*There might be affiliate links on this page, which means I get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.*
Chances are, you’ve gotten away from taking time out of the day for yourself. When you spend all day taking care of your kids and your home, it can feel impossible to have 10 minutes to spare!
However, the benefits of taking 15-30 minutes a day to do something purely for fun, can be life changing. When my kids were little, I started feeling burnt out and like each day was the same. It didn’t feel like I had anything to look forward to. Now granted, I was happy to take care of my kids, but I knew if I didn’t change something I would become resentful of my stay-at-home mom position.
This is when I made the decision to start getting up a little earlier in the morning to read.
I’ve enjoyed reading from the time I was a young child, but with two kids under 2, it felt impossible to read. I was excited by the thought of spending a few minutes each day reading. I knew that if I didn’t carve out the time for myself, it just wouldn’t happen. I set out to get up a little earlier and spend 15-30 minutes reading.
Believe me, it wasn’t always blissful reading. Some mornings my reading time would be cut short by a toddler demanding breakfast, or a child who decided they were ready to start the day. But I did the best I could with my reading hobby and eventually I was finishing a book a week!
Creating this little habit of taking part in a hobby I enjoy first thing in the morning was life changing. I started to look forward to waking up in the morning. When I was having a rough day, I knew that my book was there to take me away for a little bit whenever I was ready. I felt better mentally because I was doing something for myself.
It’s been about 5 years since I became intentional about spending just a few minutes each day doing something I enjoy. Through out those years I’ve picked up more hobbies that make me happy, like this blog! The best part is, my kids see me doing things that I enjoy and this helps them to see that I have my own interests outside of being their mom.
My hope is that you can take this list of 35 hobbies and find just one that you can implement today. Everything on this list can be done from the comfort of your home with none to minimal cost. I’ve also picked hobbies that you can easily set down and pick back up. It’s a myth that you have to have lots of time through out your day to take part in your hobby. I challenge you to start with 15 minutes a day and see what changes occur!
35 Hobbies For Mom’s That You Can Do in 15-30 Minutes A Day
1. Reading
Of course I had to put this first 😉 Next time you go to the library with your child, pick up a book for yourself. I’ve also found that subscribing to Modern Mrs. Darcy’s email list has provided me with lots of ideas of what to read next!
2. Watch a TV Series or Movie
Most TV shows are only 20-45 minutes long. You don’t have to watch a movie in one setting. You can watch for 15-30 minutes here and there.
3. Organizing
If you enjoy organizing part of your home, set your timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. You can also spend the time watching others organize on YouTube or TV shows – also very relaxing!
4. Gardening
Even just 15 minutes a day could be enough to water your garden and do some pruning. Plus, getting outside can be a great endorphin booster.
5. Creating Vision Boards Using Pinterest
I love dreaming about my future using Pinterest boards. I have a board for vacations, decorating, books…It’s fun to get lost on Pinterest for a while and create vision boards for your future. If you haven’t done so already, I would love it if you followed me on Pinterest!
6. Puzzles
When I was young, I would work on jigsaw puzzles with my grandmother, so puzzles have always been close to my heart. Luckily, my son loves puzzles too so we often work on them together.
Jigsaw puzzles are easy to pop in and out of. You can spend as little or as much time as you want working on them.
If you have little hands around that would love to get into your puzzle, get this Jigsaw Puzzle Mat* so you can roll-up your puzzle and put it away until you are ready to work on it again!
7. Cross-Stitch
This is one of my favorite hobbies. My mother and grandmother taught me to cross-stich when I was 9 years old. I loved it as a kid, then got away from it for awhile. I picked it up again when I was pregnant and have been stitching every since. I recently included a little bit of cross-stitching (15 minutes), into my morning routine because I enjoy it so much AND it’s amazing how many projects you can accomplish with 15 minutes a day.
If you are a beginner to cross-stich, I highly recommend checking out Stitch People. They have some great beginner resources. I am not an affiliate for Stitch People, I just love everything they put out there that has to do with cross-stitching.
This hobby includes many materials that aren’t suitable for young kids. I use this Embroidery Project Bag* to keep all my items together and organized so I can easily put it away when done. But you don’t need a fancy bag to contain all your materials, any reusable bag will do. The point is, you don’t want your child to get into the needles, scissors and string.
8. Diamond Painting Kits
Truth be told, I haven’t tried this diamond painting*. I’ve heard of other people really enjoying it though.
If you have young kids at home, you should know that these painting kits* come with little tiny “diamonds” so if you chose to do this for your hobby, you will want a place to work on your diamond painting away from the kids.
After checking out some of the diamond painting kits* I think I might give it a try!
9. Latch Hook
This is another hobby I enjoyed as a child. I bought a kit for my son* and him and I work on it once in and a while.
Latch hook is something you can do in front of the TV. It doesn’t take too much concentration, and you can buy latch hook kits that produce really nice pillows*, rugs*, or wall hangs* that you gift to someone else!
10. Make Jewelry
I know lots of mom’s who make their own jewelry, and some even sell it on Etsy! If you love being creative and designing something custom, then you might want to try making jewelry*. It’s also a nice hobby that can make gifts for the special people in your life.
11. Macrame
Macrame has come back in style! It’s used for home decoration, or fashion accessories. This Macrame kit* looks like a great place to start. One of the projects included are little dolls you can create for your child!
12. Drawing
I don’t generally enjoy free drawing, but when I use a drawing book like this*, I am always impressed with how well I draw 😉
If you used to enjoy drawing, but haven’t found the time since you had kids, then start today! I’m sure you have some paper and pencils, crayons, and/or markers lying around.
If you have an interest in drawing, but don’t know where to start, there are lot’s of great YouTube videos to help you out. Even though it’s for kids, I’ve enjoyed the Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel.
13. Scratch Paper Art
You’re kids might enjoy scratch paper art*, but did you know there are kits for adults also? This kit is great for adults* and creates beautiful pictures that you can frame! The satisfaction of scratching away at the paper to see what’s hidden underneath never gets old.
14. Paint By Sticker Books
When I came upon paint by sticker books*, I was so excited! It’s something that’s easy to transport, and gives me a certain satisfaction similar to cross-stitch. Plus, it’s another hobby that’s easy to put down and pick-up later – you don’t have to try to remember where you left off.
I’ve used sticker books similar to this one* and this one*. The pictures they produce are so pretty! They even have sticker books for younger kids* if you want to share your hobby.
15. Connect The Dot Books
Similar to paint by sticker books, there are adult connect the dot books*. This is a wonderful mindful activity that can help you relax. It’s also easy to transport and there’s no set-up – all you need is the book and a pencil so you can get right to it without spending time setting it out and putting it away.
16. Paint By Number
I’m not a painter, but if I was, this would be for me*. My brain needs the direction and structure of paint by number.
Similar to the diamond painting kit, this would work best if you have a space where you can keep your painting and supplies away from the kids. The point of starting a hobby for yourself is to have some time to unwind and have fun. I’m sure wiping paint off of your child, and cleaning it up off the floor isn’t part of that plan. 😉
17. Journaling
There are so many ways you can journal. You can journal as a way to empty out your brain so you’re less overwhelmed, you can journal to document your life, or you can use journaling to work through a specific issue.
I journal for a few minutes every morning using this question a day journal*. I’ve used this journal (I created) to work on my parenting.
However, you don’t need any special type of journal to do it right. You can pick up a pen and notebook and start writing. It’s amazing where your mind will take you when you just let the pen do the writing.
18. Hand Lettering
Hand Lettering has become popular the last few years. If you really enjoy learning a new skill, and would like to impress with your beautiful hand writing, this would be fun to try out*!
19. Crochet
I’ve never attempted crochet, but it seems like it could be a relaxing hobby to do in front of the TV, or while sitting at your child’s athletic event. Crocheting has even been found to help with anxiety and panic attacks!
Grab this cute crochet beginners kit* so you can start this hobby in time to make some cute gifts for the holidays.
20. Word Searches
I loved doing word searches with my grandmother when I was younger. It was one hobby I’ve always kept around. I currently have a word search book* in the ottoman in our living room for when I’m looking for something to do other than scrolling my phone.
21. Cross-Word Puzzles
Cross-word puzzles are another fun way to challenge yourself. Puzzle books* are a convenient hobby because you don’t need a lot of space for them, and you can easily stop and start again. You can even travel with them!
22. Scrapbooking
You can make scrapbooking as detailed and time intensive, or as simple and quick as you want.
If you really enjoy the creative side of scrapbooking, then designate a certain part of your house for this hobby, and start by gathering all your pictures and mementos. You can order something like this* to make the process easier or spend some time at the craft store picking out all your accessories. When I used to scrapbook, going to the craft store was the best part of the process!
Now days, I use Snapfish or Shutterfly to create my own style of scrapbooks. This is the quickest process to get the photo’s from my phone into a tangible photo book we can reference for years and years.
I’ve made it a tradition to give my kids their own photo book every year for their birthday, filled with memories from the year past.
23. Dancing
If you danced when you were younger, or you just enjoy dancing now, why not make it a hobby? Thankfully, the internet has made it easy to learn all the latest dance moves in the privacy of your own home.
While your kids are napping, you can pull up this video and learn some fun hip-hop moves! If you choose this hobby, you get the added bonus of getting your workout in. I love it when I can get two healthy habits out of the way at once!
24. Writing
I don’t love writing, but I do look at it as a hobby of mine. I view it as a hobby because once I’m done writing, I feel reenergized and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, I can look back and see something I’ve created through writing.
If you think you might want to try writing, check out this book that offers 1,000 writing prompts*. You can also just grab a pen and paper, or your computer and start writing. See how much you can accomplish in 15 minutes a day!
25. Blogging
I started blogging in 2019 because I was looking for a creative outlet that could grow into something profitable. I literally put 30 minutes a day into this blog when I started. I didn’t have a lot of time, but it was so much fun to learn something new and see how just a few minutes a day could eventually lead to a website with over 60 blog posts and thousands of visitors a month. I’ve really enjoyed using this blog to share my tips and tricks and help other moms feel inspired.
If you are interested in checking out blogging as a hobby, you have to take a look at startamomblog.com. I used the “Blog by Number” course to start this website and blog, and since then I’ve bought almost every course she offers. I even used her “Printables Course” to start my Etsy shop. I am not an affiliate of Start a Mom Blog, I just truly find what she teaches practical and helpful.
26. Adult Coloring Book
Adult coloring books have been around for a while now. I was lucky enough to get a Real Housewives coloring book like this one* from a good friend of mine. I’ve enjoyed remembering the iconic scenes that I’m coloring.
Of course, coloring is a hobby you can do with your kids so you don’t have to wait until you are alone to tackle this hobby!
27. Origami
Think of how impressed your kids will be when you use paper to create magical creatures!* This is a great hobby to start on your own, then if you are feeling generous, you can share it with your kids.
28. Budgeting
You might be thinking that budgeting is definitely not a hobby, but hear me out. At one point, I was pretty obsessed with different styles of budgeting. I would watch YouTube videos from The Budget Mom and Jordan Page. I enjoyed watching these videos on how they used their money. It was similar to watching a make-up tutorial for me!
Eventually, I put together my own way to budget our money and I would say it’s a bit of a hobby for me. Even though the definition of a hobby is something done in your leisure time to bring you pleasure, budgeting does this for me. I check in on the daily with our accounts and use “The Budget By Paycheck” planner by The Budget Mom to keep track of our finances. I gain pleasure from knowing our finances are in control and we are living within our means.
29. Learn a New Language
If you’ve always wanted to tackle a different language, now’s the time! There are so many ways for you to learn with just a few minutes a day. Rosetta Stone is a popular program, but did you know your Netflix subscription can even help you?! The Netflix original content is dubbed and captioned for 20+ languages. You can watch your favorite show AND learn a new language – win, win!
30. Interior Design
If you enjoy re-arranging your living space, and watching the latest home remodel shows, then you might want to try out interior design as a hobby. This hobby could be as simple as designing Pinterest boards and watching home design shows. Or you could start redesigning a room in your house. If it makes you happy, do it!
31. Yoga
No need for a gym membership to enjoy yoga. There’s tons of free content out there to help you gain the benefits of yoga in just a few minutes a day. If you really enjoyed yoga before you had kids and want to get back into it, you can start today with this 10 minute yoga video for busy moms.
Yoga is another hobby that provides the benefit of exercise and relaxes your mind.
32. Meditation
I’ve tried meditation in the past and couldn’t get into it. But it is something I do once and a while with my kids while they’re trying to fall asleep. We’ve used the free app, Smiling Mind, for years now and really enjoyed it.
Once and a while I’ve enjoyed the guided meditation videos on YouTube. If you do better with structure, you might want to try a book like this* to start your meditation practice.
33. Learn Something New
If you’re not sure what you want to learn, but you have a love of learning, start with Ted-Ed and see where that takes you! Sometimes the biggest revelations come from letting yourself be curious with no intended outcome. The best part is, Ted-Ed is free and most of the lessons are under 10 minutes.
If I could, I would be a permanent student so I think I just found my new obsession…
34. Make-Up
Make-up has really evolved into a way to express creativity. I bet you’ve found yourself getting lost in videos of before and after make-up tutorials. Whether you are interested in trying out the looks yourself, or you have no interest but love to watch the process, own it! Make-up can be your hobby even if you don’t wear it every day.
35. Create Greeting Cards
Creating your own greeting cards* is a nice hobby that allows you to be creative while also making something to brighten some ones day. You can start with stickers, like in this kit*, or you can go to the craft store and pick out the perfect embellishments for your cards.
Hobbies That Make Motherhood More Enjoyable
Remember, all it takes is carving out a little time for yourself each day to take part in something you truly enjoy, like I did with reading. Some days, your hobby may be the only thing you look forward to, and that’s OK! Taking part in your hobby will help you feel better mentally, and when you feel better you can give better to your kids.
Now you have a nice list of 35 hobbies that you can do in 15-30 minutes a day. I have to be honest, I’m feeling like there’s so many hobbies and so little time, now! This list inspired me to try out a few new hobbies while adding a few items to my Amazon cart. ðŸ¤
What hobby will you start today? Let me know in the comments below. I challenge you to start devoting 15 minutes a day to your hobby and see what changes occur, and what you create.
*There might be affiliate links on this page, which means I get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.*