The Vital Importance of Hobbies (as a Frazzled Parent)

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Whether you are educating your child or just trying to be a parent, it can be very exhausting. Sometimes we feel like we're just treated like a lesser person in every aspect, but the thing is to remember that life can be full of noise, so we have to reclaim the things that are for us and are ours alone. Hobbies are one of those things that you may feel there's very little time for, but can give your life far more joy than you realize. Let's show you some solid reasons why you need hobbies for you.

Your Curiosity Will Keep You Mentally Active

Learning new things may seem low on your priority list, but hobbies keep your curiosity alive. The science of mycology is something that you may have thought about investing in Golden Teacher spores and other implements related to this can really stimulate an interest in something different. Choosing an individual and unique hobby like mycology can make a massive difference, because we are sometimes looking for something that is just for us that nobody else can hijack. Therefore, being curious makes a huge difference.

Regulating Your Stress

Parenting keeps your body in a near constant state of alert. Hobbies that involve your hands and senses, whether it's mycology, knitting, gardening, painting, or puzzles, give your brain a break from problem-solving and planning. When you get absorbed in something that's absorbing but low stakes, you're going to calm down as your breathing will slow down, your shoulders will drop, and those stress levels ease. Think about this, the next time you reach for your phone. Scrolling stimulates that cortisol which, when we're having too much of it in our systems, is very bad for us.

Rebuilding Your Identity

Many parents feel like they've lost themselves between the school runs and sleepless nights, and this is where a hobby offers you a chance to reconnect with parts of you that are not defined by your child's needs or their milestones. Sometimes we just have to look back and think about what we used to do. Did you play an instrument, write stories, grow mushrooms, or mess around with technology? Picking up this thread again can rebuild a sense of identity that existed before parenthood and, more importantly, still deserves attention now.

Protecting Against Burnout

Sometimes life can be all output and no input, so if every spare minute is used to catch up on life admin, you're going to drain your internal battery faster than it has the chance to recharge. This is why scheduling a small non-negotiable hobby slot each week, such as 15 minutes with a sketchbook or a weekly dance class, can add intentional rest to your routine. Over time, these small deposits can make you more patient, more resilient, and less likely to lose your cool over the small frustrations. 

There are so many reasons why you need to make space for hobbies, but lastly, your hobbies can also bring you closer to your children, because if your kids love seeing what excites their parents, sometimes they will want to join in, or they will actually see a big difference in you. Indulging in your hobbies is actually not indulgence, but is key to your maintenance!