I need a hobby... please help!!

[RegalRita]

I’ve got quite a full on job, so between working full time, socialising and running the house (as in, I’ve always done most of the laundry, cooking and household admin) I’ve never had much spare time on my hands.

I’ve recently had a baby so life has taken a much slower pace (still on mat leave). DH has hobbies which keep him out the house two or three evenings a week. I need something to do in those evenings.

I bake quite a lot but I’m not always up for making the mess. Obviously I know I could take up knitting or cross stitch or jigsaw puzzles but nothing is really appealing. I need help either thinking outside the box or seeing the appeal in those hobbies.

No real constraints; only that I’d like something to do when I’m sat in alone with the baby. Something that engages my brain would be great!

How about genealogy so you can share your ancestors with your children? Good for the brain. But very addictive

I took up photography when my children were little. We wanted nice photos of them as they grew up but couldn't afford regular studio sessions so I started doing it myself. I do it as a general hobby now that they're older and I have more time available for going out etc.

Two very good ideas that I hadn’t thought of!

I’m terrible at taking photos which hasn’t much bothered me until now... what with having the most gorgeous thing in the world to take photos of 😍

How does one get into genealogy?

Both ideas won’t make my house a mess 😂

Oh, to have those early days back again! Sounds rubbish but all i remember doing was watching TV i had never seen before. I became addicted to Frasier and then when i was heavily invested in it, Channel 4 suddenly stopped showing it! I didn't have catch up back then in the old days (6 years ago!!)
It sounds like watching tv wouldn't be enough for you tho and you need a proper hobby so how trying your hand at writing short stories. Genealogy is a great idea as a pp suggested. Wish i'd done that and now i never get time. Enjoy this special time op x

I must admit Boosey I am not hating it! Spending my days playing with the baby is bliss. DH only really wants to watch telly on the evenings he’s in so I feel like I get my fill.

Short stories actually isn’t a bad idea. I like creative writing. DH has suggested writing a novel but I wouldn’t know where to begin. Short story writing sounds a lot less daunting.

Yoga, it will change your life. Helps the mind and body.

I started with a free trial of Ancestry. Got hooked, signed up & trees have grown ever since. It's fascinating & very satisfying to put names & histories to the few black & white photos we had of 'randoms'. I wanted to know who I was looking at!

An excellent hobby to do at home & easily picked up/put down, with minimal 'stuff' to store. Also love photography.

Enjoy your time Op, it's something that not many of have these days!

That's great about the short stories Regal I used to write for mags but it became such a chore that it lost its appeal. If you keep it on a fun, relaxed level then it could work for you. You could even try a course in writing. I started the Writer's Bureau course but this was a while ago and may not be going now. Good luck x

Genealogy is a great shout.

I’ve always fancied taking up calligraphy, it looks like it would be pretty chilled & soothing.

What about an online course in something that interests you - a new language, history?

Exercise video?

Oooh I'm following for ideas thanks for starting the thread OP!

A new language

OU Degree?

An online course in a subject you fancy.
Pyrography is fairy cheap, absorbing and different. (Check out hobbycraft for starter kits). Learn to draw/paint and try cartoons/ or illustrations for short stories you could write.

I started a blog - a private one - just keeping a diary record of anything memorable or special that had happened, and making plans for future fun like holiday planning or remodeelling the house or garden. You can add photos and lists and link to useful parenting, cookery, health or travel pages or blogs. It's become a really useful resource that I flick back through. I also love looking back at 'this day last year' and seeing a snapshot of what we were all up to.