5 Fun and Nourishing Hobbies For Busy Parents

5 Fun and Nourishing Hobbies For Busy Parents

Hobbies and parents are not usually synonymous with one another but let me tell you, returning to hobbies I loved pre-kids and even before then, has helped me to simultaneously heal my inner child, and rediscover my identity since becoming a busy parent to three kids (with a teen, tween and three year old). I’m lucky that I have my parents on hand to help with the childcare allowing me some flexibility and time to myself, but I wanted to compile a list which included something for everyone, even if it means trying something new whilst the kids are asleep. You deserve time to nourish yourself too and all of the studies say the same: a happy mum equals a happy child. Whether it’s playing online games at Bonus.net.nz or picking up a paintbrush, I hope you know you’re worth it and deserve time to hone new skills and enjoy yourself more.

Reading

Reading is something I missed the most when my daughter Florence was born. As an author myself, I read prolifically  and have since I was a child but the pivot from two to three children meant I struggled to find the time. I listened to a handful of audio books whilst I pushed my daughter in her pram but I personally prefer feeling tangible books in my fingertips and immersing myself in the characters’ or author’s worlds with my own voice. Fast forward to the past year and I’ve set myself and met my target of two books (non-fiction or fiction) a month even if that means reading in the bath. Soggy pages of not!

It’s my own dedicated time to relax whilst opening my mind to new voices and worlds. The latest book I’ve gobbled up was the page-turning, hilarious novel Adults, by author and screenwriter, Emma Jane Unsworth. Exploring both romantic and maternal-daughter love in a click-heavy, dopamine-spiking digital age, I highly recommend it. Second this month was the original and affirming non-fiction book Mother Animal by Helen Jukes redefining what a ‘natural mother’ actually means. Another must-read. Head to the library or check out offers on Amazon for the latest releases.

Gardening

I might sound middle-aged (I’m 44 so I suppose that is middle aged as it begins at 40-eek!) but I’ve become a little bit obsessed with gardening. We bought out forever home two years ago and whilst the renovations are on-going, including the garden, we inherited a small orchard here with apple, pear and plum trees as well as the most exquisite flora and trees the family before us nurtured. We’re currently purchasing hedges, changing the patio, covering up an abandoned huge pond/ small swimming pool (who knows what it was)! and adding more plants and of course, my favourite, being originally Greek, olive trees in vast terracotta pots. Being in nature, gardening or just taking a stroll, releases endorphins, making you more relaxed and happy. If you don’t have a garden, consider growing herbs on your windowsill, it’s such a pleasure to watch herbs bloom! Peppermint tea anyone?

Painting

Painting was my first love and if you’re not sure what yours was, think back to when you were a child and the pursuits you enjoyed the most then. I found a list of classes nearby and took an oils and acrylic class earlier in the year I found stimulating and fun. I learnt new skills and not to mention some art history that was also part of the course. I grew my confidence after not painting for a few years (since the pandemic) and I hope to take another course soon. There tends to be great flexibility when it comes to courses for adult learners, with many in the evenings and weekends so look locally to see if there are any near you. It really helps to be taught and guided by an expert artist who also teachers to get the most from the hobby. You don’t have to have any experience either and courses vary from everything and anything you could imagine from yoga to pottery and beyond. 

DIY

With a house currently being renovated, I’ve gotten stuck into DIY and love nothing more than doing the smaller jobs (I’ll leave the experts to the bigger stuff) such as painting side tables or building shelves. I’m going to start creating a small library in my daughter Florence’s room soon to house all of her story books and enjoy seeing my work come together. Pinterest has provided tons of inspiration and YouTube tutorials are ideal for anything I’ve been unsure of. I’ve also spent time searching for pieces in antique and charity shops that I can amend, fix or upcycle and generally bring back to life. Purchasing items through Facebook Marketplace close to where I live has been useful too, and a friend who moved house recently and was selling everything from huge sofas to a granite dining table offered us reduced prices and have proved the perfect additions to our home. Have a go, you might find you love DIY yourself. 

Start a blog, podcast, Instagram, TikTok or Youtube Channel

What started as a hobby for me back in 2010 on Maternity leave, quickly became my full time and whether that’s a pivot you want to make or not, simply creating for fun’s sake can be a wonderful thing. My advice is to share what you, yourself enjoy to watch and consume. If you love following food creators, then why not start your own blog or food channel? Do you have a unique or interesting story or take on life? Then why not record a podcast? There are millions of creators out there but your voice is unique. You are your USP. Why not set yourself a challenge and film yourself every day for one month, without posting, just so the process of being on camera becomes naturalised and second-nature. Then if you decide to share, all the better, and if not, you’ve learnt a new skill (filming, recording, editing etc) and can use these in other areas of your life. You have to try things to know whether you enjoy them!

Let me know what hobby you have in mind in the comments! Good luck and remember it’s about having fun, not being the best. We’re not in school anymore!