With all the craziness in the world these days, many moms are finding themselves feeling blue or out of sorts.
While it can be tempting to focus on all the bad happening around us, studies show having an active hobby can help reduce depression in a major way.
However, many moms feel so overwhelmed at even the thought of trying to find a new hobby – but the good news is it’s easier than you think!
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
What Do You Love To Do?
Think about the activities you’ve always loved to do, but never seemed to find the time.
Maybe you have a creative gene and love painting and creating something from nothing.
Consider purchasing a few basic art supplies and setting up a mini “in home” studio!
Having a space to express your creativity might reignite the passion you feel you’ve lost.
You might even discover you’ve “still got it”!
And did you know that being in the “flow” of an activity can actually make you happier?
Studies show it does.
Forbes reported:
“You’ve probably heard of flow — it’s the state you get in when you’re completely absorbed in something. Have you ever been working on a project and completely lost all sense of self and time? That’s flow. It reduces anxiety, boosts your mood, and even slows your heart rate.
It’s not just being in flow that helps your happiness. Repetitive creative motions like knitting, drawing, or writing help activate flow, and are all tasks that create a result. And when you succeed at creating a result, no matter what it is, your brain is flooded with dopamine, that feel-good chemical that actually helps motivate you. Whether or not you’re aware of your increased happiness, the hit of dopamine you get after being in flow will drive and influence you toward similar behavior.”
How fascinating!
Or, perhaps you’re an avid chef but just haven’t found the time to cook food from scratch lately.
Look up new recipes and work to schedule a few hours in your week to get back in the habit.
Your family will enjoy the healthy food – and doing what you love is sure to bring you joy!
Try Something New
If you don’t have a hobby (or even if you do) there’s still a thrill that comes with mastering a new skill.
From rock-climbing to fishing, hunting or sewing, consider taking up a new challenge and trying something different.
You could master a new language and become fluent in Italian or learn to sew hats and gloves for your family.
Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to refinish old antique furniture and start up a side business selling them.
Learning a new skill causes you to grow – and in turn you’ll develop a sweet new hobby along the way!
Don’t Neglect Group Hobbies
If you’re an extravert, being isolated at home away from people can be depressing.
Often times, when we’re isolated, it can lead to depression as we are social creatures created to interact with others.
One of the best ways to get back into the groove is to find a hobby that includes other people.
Whether it’s joining an indoor soccer league or even meeting with friends to play cards once a month – you’re bound to find relief simply by interacting with others.
So moms, if you’re feeling blue, consider taking up a new hobby.
You might find a little dose of creativity and excitement is exactly what you need.
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