A hobby can be a total game-changer for moms, especially when life feels like a juggling act! Do you have one? If not, no worries—I’ve got the perfect guide to help you find one (or maybe even a few!) that’ll make your heart sing.

Picture this: it’s your day off (or whatever "off" looks like in your busy world), and you’re not groaning about the chores ahead. Instead, you’re grinning from ear to ear, saying, “Hooray! Today is the day I get to dive into my hobby!" Or maybe, you're looking forward to the quiet of the evening and thinking, "I can't wait to get the kids in bed so I can finally enjoy my passion!" That’s the magic of the right hobby—it becomes your happy place, so absorbing that you might even forget the clock ticking away.

Finding your perfect hobby might take a little trial and error, but that’s part of the fun! Start by jotting down anything and everything that piques your interest, no matter how quirky it seems. Think back to your childhood too—did you love decorating dollhouses or doodling in your notebook? Maybe you were the little artist whose paintings got proudly hung on the wall at school. And hey, take a peek at the hobbies your friends and family are into too—you never know what could spark joy. The goal is to get all your ideas down, no matter how out-there they might seem.

Ask yourself these questions about each hobby on your list:

1) Can I afford this hobby financially? Consider tools and supplies.

2) Do I have enough spare time to work on my hobby?

3) Is this hobby something in which I can possibly include my kids and/or spouse?

4) Do I have a place to work on my hobby; or would I need to rent out a garage or studio?

5) Will my hobby offend others? For instance, oil painting in the house will surely create an odor.

6) Can I get started right away; or will set up take a long time?

7) Can I work on my hobby whatever the season?

8) Will the hobby be self-satisfying and productive?

9) Most importantly, will I "enjoy" the hobby; or might it feel like another job?

After asking yourself the above questions, begin to eliminate any of the hobbies that are unrealistic, for whatever the reason, financial or otherwise. The list of hobbies remaining on your list should be those that you can afford, are realistic, will not disturb those around you, and most importantly, those that you feel you will enjoy. From what remains on your list, you should now be able to find a hobby to get started with. There is no rule against having more than one hobby!

EDITOR'S PICK: This New York Times Bestselling book, "That Sounds Fun" by Annie F. Downs, is an excellent, entertaining way for you to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you--then do it! 

Need something for the kids? The Highlights Book of Things to Do: 500+ Screen-Free Activities, Brain Teasers, Recipes, Creative Projects, Craft Ideas and More for Endless Imaginative Play is a one-of-a-kind treasure trove of fun for your little ones! 

NOTE:

• Many a hobby has turned into a business as well. Quilt making, knitting scarves, or building wooden bird houses, for instance. There is always a market for these types of goods, and who knows, your hobby may even earn you extra cash!
• For a first time hobby, you may not want to jump right in and spend a lot of money to get started. Go slowly and be sure you will enjoy the hobby, which is the goal.
• The person with a hobby they enjoy and look forward to is usually a "happy" person!

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