The Self-Care Hack No One Talks About: Hobbies for Busy Moms
Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain over it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hobbies—yes, hobbies!—and why they’re not just a luxury but a secret weapon for surviving motherhood. Whether you’re a serial hobby-starter (thanks, ADHD) or haven’t picked up a hobby since middle school, we’ve got practical tips to help you find—and stick with—something you love. Plus, we’ll share why hobbies are the ultimate form of self-care (and why you shouldn’t turn them into a side hustle).
Who needs this
Moms who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the chaos of motherhood.
ADHDers who struggle to stick with hobbies (or feel guilty for starting new ones).
Anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to do something just for fun.
What you get in this episode/blog post
The science behind hobbies: Learn why hobbies are linked to better mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction (backed by a 2023 study!).
How to find your hobby: Tips for exploring new interests without breaking the bank (hello, library classes and Buy Nothing groups!).
Making time for hobbies: Why scheduling “hobby time” is just as important as scheduling soccer practice or work meetings.
The perfectionism trap: How to let go of the pressure to be “good” at your hobby and just enjoy the process.
Why hobbies shouldn’t be side hustles: A gentle reminder that your hobby is for you, not for profit.
Listen Here
Science Says: Hobbies are good for you
Please know that I’m saying this with love: you need a hobby.
Oh, you have one? Doom scrolling Threads doesn’t count.
If you really want to take this self-care thing seriously then you need a hobby that you’re involved with on a regular basis.
Don’t listen to me, listen to science. A 2023 observational study published in Nature Medicine found that people older than 65 with longstanding mental or physical health conditions who had hobbies reported better health, more happiness, fewer symptoms of depression, and higher life satisfaction. But here’s the kicker: if hobbies can help them survive the challenges of aging and chronic conditions, imagine what they can do for you as a mom navigating the chaos of motherhood. It tracked 93,000 people across 16 countries for four to eight years. Those numbers are not insignificant. Hobbies involve the things we already know are linked to good mental health and well-being: creativity, sensory engagement, self-expression, relaxation, and cognitive stimulation.
An added benefit? Doing hobbies with other people keeps you socially connected which helps to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Don’t put pressure on yourself
I hear you. Your life is probably much different than the average 65-year-old.
Your season of life is absolutely going to impact how involved you’re able to be with your hobbies or interests. It’s a lot easier to dedicate time to a hobby when your kid is 12 years old as opposed to 12 weeks old. Don’t get sucked into a perfectionist’s mindset. As moms, we’re already juggling a million things—your hobby doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. You still get more benefits if you do it infrequently and imperfectly than if you don’t do it at all. Remember, this is about surviving motherhood, not adding another thing to your to-do list. If it takes you three months to finish the hot new "romantasy" novel because the only time you can read it is when you’re nap-trapped, stuck in the school pickup line, or on your lunch break, then you still read a book. You still dedicated time to yourself and something you enjoy. Honor that!
Be hobby curious
Okay, so I’ve convinced you that hobbies are the secret to surviving motherhood, but maybe you don’t know where to start. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert—or even good—to reap the benefits. Start by being 'hobby curious.'
There’s a big joke about how "grandma hobbies" are making a comeback once you hit your 30s. Suddenly you’re interested in knitting, cross-stitching, and bird-watching.
Follow that dopamine straight to your library or community center for free or low-cost introductory classes.
I took a sewing class at my local community center and it gave me enough of a foundation that I can now do simple projects at home.
My library hosts a monthly knitting club that encourages beginners to join them.
Get your kids involved
If you’re interested in something, poke around for classes where you can do this new hobby with your kids. I started doing pottery because my kid was taking a parent-and-me pottery class. This allows you to explore a hobby in a super introductory way before you commit to taking an adult class.
It’s also a built-in opportunity for quality time with your kiddo and an interest you both have in common. My son is too advanced for those parent-and-me classes so he takes pottery on his own now. I love showing him what I’m working on in my classes and working on projects together at home.
Not ready for that?
Jump on YouTube or Reddit, join Facebook groups or Discord servers, and just lurk for a little while. People who are into a thing are usually really excited to share the thing with new people. They’re often the most supportive of your new endeavor.
Even if you can’t commit to the hobby, being around people who share similar interests can be really fulfilling.
Block off time
We already discussed how making time is going to look different depending on where you’re at in life.
But I want to hammer home the importance of setting this time aside for your hobby or interest.
Think of it as survival time—because it is. Just like you schedule soccer practice or work meetings, schedule time for your hobby. Your mental health depends on it.
Classes are the easiest way to do this since they force you to commit to a time, and now you’re accountable to a bunch of people who are probably looking forward to hanging out with you.
If classes aren’t an option, block off some time in your calendar like you would if you were taking a class or had an appointment.
Make literal space
This is a tough one if space is already limited, but if you are able to carve out a little corner of your home for your hobby, I encourage it. Lack of space can be an obstacle to even getting started with a hobby. ADHDers often deal with this. They want to do a thing, but the table where they do this thing is covered with stuff so they have to clear the stuff first. And either they end up cleaning the table and the entire room or they clean the table and are now too mentally exhausted to do the thing that required the clean table.
So any way that you can lessen these barriers will help a lot.
Make a space—a little folding table, the spot on the couch that no one ever sits in because the cushion is wonky, the unused guest room—claim it for you and your hobby. Add a scented oil diffuser or a candle-warming lamp and your favorite candle, your favorite playlist, and a "do not disturb" sign. This is your time and your space to do your thing.
Final thoughts
Get supplies from your library, your local Buy Nothing Group, thrift shop, or friends.
Be bad at it and be OK with being bad at it. Do it because you enjoy it even though you’re mediocre at best.
This isn’t your side hustle. Remember, once you monetize your hobby it becomes a job. And your hobbies are supposed to be a break from your job. Plus you need hobbies (ahem self-care) to do your job well.
So go touch some grass and find a hobby. Because surviving motherhood isn’t just about getting through the day—it’s about finding joy, connection, and a little bit of sanity along the way.
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👉 Ready to find your secret weapon for surviving motherhood? Start by checking out your local library, joining a Buy Nothing group, or just being 'hobby curious.' And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips, laughs, and self-care moments!
Sources
Bios
Caitlin Kindred (CK):
A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.
Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):
A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga and lots of time in therapy, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time.
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