Motherhood is a beautiful journey, and maternity leave gives you a special chance to bond with your new baby. However, this time can also bring significant adjustments, and it's easy to feel a bit lost in your new routine. While you will naturally focus on your little one, it's important to carve out some "me-time." Doing something enjoyable can really boost your mental health and overall happiness. What better way to achieve this than by exploring a fun new hobby?
Learning a new skill during maternity leave isn’t just about passing the time; it’s about nurturing your identity beyond "mom." It can give you a sense of accomplishment, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with other new parents. Plus, with a flexible schedule—dictated by tiny humans—you may find the ideal moments to dive into something you've always wanted to try.
The benefits go beyond just personal satisfaction. Engaging in a hobby can help reduce stress, ease feelings of isolation, and even enhance your cognitive function. It’s an investment in yourself, which makes you a more patient and present parent. From the calmness of crafting to the engaging challenge of learning a new language, there’s a world of opportunities waiting to be explored right from your home.
To help you get started, I've put together a list of 10 fantastic and fun hobbies perfect for new moms. These hobbies were chosen for their flexibility, potential for relaxation, and the joy they can bring.
1. Unleash Your Inner Artist with Watercolour Painting
Why it's great for new moms: Watercolour is easy to work with and doesn’t require much preparation. You can pull out your paints during nap time or even while your baby is enjoying tummy time nearby. The gentle flow of water and pigment can be very calming and allows for creative expression without much pressure. It’s a lovely way to capture the beauty of your new family life, perhaps by painting small portraits of your little one’s adorable hands and feet. The clean-up is simple, which is a big plus when time is limited.
What you'll need: A basic watercolour set, a few brushes of different sizes, watercolour paper (which is thicker and won’t buckle), and two jars of water (one for rinsing, one for clean water). Many online tutorials for beginners can help you get started.
2. Embrace the Cozy Comfort of Crocheting or Knitting
Why it's great for new moms: These crafts are portable and perfect for moments when you're cuddled on the couch, feeding, or just relaxing with your baby. Whether you’re making tiny booties, a warm blanket, or a stylish scarf, the repetitive motion can be surprisingly soothing, helping to calm your mind during the beautiful chaos of having a newborn. Plus, creating something handmade for your baby or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones brings immense satisfaction.
What you'll need: Yarn (start with a medium weight for easier handling), a crochet hook or knitting needles that match your yarn, and a beginner-friendly pattern. YouTube offers a wealth of video tutorials for beginners.
3. Discover the Art of Calligraphy or Hand Lettering
Why it's great for new moms: If you love beautiful handwriting, this hobby is for you! Calligraphy and hand lettering are surprisingly accessible, and you can practice in short bursts—ideal for those unpredictable gaps in your day. It’s a fantastic way to personalize cards, create nursery decor, design unique gift tags, or simply enjoy the artistry of forming letters. This hobby engages a different part of your brain and can be a wonderfully mindful activity.
What you'll need: Beginner calligraphy pens or brush pens, smooth paper (avoid anything that bleeds), and an alphabet guide or online tutorials. Many artists share free printable practice sheets.
4. Cultivate Calm with Container Gardening (Herbs or Small Plants)
Why it's great for new moms: You don’t need a large backyard to enjoy gardening. A small container garden on your patio, balcony, or even a sunny windowsill can bring a bit of nature indoors. Growing herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary, or caring for small houseplants like a peace lily or snake plant, is very rewarding. It provides a sense of connection to something living and growing, which can be grounding. Plus, fresh herbs for cooking!
What you'll need: Small pots or containers with drainage, good quality potting mix, seeds or small plant starts, a small trowel, and a watering can.
5. Master a New Language with Online Apps
Why it's great for new moms: With engaging apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise, learning a new language has never been easier or more flexible. You can fit in lessons during feeds, while rocking your baby to sleep, or during quiet moments when they are playing independently. It’s a fantastic brain booster, keeps your mind sharp, and opens up a whole new world of culture and future travel possibilities.
What you'll need: A smartphone or tablet, and a free or paid subscription to a language learning app. Headphones can help with immersion.
6. Document Your Journey with Digital Scrapbooking
Why it's great for new moms: You’re likely taking countless photos of your little one, so why not create something special with them? Digital scrapbooking lets you make beautiful layouts and albums without the mess, cost, or storage demands of traditional scrapbooking. Many user-friendly online platforms and software can help you design personalized baby books, family albums, or milestone pages.
What you'll need: A computer or tablet, photo editing software or a digital scrapbooking platform (like Canva, Mixbook, or Shutterfly’s project tools), along with your favorite baby photos.
7. Find Your Flow with Beginner Yoga or Pilates (Online)
Why it's great for new moms: Gentle movement can be beneficial for your postpartum body and mind. There are many free and paid online yoga and Pilates classes specifically designed for beginners or post-natal recovery. It’s a great way to rebuild core strength, improve flexibility, reduce stress, and relieve tension from carrying and feeding your baby, all from your living room. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine after childbirth.
What you'll need: A comfortable yoga mat, suitable clothing, and an internet connection. Some classes might suggest props like blocks or straps, but these aren’t essential for beginners.
8. Explore the World of Podcast Production or Audio Editing
Why it's great for new moms: If you love listening to podcasts, why not create your own? Or, if you enjoy music, you can experiment with audio editing or mixing. There are free and easy-to-use software options available (like Audacity or GarageBand). This hobby allows for a lot of creative expression and can be done during nap times. You could even start a "new mom" podcast sharing your experiences or interviewing other parents, creating a valuable resource for your community.
What you'll need: A computer, a basic microphone (even your smartphone’s mic works for beginners), and free audio editing software. A quiet space, even if brief, is a bonus.
9. Dive into the Delicious World of Sourdough Baking
Why it's great for new moms: Yes, sourdough requires a little commitment to nurture a starter, but making a delicious, crusty loaf of bread from scratch can be very satisfying and almost therapeutic. It’s a rewarding hobby that produces a tasty treat for your family and can be surprisingly meditative as you work with your hands. Plus, the amazing smell of freshly baked bread will fill your home! It’s a project that fits into the natural rhythms of a baby’s schedule.
What you'll need: All-purpose or bread flour, water, a jar for your starter, a kitchen scale for precision, and a Dutch oven (optional but highly recommended for the crust). Patience is a key ingredient!
10. Learn Basic Photography (Beyond Baby Pictures)
Why it's great for new moms: While you’re already taking countless pictures of your baby, consider enhancing your photography skills. Learn about composition, lighting, editing, and storytelling through images. You don’t need an expensive camera; your smartphone can be a powerful tool with its advanced features. This hobby will not only improve your baby photos but also provide a creative outlet for capturing beauty in the world around you, even if it’s just your backyard or a favorite coffee mug.
What you'll need: A camera (your smartphone is excellent for starting!), and access to online tutorials, free photography apps (like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom Mobile), or a beginner’s photography book.
What I did? I started a blog! Yep! This blog you're reading right now was born from the boredom of maternity leave coupled with a curiosity to learn more about the online space. It's been fun, fulfilling, rewarding to learn the nuances of creating a website, sharing my thoughts and tips with the hope that new parents would find some value in my two cents.
Maternity leave is a unique and precious time in your life. While your baby will be your main focus and bring you great joy, remember that nurturing your own interests and well-being is just as important. These hobbies give you a chance to recharge, learn something new, connect with yourself, and tackle some common challenges faced by new parents.
By making time for yourself, you're not just picking up a hobby; you're investing in your mental health and strengthening your sense of self, which makes you a more present and engaged parent. So go ahead, choose one or two that interest you, and enjoy the wonderful journey of motherhood, one fun new skill at a time!
What hobby are you most excited to try first during your maternity leave?
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