Adults Need Hobbies Too!

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I’ve written before about the benefits of introducing children to many different activities. We never know which of these activities will lead to lifelong passions for them.
One thing I haven’t touched on is the fact that adults need hobbies too!

As parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators, it’s often difficult to take the time to think of new activities that we’d like to try. However, I’m a firm believer that learning is a way of life. With that in mind, you probably understand why I think that adults need hobbies too.
A hobby can give us something to look forward to. It can be a welcome relief on those overwhelming days that we all experience.

By continually seeking out learning and leisure activities for ourselves, as well as our children, we are making our lives more enjoyable and setting a great example to our children that true learning never ends.
Adult hobbies provide us with an enjoyable break from the stress of day-to-day struggles.

So how do we go about finding a new adult hobby?

• Think back to the activities you thoroughly enjoyed as a child.
• Imagine a skill that you would just love to have.
• What was the last activity you did that truly made you smile?
• Did you recently watch a video of an activity that you thought looked like something you’d like to try?
• Imagine a day all to yourself, and think of what it is that you’d like to do on that day.
• Ask a friend or family member what hobby they think would most fit your personality.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time this last year pondering these questions. I knew I needed a new hobby, but it was really difficult for me to choose one. I’ve never had a problem finding activities for my children, but when it came time to choosing one just for me, I hit a mental roadblock.

I actually had to sit down and make a list of adult hobbies before I could choose one. This was difficult for me because I’ve spent so many years now trying to find hobbies and activities for each of my children. Many of the hobbies I’ve introduced to my children, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. However, enjoying an activity that I did with my children was not what I was looking for right now. I wanted something that I could enjoy, even if I was doing it alone.

As I was playing around with my list, it dawned on me that I probably wasn’t the only one that had a hard time making a list of possible adult hobbies to pursue. So, I thought I’d share my list of ideas with you.

My 12 Adult Hobby Ideas

1. Scrapbooking. For me, this was a simple one to put on the list because it was something that I loved doing when I first became a mom. Over the years, I just quit making time to do it. I had to re-evaluate who I am now and decide if this was still something I would enjoy as much as I did 20 years ago!
2. Exercise. This is one of those things that I always know I should be doing, but I just don’t. I’m good at making excuses why I don’t. I feel better when I do, but that doesn’t happen often. I’ve added a few individual sports to this sub-list for myself and am going to choose 1 to focus on by the end of this month.
3. Astronomy. As I looked back at what brought my joy when I was younger, I had to add this to my list. I used to love stargazing. I’m now living in an area without many nightlights so this would be a great hobby for me right now.
4. Writing. Once again, this is something I’ve enjoyed doing for as long as I can remember. Writing can also be a great way to express your feelings.
5. Reading. Another activity that I’ve always loved, but that took a backburner to parenting and homeschooling demands for many, many years.
6. Knitting/Crocheting/Sewing. I’ll put this in the category of a skill I’ve always dreamed of learning.
7. Gardening. This is also a skill I’ve always wanted to learn. Plus it gets you outside on a daily basis and can lead to a healthier lifestyle altogether.
8. Baking. When I became a new mom, this was the activity that I always chose to help me de-stress. Although I do bake when I need to(bake sales, holidays, etc), I no longer focus on it as a hobby or fun activity for myself.
9. Photography. I remember taking a class on photography in middle school and college. I enjoyed it, but it was too technical for me at the time. The thought of recreational photography though makes me smile. I love the idea of planning photoshoots and thinking of places I’d like to photograph.
10. Crafting. I watch videos of people creating DIY home decor and think that might be something that I’d really enjoy doing. Plus it would help me to personalize my new home.
11. Rock Collecting. This is an activity that I loved as a small child. Still deciding if it’s something that would still bring me joy.
12. Painting. Painting is another of those skills I’ve always thought I’d love to learn. Now, with so many online options, just might be a perfect time.

Now that I’ve shared my list with you, I’d love to hear what hobbies you currently have or that you would put on your list of possibilities for yourself.
Most of all, I hope that you agree that adults need hobbies too!