Beyond Being a Mom

Working mommies. At-home mommies. Running mommies. Fitness mommies. Yoga mommies. Cooking mommies. Baking mommies.

Name us mommies as what ever title you would like to, but one thing is for sure that despite donning different hats everyday, mommies are constantly on the go.

The word mom automatically gives the connotation of ‘sacrificing.’ All moms at some point tend to do that, put themselves behind their family.

So, I want you to take a step back from this mommy role and think for a bit what is it that “YOU” wanted in life. Think of it as what did (your name) want ex: Dhwani wants this, not what did Dhwani mom want.

I want you to revisit yourself by asking such questions:

1. What hobbies did you like to do as a girl?
2. What were you interests? – sports, reading, drawing, painting
3. What was that one thing that fascinated you as a kid or teen or in your college years?

As you start this process of rediscovering yourself, you will realize all the hobbies you used to love doing. So, why wait for kids to grow up, why not do it simultaneously as the kids are growing up.

One thing is there that guys are pretty smart about taking their time out for their favorite activities whether it is playing sports, going gym or other activites. So moms, lets learn from them to take time out for ourselves.

At some point, you might be questioned as to why you need to start up a hobby. Well, there are quite a few major benefits.

1. Your mind gets diverted from daily problems so in a way, you are helping yourself calm down and reduce your stress level. You are diverting your mind to something more fun and enjoyable for you so at the end you feel more happy, calm and relaxed.
2. It can become a bonding time for you and your kids. Or you can become a role model for your kid by showing them how to live their passion. When kids see their mom have other activities besides family, they actually do feel they have a ‘cool mom’ as surprising as it sounds.
3. Once your kids are in their teens and high school years, it is very likely they might want to spend less time with you. Therefore, by having a hobby, when your kids are not there with you, you will have some way to divert your mind and not end up in depression because lot of moms who have spent their lives behind their kids, have a hard time adjusting after kids are gone.

“Remember a happy you makes a happy mom!”

Well, so now you must be thinking how shall I do it?

Start with 10 minutes a day, depending on your schedule. Dedicate a certain day and a certain time and let everyone around you know that I need my time just for me with no interference. I am sure everyone can afford to give you 10 minutes. For example, every Wednesday, from 7pm to 7:10pm is my time. Gradually, people around you will start adjusting their schedule around you since they know that is your time.

I have compiled a list of hobbies for moms who are out there looking to do something:

1. Taking a 20 minute shower – It may sound funny; however, lot of moms with toddlers and newborns find it hard to get time for a nice long hot showers. Usually, moms are speeding through shower with their kid watching them or banging on the door.
2. Take up some activity like reading, drawing, painting.
3. Binge on your favorite Netflix TV shows.
4. If you love dancing, take up salsa, zumba, or any other new forms of dancing. You can also just blast up music in your room and dance your heart away.
5. If you are an exercise and fitness freak, take up some yoga, Pilates class or hit the gym.
6. There are days when you are completely exhausted and you do not feel like doing anything then just go for nap time because do remember that your sleep is very important to keep you going.
7. As a kid, if you liked stitching, sewing or designing jewelry then look up classes for that and start back at these hobbies.
8. If you are a baker, than start baking away and who knows you can start your own catering of bakery goods.

There are endless amounts of hobbies that you could start with. You can probably interchange the activities depending on your mood. Therefore, do not hesitate to start something new or try a challenge.

I like to write, but along with that I like to paint, play the piano and learn religious teachings. So, now I am trying to pass on that hobby to my kids. Since my kids are a bit older, I want them to learn all the hobbies I like doing. There are days when we will blast the music in our room and me and the kids will dance away.

Therefore, you can always connect your hobbies with kids depending on time, mood and convenience.

According to Edison Research, “The Research Moms,” by Melissa DeCesare,
M“Even in a hectic day, mom will make time for what’s important, and her own health and well-being should be right up there at the top.” I could not agree more with this fact.

Think about it. The key comes down to rekindling your hobbies, setting some time aside and following through. Remember be persistent despite how busy it gets and gradually, you will feel better when you see that time you have for yourself.