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5 Hobbies for Moms Who Don't Have Time for Hobbies

Updated: Jun 29, 2024

Today we are talking all about hobbies, specifically, hobbies for moms!



Today we are talking all about hobbies, specifically, hobbies for moms!

I have often heard moms jokingly say their hobbies are taking care of their kids, playing Uber driver while transporting kids to any number of activities, or cooking multiple meals a day.  After all, when you are entrenched in mom life, who has time for a real hobby?!?!  I understand this sentiment, I truly do.  With 3 kids of my own, the older two seemingly involved in a never-ending cycle of activities and my toddler making all tasks exponentially harder, I am walking your path with you!  But we deserve more, and to be aware of our own needs!  Moms are inundated with the needs of others; we often forget to take care of ourselves.  However, a study from the Society of Behavioral Medicine stated that people who take part in leisure activities or invest time in some kind of hobby have fewer negative emotions and are less stressed.  Which is definitely the version of ourselves we want to bring to our families!  

I know as busy moms our days are long and often filled with many obligations, and the end of the day is filled with utter exhaustion.  Although, when we take the time to do something we truly enjoy, or learn a new skill, or read a good book it is a great way to fill our cup and retain just a little bit of the person we were before all the little people started to take over our lives!  So, today we will dig into some great hobby ideas moms can actually do with the little spare time we have. 

5 Best Hobbies for Moms


1. Read a good book

This is one of my favorite hobbies, personally.  I like to read just about anything from historical fiction, biographies, to fiction.  This is a great hobby because it not only lets you escape from reality for a bit while you pour yourself into a story from another world, but it keeps your mind sharp, and you can learn at the same time.  One of the reasons I feel like this is a great hobby for moms is because there aren't any parameters around this hobby.  You can read regardless of the weather, you can be a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, you don't have to have a ton of time, and a good book is easily accessible online or from your local library.  For me, this hobby is the perfect fit and even led me to create a book club with my friends so we could combine our hobby with connecting with each other (also of vital importance).  So, find a cozy blanket, grab a good book in your favorite genre, make a cup of tea, and snuggle up for as much time as you can spare. Click below for some of my favorites.







2. Exercise (Especially outside)

I know what you're thinking, exercise isn't a hobby, it's more work!  And yes, in a way it is, but for me this is a great way to clear my head and feed my soul.  When you work out or get in a good walk (which is a great form of exercise), your body releases a feel-good chemical called endorphins.  When endorphins are released, they act as a natural painkiller, mood enhancer, stress reducer, and help with body image and confidence.  What mom couldn't benefit from all of these things?  While pottery making, online classes, or woodworking are all great hobbies, they are also time consuming and can be frustrating when the task isn't developing easily.  I don't know about you, but during my current time in life I have to not only enjoy my hobbies, but they have to reduce my stress and fit into the meager amount of free time I have.  Exercise does this, I have NEVER left a workout saying, "I wish I hadn't done that," and even with my to-do list a mile long I can usually find time for a 20-minute walk or a quick weightlifting session.  This is also a great hobby for a new mom (once approved by your doctor), exercise helps increase energy and you can take your often sleeping newborn with you on a walk while soaking in some fresh air. Click below for some of my favorite home equipment.







3. Journaling

If you love reading this might be an excellent hobby to dive into as well, I know my love of reading sparked my love of writing.  This is an excellent hobby for so many reasons.  It doesn't require a lot of time, it feeds your mental health by allowing you to put your worries and thoughts on paper, and it doesn't take a long time to write down a few lines or paragraphs about your thoughts and feelings.  So many of these hobbies should just be considered self-care, normal activities we do daily without having to think about them or schedule them, but that is not the reality when you have small children in your house.  Time is a commodity and one you don't get back, while I think the benefits of hobbies are immense, I also understand how little time there is when your day-to-day life is so hectic.  So, journaling is one of the simple ways you can make something about yourself for a bit while not feeling like you're sacrificing time with your family. Click below for some great journaling supplies.






4. Gardening

This hobby requires a bit more time, especially during the planting process, but can be a great mom hobby because it allows you time to connect with nature and see your hard work come to fruition when you are able to pick and use what you grow.  This was something I dipped my toe into during Covid, like everyone else, and I really enjoyed it.  We built a small, raised bed in our backyard and before I knew it, we were inundated with peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and a few tomatoes (these were definitely more finicky).  You definitely don't need a raised bed; you can easily grab a few pots and grow herbs and tomatoes in a small area on a porch or back patio.  Also, there is nothing more satisfying than picking those first vegetables, herbs, or fruits and knowing EXACTLY where the food you are feeding your family members is coming from and what was used to grow it.  Admittedly, this hobby slacked off for me when sports started again, and our weekends were filled with endless activities, I simply didn't have enough time to keep up with everything.  BUT I do plan to do a few small pots this year filled with herbs and tomatoes, so I will be testing out this hobby again right along with you! Click below for some cute gardening supplies.






5. Photography/ Painting/ Drawing

This hobby is definitely for the creative soul!  I have always been envious of people who see a bowl of fruit and find a creative way to represent that on paper, or who see a sunset and capture an image of it that makes you feel like you were there.  What a great skill, even if it isn't a full-blown skill yet, if there is an interest there grab a camera or set of paints and try it out.  This is another great type of hobby for moms because you can pick it up and put it down as your time allows.  Also, this hobby has the potential to turn into more if you would like to take it a step further and let your hobby make you some extra money.  Once people find out you have developed a skill like photography they could seek you out for family pictures.  I know I am always on the hunt for a good photographer that is reasonable and easy to work with. Click below for some supplies to get your creativity going!






Today we talked all about the best hobbies for moms who don't have time for hobbies. Regardless of what you choose as a hobby, the main point of this post is to choose something, try something, take the time for some self-care and prioritize feeling good.  Hobbies feed us in so many ways, and, as a mom, they allow us to tap into parts of ourselves that might feel long forgotten through the barrage of daily life with small kids, or even older kids.  I know extra time is a commodity in most families, but hobbies don't have to be hours upon hours of uninterrupted time, find something you enjoy and that works within the time constraints of your current situation.  


*** Disclaimer: The Moms Collective may earn commissions through our affiliate links!




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