Being a married woman (especially a working one) often comes with a whirlwind of responsibilities—from family life and career demands to household chores and general survival. And if you add in a social life and children, the days just fly by. As women, despite our relationship status, it can be easy to let our own needs and desires fall by the wayside. But remember, self-care isn’t selfish! It’s essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Now more than ever, reclaiming your “me time” through a hobby will spark joy, refresh you, and continue to light you up. Hobbies offer a much-needed escape from the daily grind, allowing you to explore your interests, express your creativity, and simply enjoy the present moment. It should be important to note that a hobby can be monetized, but it should be something you would do for free.
The Power of Solo Pursuits
Solo hobbies provide valuable “me time” for introspection and relaxation. Ideally, a hobby should be at little to no cost and energize you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Creative & Artistic:
- Writing (journaling, short stories, poetry)
- Painting (watercolors, acrylics)
- Drawing (pencil sketches, charcoals)
- Knitting/Crocheting
- Photography
- Playing a musical instrument
Nature & Outdoors:
- Gardening (flowers, vegetables, herbs)
- Hiking/Trail Walking
- Birdwatching
- Nature Photography
Mind & Body:
- Yoga/Pilates (at home)
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Reading
- Learning a new language
- Online courses (cooking, photography, etc.)
Culinary
- Baking (bread, cakes, cookies)
- Cooking (exploring new cuisines)
The Social Connection of Group Activities
As much fun as some solo hobbies can be, group hobbies offer a unique way to connect with others who share your interests while combatting feelings of isolation and building a supportive community. Consider these options:
Fitness & Sports:
- Team sports (volleyball, basketball, softball)
- Fitness classes (Zumba, spin, yoga)
- Running clubs
- Hiking groups
- Dance classes (salsa, ballroom, etc.)
Creative & Learning:
- Book clubs
- Craft groups (knitting circles, quilting bees)
- Cooking classes
- Language exchange groups
- Art classes
Community & Service:
- Volunteering (local charities, animal shelters)
- Community theater groups
- Church groups
- Parent-teacher associations
Making Time for Your Passions
My mother always said, “You make time for what’s important to you.” Finding time for hobbies is no different. It can feel challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable.
Schedule it: Treat hobby time like any other important appointment. Put the yoga class on the calendar, or schedule time to read a book. Let your family and friends know that you are not available this time due to your hobby.
Prioritize it: Once you’ve identified the hobbies that are important to you and included them on your calendar, make them a priority every day, week, or month. Be consistent with your hobby to build it into a habit within your regular routine.
Build onto it: Though your time feels so precious, even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Consider a 15-minute workout or a drop-everything-and-read (DEAR) movement in your day. You’ll be surprised at how much that quarter of an hour can impact you in the long run. Before you know it, you’ll carve out an hour or more with your hobby.
Stack it: Consider combining hobbies with other activities, like listening to audiobooks while gardening. This will maximize your time and overall enjoyment.
How to Start:
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when introducing something new into your routine, like a new hobby. Start by embracing imperfection and focusing on the joy of the process. This is true if you’re starting a new exercise like Pilates. It will take time to adjust to how the moves feel on your body, but trust the process. It’s not about perfection; it’s about participation.
Start with low-energy hobbies or hobbies you’ve done in the past. If you loved to read or write as a child, consider reigniting that flame. Then, begin gradually increasing the intensity or time spent as you build momentum.
Explore free or low-cost options as hobbies. Libraries, community centers, and online resources like Eventbrite offer many affordable options. You can find all types of classes and events, from food-related to music-related.
Reclaiming your “me time” through hobbies is an investment in your overall well-being. So, explore your passions, connect with others, and enjoy the journey of self-discovery!
What are your favorite hobbies? Share your experiences and inspire others in the comments below!