Finding Balance At Home: 10 Stress-Busting Hobbies For Moms
January 15, 2025
6 min read
Hi there, I’m Ellie! If you’re a fellow mom like me, you know that life can feel like a whirlwind of laundry, meal prep, carpool runs, and bedtime routines. Some days, it’s so chaotic that you forget to just breathe. Trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count. But something I’ve learned along the way is that carving out little pockets of “me-time” isn’t selfish—it’s a lifeline. Those moments to recharge, to laugh, to create are what help us show up as our best selves for our families.
Over the years, I’ve found that hobbies not only give me a release but also bring so much joy into my busy life. And guess what? You don’t need hours on end to enjoy them. Here are ten fun hobbies that I’ve personally tried (and loved!) that might just sprinkle a little magic into your day.
1. Reading
If you’re anything like me, life as a mom can feel nonstop—laundry, snacks, carpools, repeat. It’s all too easy to forget to breathe. But here’s the game-changer I’ve found—reading. Did you know, as indicated by research from the University of Sussex, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%? Six minutes! It’s more relaxing than tea or even a walk.
For me, sneaking in a few pages here and there has become my little escape. I’d stash books around the house, pretending they were “boring grown-up things” so my kids would leave them alone. Audiobooks? A total lifesaver on busy days. Whether it’s turning pages or pressing play, those moments of literary escape are pure magic—and trust me, you deserve them!
Buzz Bite! Studies show that just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 68%. Now, that’s self-care at a bargain!
2. Knitting or Crocheting
A few years ago, I bought a starter knitting kit for a rainy-day activity. I can’t say my first scarf was a masterpiece—my husband lovingly dubbed it “The Knot Monster”—but it was oddly soothing. Knitting and crocheting have this mesmerizing rhythm that calms your mind (and keeps your hands off your phone for a while).
Online tutorials make it so simple to get started, even if you’re a complete newbie! Eventually, I graduated from uneven scarves to baby blankets for friends. There’s something so rewarding about creating something beautiful with your own hands. Plus, it’s super portable. Bring your project to soccer practice or the doctor’s office and turn downtime into productive relaxation.
3. Painting
One thing I never saw myself doing? Painting. But one rainy weekend, the kids and I busted out some cheap watercolor paint sets, and my inner artist came alive! Spoiler alert: I’m no Van Gogh, but who cares? Painting became my secret stress-buster.
Whether it’s abstract splashes of color or trying to recreate that perfect sunset photo on your phone, painting invites you to play, explore, and just be. Bonus points if you invite a fellow mom over and open a bottle of wine for some DIY art therapy.
Buzz Bite! Painting stimulates both your creative and analytical brain, making it a mindful and invigorating pursuit.
4. Gardening
I like to joke that plants are the only ones who don’t ask me for snacks. A few years ago, I planted my first herb garden while the baby napped. Watching those tiny green sprouts grow felt like a metaphor for life—chaos turning into beauty.
Gardening has become my mini outdoor escape. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you see your hard work blooming into flowers or when your home-cooked dinner is seasoned with herbs from your own garden. It’s a wonderful way to unwind while connecting with nature. And here’s a tip—even if you don’t have a backyard, indoor plants or balcony veggies are just as fulfilling!
5. Cooking or Baking
Okay, hear me out—cooking for fun hits differently than hustling to throw dinner on the table. One evening, instead of my usual pasta, I decided to try baking homemade muffins with my kids. And suddenly, the kitchen became this joyful, flour-covered playground.
I’ve started looking at cooking as a creative outlet. I’ll experiment with recipes, add twists to classics, and treat myself to something indulgent. Pro tip? Turn on your favorite playlist and you’ve got a mini culinary dance party!
Buzz Bite! The scent of baking triggers nostalgia memories, uplifting your mood while giving your family something delicious to enjoy.
6. Journaling
Journaling has been my personal therapy in disguise. After the kids go to bed, I’ll grab my notebook and pour out my thoughts, frustrations, hopes, and dreams. It’s like unclogging a pipe—you make space for new ideas by getting all the mental clutter out.
If blank pages overwhelm you, try prompts like “What made me smile today?” or lists such as “5 things I’m grateful for.” I’ve found journaling doesn’t just help me organize my emotions but also sparks creativity and direction in ways I never expected. Take it from me—it feels so good to write it all out!
7. Exercising
Confession time—I used to roll my eyes when people called exercise a mood booster. But then one day, I tried a 10-minute home workout while the baby napped... and I was hooked. Not because I magically loved burpees, but because it gave me an energy boost I didn’t think I had.
Now, exercising has become my go-to for resetting my day. Walks around the block, yoga during nap times, and impromptu dance parties in the living room are non-negotiable pick-me-ups. It’s not about looking a certain way—it’s about feeling strong and capable.
Buzz Bite! Endorphins released during exercise are natural stress-busters, making you more productive and emotionally balanced.
8. Board Games or Puzzles
Family game night isn’t just for the kids; it’s for you too! There’s something so refreshing about unplugging and challenging yourself with a puzzle or strategic board game. My oldest and I have a weekly giggle-fest over a certain tile-laying game (she always wins).
Games and puzzles are perfect for bonding while keeping your brain sharp and engaged. Need a solo activity? Pick up a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle—bonus points if the image is a dreamy tropical beach!
9. Photography
When I first got into photography, it was mostly about snapping better pics of my kids. Then, it became a full-on hobby. I started focusing on capturing everyday beauty—like the glint of sunlight on dew-covered grass during a morning walk.
Photography is such a rewarding way to pause and truly see the world around you. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment. Some of my favorite snapshots were taken with my phone!
10. Blogging
Blogging has been my favorite way to unwind while sharing my passion with the world. I started by writing little musings about motherhood—some heartfelt, others hilarious. Over time, it grew into a digital diary that connected me with an amazing online community of moms.
Whether you blog about parenting, food, travel, or personal reflections, it’s a fantastic creative outlet. Bonus—you don’t just grow as a writer; you’ll make incredible friendships with like-minded people through comments and DMs.
Motherhood + Me-Time = Magic Moments Ahead!
I know—it’s hard to imagine squeezing even one more thing into an already jam-packed schedule. But trust me on this. Finding hobbies that bring you joy isn’t extra work—it’s planting seeds for happiness and self-care.
Try a hobby or two from this list. You might be surprised by how rejuvenating just 15 to 30 minutes of “me-time” can feel. And when life throws you curveballs (as it always does), you’ll handle them with a clearer mind and a fuller heart. What are you waiting for? Your next adventure is calling!
