Hobbies- suggestions please

[Anonymouseky]

I’m feeling a bit like I really need a hobby/ interest. All of my efforts/ spare money go into giving my kids every opportunity possible, like music lessons, swimming, martial arts etc. I would love to do something myself and feel like I’m making progress in something. I’ve thought about doing a masters degree, but the costs are prohibitive and I guess that’s not really a hobby. I love the idea of something where the progress is visible, a bit like the belt system in martial arts (although I’m not sure I’m cut out for martial arts as I’m not coordinated at all!). Learning a musical instrument is on my shortlist as it’s something I have always wanted to do and has the grading system attached, so I could feel like I was making progress. Any suggestions please?

I go hiking and listen to podcasts while I walk.

I'm also in a casual synchronised swimming group.

But agree about looking at what's available locally, it will be a lot easier to keep up with if you're free to do the activity each week and not travelling far will reduce the time and cost needed.

Before I read @MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel Who more or less covers what I was going to post

I was going to ask if you drive, because that requires coordination that we stop thinking about after a while. I don’t do martial arts but what I’ve seen is sequences of movements learned by repetition - a little bit like driving.

If it appeals I’d give it a shot. I’m guessing it would be convenient as an outside of the home hobby as your children are already attending.

Whatever you choose I hope you thoroughly enjoy yourself

Open university does bursaries I think

On the masters degree front, bear in mind that (assuming you're in England) if you got the postgrad loan, it would just be an income-based repayment as with any other student loan. So it's not necessarily that expensive in a lump-sum sense, if it's something you want to do.

Suppliesforcandles.co.uk

Candle-shack.co.uk have good kits. Dip candles are more tricky

😁 nowhere quite so exotic....Milton Keynes

There will be karate classes everywhere though, the most "traditional" style is probably shotokan but there are many varieties.

@erinaceus I used to make candles and really rate Thorne for candlemaking supplies especially if you want to make natural beeswax candles (they smell lovely and beeswax is easier to work with - it also won't damage silicone moulds). https://www.thorne.co.uk/candlemaking/

You can use beeswax sheets to make simple rolled candles or intricate flower floating candles.

Thanks @TheThoughtfulCandlemaker and @freezefade for the links - I appreciate them. I am investigating! Cheers.

Why don't you get yourself a personal trainer and take up weight training. It's so empowering to squat/lift weights and will give some time for you!

I did ice skating last year.
I hike alone in beautiful places, sometimes borrow a dog.
I look out for craft events that interest me.
I've just done a 3 week kayak course.
Now I've joined a gym with classes and a pool.

Some of those done with my k8ds, bit optional.