my library waiting list and just let them come to me.
Oh, also ordering tons of stuff online only to return 95% of it and buying home decor, trying it out where I intend to put it, and returning it.
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Crocheting, but I haven really done any since last winter. Trying to pick it up again. Reading, but with a 6 week old I'm too exhausted for this, I mainly read at night when I go to bed.
Before DS2 I went to the gym 2 nights a week. That was the most Ali e time I got and I really enjoyed it.
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@Foodnerd81: haha, SAME... I just got some alone time to myself yesterday and i took a leisurely stroll through BOTH HomeGoods and TJ Maxx. In different locations. LOL.
Other things I do for fun: going to dance or zumba classes... Or just getting to a workout class in general is fun for me, and beneficial.
Going out for cocktails with girlfriends is high up there on the list as well... I go with a few mamas every 3-4 weeks on a Wednesday night (after a barre class) and it is the best mid-week break ever.
I also like to watch movie/tvs if I ever have downtime and a screen to myself, which is super rare. I watch the Today show most mornings, but I probably only watch something I really want to see maybe once or twice a week.
And if we're on vacation or something - I love to do puzzles!
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My "me-time" usually consists of working out 4-5 nights/week. Beyond that I can't seem to find the time for other hobbies!
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I knit, but I'm not very good and stick to the basics. Making a couple of fall hats right now, and usually that's the fanciest thing I can handle. DD needs a sweater but I'm scared to try that... my first sweater was a disaster, skinny little arms and totally oversized middle.
Getting better at sewing though. I've made DD a quilt, and it took sooo many late nights, but it looks good and she likes it. Only, she calls it "the blanket with prickly pins" because of that one time I told her not to touch it while I'm stitching
My other hobbies aren't kid-friendly, so they're on hold for now. I hope I'll get to pick them up one day.
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Anything outdoors - running, hiking, swimming. It's really taken a hit since LO was born, but we do try to spend a lot of time weekends outdoors; he's happier that way too - a run to the playground can double as childcare and self care.
I enjoy photography as well, for right now that mostly consists of taking photos of LO. I took it up in part because I enjoy it, and in part because I knew it was the one hobby that would survive having a kid (with LO being the main subject
)And audio books while I'm doing dishes and tidying the house, makes chores so much more bearable!
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I cook! I am not a very skilled cook and I never make up my own recipes, but when I have spare time I love to cook a good meal for dinner. I find it very relaxing to put on a podcast and play in the kitchen.
I also love to read and try to carve out a little time for it every day. I have started to listen to audiobooks too, but to me it's just not the same as reading.
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I read. I used to sew but its not very relaxing, mostly just stresses me out. Exercising is a huge one for me.
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@Foodnerd81: haha yes to ordering stuff and returning it! I do that a lot too.
I used to do more crafty/sewing stuff but just don’t have much time right now. Love to read but it leads to bad choices (staying up late) so forcing myself not to while I have a young baby.
One of my favorite things though is being in the car with just the baby or a sleeping older kid - I listen to podcasts while driving. Even better if I have an iced tea or Starbucks I picked up somewhere.
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I exercise, read, dance, and spend and inordinate amount of time on here when I'm not working or (my favorite "job") being MOM.
I do miss hiking, going out on dates with DH and spending time with friends. I suppose, someday, I'll get back around to doing those things again.
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I crochet and cross stitch and am teaching myself to knit, I try to keep my projects to things that I can pick up and put down regularly so I can start them after bed time as needed. I also read all sorts of books a mix of old stuff and new.
I also cook and bake some of it is just plain necessary like weekly dinner but for special events I go all out. -
Exercise !
Redecorate my house
Organize, label, minimize
Buy clearance stuff from TJMaxx.com
I used to do more like scrapbook, hike, DIY but don't have time for that much anymore.Here's me forcing my husband to install cabinets in our laundry room
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Sewing when I have time, and reading a lot! I’m often too tired to do much after the kids are in bed, so I do a lot of reading.
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@nutmeg36: I read! Blogs, articles, and nonfiction books. I also love jewelry - it’s not exactly a hobby - I mostly get my fill from looking
Other than that, and Work and DS, DW, and our dogs, I volunteer with an animal shelter.
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I bake! Former pastry chef, and I love making pies and breads in the weekends. Also love gardening and thinking up new projects around the house. Excited to get back into yoga after this baby is born. 37 weeks!
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@Foodnerd81: do you have a pic of the costumes? Sounds so adorable!! My daughter is so into Doc
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I love to cook and bake. I still get to do those things, just not in the same way or as much as I used to. But, that’s ok! My 3 year old loves to help me bake.
I also love to just veg out with DH or alone and watch movies and TV shows. I VERY rarely get to to that anymore. When I do, it’s so nice.
Also love going to movies. Especially this time of year when all the really good ones start coming out.
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It's so interesting hearing how different people recharge. I for one hate cooking and would gladly get takeout every night if not for the cost, ha.
I used to be a wedding photographer, so photography is still a hobby. But like others said, my kids are my subjects 90% of the time.
I love hiking and camping. We do it as a family maybe once a month. I wish it was more.
I'm learning to play the harp. I try to practice for at least 20 minutes a day. My two big goals this year:
- perform for our New Years Presentations gathering where we have about 15 of our friends and their kids (everyone performs a song, recites a poem, acts out some Shakespeare or something of that sort)
- busk in a touristy area of a nearby town during the Christmas season. I don't imagine I'll make much money, but I've always admired street musicians and I think providing live music for the benefit of the public is so cool.My DH and I are talking about taking turns taking one evening off a week to go do something all on our own. I hope that happens, bc as a SAHM I am kind of burnt out being around the kids 24/7. I'll be watching this thread for ideas of what to fill the time with!
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Brush lettering
Sight-reading new piano music
Reading books
Working out (although I'm trying to just make it part of every day and be less on and off)
Rock climbing (haven't gotten to do it a lot though)
Researching ethical clothing lines, zero waste lifestyle, and minimalism. I also like shopping and getting new things so it's been interesting trying to shift my mindset and habits.I love baking but once I get through my regular everyday cooking I don't feel like making more dirty dishes most days.
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Before kids, or even marriage, I loved to take my dog on hikes. But my dog is old now she she can barely make it around the block.
I love digging for deals, so sometimes during work lunch breaks I'd go to Target/Tjmaxx and just dig around clearance sections.
My absolute passion is organizing; if you give me a day I'd just be so happy to work on various organizing projects around the house!
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@snowjewelz: Can I fly you here and let you organize my office and house as long as there is no judgement
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@Sams Mom: Never any judgement!! My husband is the polar opposite of me (no issue w/ clutter, calls his stuff organized chaos haha) so I know not everyone is wired the same way. Our office area is what I need to currently tackle too...
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@Hypatia: busking sounds so cool! Have you ever done it?
I keep coming back to wanting to try it, but it's a little scary to try something so different in my old age
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@pachamama: You just made me laugh!
Awesome you have a handy husband.
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@CatchAFallingStar: no pictures yet- hoping to have them try it all on tonight and I’ll report back.
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DH and I are both very into music, so we each give each other one night a week out to make music with others - we used to do a lot of playing together but that's way more difficult now with LO!
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Baking, reading, photography jigsaw puzzles. The problem with these hobbies is that they are very sedentary and do not benefit my physical health in any way.
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I run, bake/cook complicated things, read as much as I can about as much as I can and reorganize.
@snowjewelz: I'm with you! I love organizing and wish I worked for the Home Edit or some other awesome organizational company!
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I love baking bread and pastry. Plus I get to eat after so it’s a two-in-one
I also love going out for cocktails with my sister and/or bff. Neither of them have kids so I love talking about totally different things than I normally do.
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Things I do for fun/self care:
-Mani/pedi every couple of weeks
-Coffee/breakfast alone while reading a book or zoning on my phone for a couple of hours.
-Coffee/breakfast with a friend (I have one I meet almost weekly)
-trashy TV (Bravo) and candy crush
-dinner by myself at a wine bar around the corner from our apartmentI’ve never had any hobbies. Which I realize makes me very boring. But, I just like downtime.
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@psw27: Yess! I follow several organizing business in IG and seeing different organizational ideas just makes me giddy lol
...but really!
I've started taking photos for other people though and it's a nice break/extra cash.Reply
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