It's instinctual for mothers to put their little one first. But that doesn't mean their needs take a backseat completely! Finding some alone time to breathe, relax, and be herself throughout the day is just as important as being there for the baby. But any mama can understand why there never seems to be enough time!
If you can spare just 5 to 10 minutes in a day and ask your partner or anyone at home to watch your child, there is plenty you can do in a short amount of time to spend some quiet time with yourself! Check out these 5-minute hobbies that even the busiest of mothers can do.
1. Gardening
You don't need to have a certified green thumb to start your gardening journey. Having plants around not only brighten up the room, but they also clean the air you breathe and reduce stress! You can choose low-maintenance plants, herbs, or succulents! After potting them, you only need a few minutes in a day to water them. It's relaxing to focus on this and let your mind relax.
2. Learning an instrument
Especially for adults, learning an instrument might seem intimidating or "too late" to do, but that's not at all true! Learning how to play the piano or guitar (or ukulele!) is easy, especially with all the free tutorial videos online these days. Spend a couple of minutes per day learning the keys first, and then when you've got that down, try learning a song. This is excellent to get your mind off things and challenge your muscle memory!
3. Knitting or cross-stitching
A throwback to Home Economics! If you don't know how to knot or cross-stitch, all you need is string, the recommended needle, and you're ready to go. Once you get the hang of the motion (readily available anywhere online), start a project! What do you want to make, a teacup cozy? A floral patchwork? Sky's the limit! Even if you work on it for 5 to 10 minutes and set it aside for the next day, you can still totally finish a project in a month's time.
4. Walking
Taking a walk does a lot for a troubled mind. Just being away from the same four walls or your normal environment can really change your mood instantly. If you have a garden or patio, or even a safe community park in your neighborhood, it's perfect to walk for a few minutes. Aside from being good for your body, a little sun exposure and taking in nature will clear your mind and get you in the right mindset to conquer anything.
5. Photography
You don't need to be a pro to enjoy photography. All you need is your phone and fresh eyes! Spend a couple of minutes taking snaps that you think are interesting, or want to remember. You'll soon realize what you're more inclined to practice: portraiture, still life, nature, and the like. Going out for a walk also helps to sharpen those skills!
6. Yoga
Headstands and crow poses may be for high-level yogis, but yoga as a practice is for anyone and everyone. For a start, meditation, slow breathing, and stretches already exhibit the benefits of yoga. Find guides that are good for 5 minutes– enough to slow down your heart rate, clear your mind, and feel at ease in all areas of your life. You can even find the right accessories for either a beginner or a mama who needs the right support here!
7. Crossword or Sudoku
Aside from physical exercise, leave time to work out your mind! Do you lean towards vocabulary proficiency, or logic/numbers? Crossword puzzles are a fun exercise to do on a daily basis and get your brain going, just promise not to look the answers up! Sudoku is an age-old practice that originated from France all the way to Japan, transforming into the modern puzzle we're familiar with today. Find the answers to create the "magic number boxes," and maybe even teach your child!
We hope you find the right hobby for you and your schedule, because nourishing and caring for yourself is essential to spreading positivity to your little one. See other tips and tricks especially for mamas here.
