Hobbies?

[changedwoman123]

Am I the only person that doesn’t have hobbies? I am mid 50s, work full time, children at home. My life is full, chaotic and very busy. I have absolutely no time for anything other than keeping life going. Am I alone in this? A few times recently I have been asked what I like to do in my spare time or what my hobbies are. I feel like I sound really dull when I say “nothing”. How do people actually fit in “hobbies” and what are these hobbies if you’re in your fifties?

YANBU. I never have any idea what people mean by this 'hobbies' stuff. In fact I think the word 'hobby' should be eradicated. It's naff and smug and ultimately meaningless.

And breathe...

I do know people without hobbies, but not many. Most do one or two ‘extra curriculars’.
sometimes it’s about being selfish about ‘me’ time. For me it’s tennis and a voluntary trustee role. I love both. They bring me new friends and contacts and community. And yes, happiness.

I do a hobby (games night) once a fortnight, and I watch tv or read occasionally. That’s all I have time for.

It's important to have time put aside to do something YOU enjoy.

I am in a walking group, so guess that’s my hobby. It’s always good to have something for you, especially exercise related. My kids are grown up now (youngest 17) so lots of time for me now. It’s nice to do something social. Hoping to pick more hobbies up over next few years as all Dc fly the nest.

You would find the time for a hobby if you wanted. Go for a run instead of posting on Mumsnet. Crochet in the evening before bed. Go to a book club instead of watching TV.
It's fine if you dont want to, but you could find the time. You aren't doing something else essential every waking minute.

I have hobbies, as does the OH. We work full time and make the time for hobbies. I do the holy trifecta of Swim, Cycle, Run aka triathlons. I’m also looking at Hyrox.

I'd like a hobby but feel too tired to do anything. I'm hoping it will be more likely once dd goes to uni soon.

I don't have "hobbies" in terms of anything organised officially but I have stuff I like to do when I get time. I read every night even if only for a few minutes. I like walking, visiting historical places, watching sport and gardening. Some of these happen rarely, some more frequently. What I need but don't do is some regular exercise. Used to do home yoga a lot but struggle to get a routine going as my week is not very predictable as I travel for work a fair bit.

I run a bit, go to Pilates, volunteer at a few regular sports events, go the cinema, read. At home I do jigsaws, crosswords, the odd bit of cross stitch, some Nintendo switch if I can find a nicely animated puzzle game. My Mum has absolutely no hobbies and it’s hard to find conversation with her that isn’t about going to work or watching Corrie because she doesn’t really do much else.

I dont watch TV often so I read instead.
I also game I have a switch, so usually I muti task while gaming as it can be hand held.
I also volunteer two days a week.
You can have hobbies but its making time for them i.e less tv, less doom scrolling etc.

You should try discounty!

I know this isn’t the question but what games do you play on the switch as I like puzzle/ problem solve type games but never sure which ones.

I have a couple sport related hobbies. A few years ago I thought like you did, that I wouldn't have time and I've never been into sport. Then I was talking to someone and they mentioned some things they do and I thought I'd give it a go. It's 3 years later and now I'm physically stronger than I've ever been, my mental health has improved massively and I have a wide group of wonderful friends related to my sports.

We always make time for what's important. It's fine if you don't want a hobby and it wouldn't suit you but if you want to try something out, you should.

I am doing a degree with the OU at 50.

Not sure if study is a hobby but I definitely spend hours doing it!.

I'm 51. I run once or twice a week, I go to a Pilates class, I read a lot.

OP, as you're in your mid 50s presumably your DC are teens now, and more independent than when they were younger, eg you can go out to a class in the evening if you want to and not have to worry about babysitting?

When you aren't at work or physically caring for your children what are you doing?
If you have free time to post on Mumsnet you have time to do something for yourself.
Hobbies don't have to be a big organised thing that you "go" to.

Are you happy with your life as it is? Do you want hobbies? Or feel like you should have hobbies because that's what other people do?

I don't see myself as having hobbies, but I do prioritise living life. I read, game, listen to podcasts, see friends, craft. I'm out 3-4 evenings a week and sometimes at the weekend doing the physical activity I love. I go wild swimming.

I'm mid 40s, 4 children, work full time. I just don't think the housework is very important - bare minimum (clean clothes, food, hygienic kitchen and bathrooms) and share the load.

I think some of these responses are rather patronising…’Trifecta of swimming, running, cycling’ ffs!

I go to the gym before work, which is more of an endurance test than a hobby. I also have dogs and enjoy pottering at home.

And I refuse to put any more expectations upon myself…apart from more lunches out when I retire!

I go to spin, pilates, strength training and walking. Read a lot, listen to music and go to gigs, theatre, exhibitions and galleries.
I play at least 20 games of Scrabble against a droid daily . 😀 Watch 2 episodes of a box set in the evenings...no tv in the day.

‘Hobby’ isn’t a word I’d use to describe my outside of work / life admin activities, but I love reading, enjoy the cinema, theatre and art galleries and make efforts to go regularly.

I work part time. I go to the gym but I don’t class that as a hobby. I do read, sew and paint but they are all in the house hobbies so easy to do.

I've done some yoga today and walked the dog. I like cooking even if my family don't like eating it.
I have a big house so endless amounts of housework.
I swim before work some days, do abs workouts and weights in my garage at home.

I did try going to a pilates class recently but it was in the evening and frankly I'm too exhausted to leave the house once I get home from work. I marvel at people who have the energy for evening activities. I prefer to be in bed by 8.30!

I read books, occasionally go to the theatre with DD.

I'm quite happy with that. I like being on my own and my own company and thoughts.

Like you I just have no time. Scrolling mumsnet when I get 5 minutes is the closest I get to a hobby. I expect by the time I retire I’ll be too tired 😆.