Looking for hobby/interests inspiration.

[Needingacoffee]

I am mid 40s, and due to a variety of reasons I am a stay at home mum. I have 2 teen sons. I am looking for some inspiration on hobbies or interests. What kind of thing do you during the week, or weekend? Like also how much time do you spend on your hobbies and interests weekly? Can't work currently due to health issues. Just finding I don't really spend time on myself, and worry what I'll be doing when teens leave home. Also, don't think I make the most of my weekends, as they are happier staying in.

I'm really into sewing, pretty much self taught with a bit of help from you tube. I also enjoy yoga. But the thing that I've got the most from is volunteering, great company, you're giving something back and it gives you a bit of a feel good buzz

@AtleastitsnotMonday - I really would love to volunteer. (Probably in a Primary school, or hospital. Maybe for a charity). Sewing sounds fun. What kind of things do you make? I know yoga is good too, but have never tried it.

I have no crafty skills whatsoever. I've been wandering with my camera and learning to play an instrument. One forces me out the door, one can be done from home.

I started A Year With My (Your?) Camera during lockdown, free or I think £5 a year for the app, can be done on your phone. Also family history - there are a lot of free resources.

@BadBadDecisions - I wish I had a decent camera. I could go out and take photos on my mobile phone though. Sounds good though. I can play the violin, so maybe I should pick that up again. I could try other instruments too. Now that's an idea!

@Wilma55 - I might have to look into that app. I used to take more photos when I was younger. My cousin is into family history, so I could ask her for advice on that.

Are you into reading at all ? I have a booktube channel where we all talk about books and it's such a great community to be a part off i have made alot of friends.

Crochet and gardening mostly for me.

If you're into history then maybe try reenactment? Summer/autumn there are lots of displays/shows plus practise sessions. Wintertime people tend to concentrate on making new kit/learning skills, sometimes at group meets but mostly at home.

@Bookwormmumuk - I am not into reading as much as I used to be. Sounds like a great community to be part of. I could do with some new friends.

@PortalooSunset - I tried to learn some crochet before Summer. I haven't done any since May. Going to have to give it another go. I tend to help my Mum with her garden. My 16 year old son is more into History than me. I am thinking about maybe reading some books on it. The reenactment stuff sounds a lot of fun though.

I took up painting, something I can pick up and put down depending on how much time I have to spare. Having never painted before, I found out it makes me really happy.

@TiptoeThroughTheToadstools - I did try watercolour painting a few years ago. I am not an artist, but did enjoy having a go. It did relax me on the whole.

Lino printing? I love it and it's super relaxing. Plus you can use photos as the base of the print if you aren't so confident drawing. There's lots of how to guides on instagram and YouTube, so it's very accessible.

@snackprovidersupreme - Ooh, I did some kind of lino printing in my teens. Might have to go and look into that later.

Adult colouring? Diamond painting? Both are crafty without needing any particular skills and pretty cheap unless you buy super expensive pencils.

Things I have taken up recently are sewing, baking, gardening, learning the piano and learning French.

@Spidey66 - I used to do adult colouring a few years ago. I could take that up again though. I do fancy trying diamond painting. I will search for pictures later.

@Chesterdrawls - Baking would be fun. I would love to learn how to play the piano, but have no piano at home. Maybe one day it'll happen. I used to love learning languages. I did Spanish and French at GCSE level. Could refresh on those, or learn a totally new language.

Knitting in the evenings, gym/swimming most days, late afternoons after work.
But the thing that I love most is volunteering as a cub leader. It does take up quite a lot of time, planning and running meetings one evening a week, plus at least 3 camps and 3 weekend trips a year, various committee/leader meetings etc. But I love it, and would be lost without it now.

If you are in to crafting, then there are lots of craft groups around at the moment. Have a look at your local Churches and Community Hubs.
Or join something like the WI, who do different activities each month.

Or what about something like CASBA or Sense (I appreciate this is one centre in the West Midlands, but similar near you) where you support people with learning difficulties to access these things.

Or, my local Hospice have a craft group who make things which are then sold to raise funds for the Hospice. Or many churches have a knit and natter where the crafts are things like making tiny hats for new born babies.

But there are 1001 different ways to volunteer.

Not sure obviously what your health needs / limitations are but have you thought of a local rambling group to get you out and about a bit? They are usually very social.

Can you see what crafty courses are available locally, are you able to get out and about.
I sew and quilt a lot, but I’ve been doing that for 35 years.
One thing I do every day is I go walking and listen to audio books. I can’t seem to sit down and read anymore.

@budgiegirl - Wish I could knit. Only know very basics of it. It might be good to do over Autumn and Winter especially. I used to go to the gym. I need to lose some weight, and get fitter again. The volunteering you do as a Cub leader sounds amazing.

@UsingChangeofName - I will try and search for craft groups in my area. Might look into what WI do around here. My eldest son has learning difficulties, so I have some experience of helping him. That would be an advantage in me helping others with learning difficulties. Ooh, I would actually love making hats for the special care baby unit. The rambling group would be an idea to keep in mind, for the future.

@PreetyinPurple - There is a place locally that does courses. I think that would be a good place for me to start. Quilting sounds an enjoyable hobby. I like to get out for a walk. I've never tried audio books, but would benefit from them if I feel I can't sit long enough to read a book.

If you are a member of your local library you can download them for free (I’m currently re listening to Harry Potter). Also there are good things on the bbc sounds app. Just download so it doesn’t use your data.