To ask for help in finding a hobby!

[Esmereldapawpatrol]

I am 41, married with two DC. My DH works away in the week and I am usually taking the DC to various activities most evenings, plus I work FT.

I just want something that's for me, that I can do at home, that I will find some enjoyment from. I love my DH and DC but I just feel like I spend my time doing everything for everyone else, keeping on top of the house/washing/cooking/shopping and if I am honest I am a bit bored! I already exercise most mornings so I am looking for something I can sit and do.
I love reading but only get about 1/4 down the page before I fall asleep.

Any ideas welcome!

Cross stitch?

I do stitch people portraits, some as gifts and some ad commissions. Keeps me busy!

Knitting, painting by numbers, learning to draw, crochet

Crochet - I highly recommend the Attic24 blankets (she does photo tutorials)

Puzzles
Knitting
Crochet
Card making
Cooking / baking

Needle felting - if you get good you can make some really impressive stuff. Some people in Facebook groups im in have their stuff mistaken for taxidermy it’s that realistic

Since I was in my late 40’s I have tried to pick up a few hobbies : Running with a group of like minded ladies ie slow, lots of chatting , Knitting- started off with tea cosies so as not to get too overwhelmed, then moved on to hats and simple jumpers , crochet - small animals and gnomes ! With the craft stuff I started with small projects that I could finish quickly.

Watching sport on television
Gaming
Family history
3D puzzles
Learn another language
Podcasts or audiobooks Journaling/blogging
Singing
Learn a new musical instrument - such as electric keyboard with headphones
Start a sketchbook: you can use pencil or ink or watercolour or gouache or charcoal or collage
Flower pressing
Sewing: dressmaking or quilting or hand embroidery
Decoupage
Start a collection of something that interests you

I started learning Spanish in lockdown. First with a free app and then with a Babbel subscription which includes online group lessons. I think Babbel is about £44/month but they often have deals on. I've got pretty good! We went to Spain earlier this year and it was genuinely super helpful.

I like that I can do 5 minutes and just repeat or review something or spend an hour or more really digging into it and studying.

I write stories on Wattpad.

Go to somewhere like The Range and see what takes your fancy. They do alsorts of kits with everything for a small project and you can decide if you like it without spending a fortune.
Something like the diamond painting is quick and easy to get out and put away if you can only do a little at a time or something with more prep like candle making.
If you've got youngish kids rock painting is fun. We have just done loads of Mr Men characters for the garden.

As you can tell I like crafts but if its something more physical you could try a gym class. I used to do Boxercise and have just started Kettlebells. I was nervous at first but the class is mostly middle aged Mums like me!

@EdithDickie learning a new language has been on my list for so long. Which free app did you use?

Yoga. You can do it just for the exercise or go deeper into the lifestyle/philosophy. You can do it alone, in a class and go on yoga retreats.

I started because it involves a lot of lying on the floor and I wanted an excuse to go on a yoga retreat by myself!

Definitely genealogy, it's really absorbing.

I've also done courses in upholstery, cake making and Italian.

Most of my hoodies are exercise/outdoor activity based. Some indoor things I do enjoy are puzzles and cake decorating. Though I only decorate cakes when there’s an occasion to do so and I haven’t done a puzzle for ages.

I quite fancy genealogy, maybe that’s something to take up in the winter.

I found building mini kits completely absorbing and fun!

Huge varity available as well: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=diy+minature+kit&crid=26JBUVUTJPV2T&sprefix=diy+minature+kit%2Caps%2C65&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

I started with Duolingo

Jewellery

I like felting. I'm not very dextrous but felting is fun and not frustating like I've found some other craft stuff. And you can make very cute things! And you get to stab stuff. It's v therapeutic.

My top suggestions would be crafting (knitting/crochet/sewing/quilting/embroidery) but start small so that you're not overwhelmed by the time it takes to finish
Painting/drawing - de winton paper co have some great free watercolour tutorials on YouTube
Learn a musical instrument

I love crafts. I'm currently quite into diamond painting. The smaller ones are a bit crap but good for having a go at it. I do the larger sizes now which look a lot better. But it's a good thing for just doing in short bursts whenever you have some free time.

I also like needle felting. It's true the stabbing motion is very therapeutic!

Things like knitting, embroidery etc are also good. It's nice to have something that's just for you.

Iv just discovered diamond painting...the kits are very cheap on Amazon and comes with everything...I find it quite addictive. I'm not an artistic person by any means but have to say I would recommend this as it's easy to do and the time flies by when I'm doing it.

I game online, I’m currently waiting for two mates to get ready to do a hard mission in a game.

I am making some friendship bracelets for a fete afterwards.

@EdithDickie thank you

I taught myself to crochet during lockdown, there are literally hundreds of crocheters posting tutorials on YouTube, it’s very easy to master and the materials are cheap to get you started.

I would start with Bella Coco for technique, then look at Lucy at Attic24 for ideas and patterns. Both give really clear guidance. I’ve made more stripey blankets than I know what to do with.

Jigsaws are great if you don’t have pets or toddlers.