Hobbies for women in their 30's

[dismom2005]

I know this may be a strange question but I need some assistance. I am 38 and need to find a hobby besides grocery shopping or laundry . I seem to be stuck in a rut and need some ideas. I used to play team sports (softball, volleyball) and would like it to be something I do at least once a week without the kids. I live about an hour away from the ocean, and am not crafty at all so nothing like scrapbooking or knitting.

I just started seeing a therapist who is helping me work through some marital/family issues and this was one of her suggestions. I was hoping maybe someone would come up with something new or different that i'd not thought about.

Thanks!

 

[1stluvispooh]

Why not join an adult softball or volleyball team? How about photography. If you have a local rec. center I would grab one of their catalogs you might just find something that you've always wanted to try. There is also just getting into working out. I did that a lot when my kids where little. It gave me something to do everyday for just me. Most gyms have babysitting so you don't have to worry about finding a sitter or hubby's schedule.

 

[lovetoscrap]

What about golf? And maybe not a hobby per se, but what about some volunteer work? Figure out what you enjoy, like working at an animal shelter or at a food pantry or cleaning up areas for the city.

Do you enjoy gardening? Maybe join a health club and work out or swim? Bike riding? Take music lessons, like piano or guitar?

 

[TnTsParty]

You could always start running. I am 36 and 2 years ago this month I started running. I am not fast and I don't always run the whole time - I walk too. It gives you a free feeling. I am not sure about where you live but there might be a running group in your area that you could use as support for that. Hope you find a hobby you enjoy - it seems to be tough for me to find any time for hobbies because I spend too much time on the internet. LOL

 

[Reginat]

Hi!

Here are some hobbies: working out at the gym, going for a walk, going for a bike ride, going to a social group, going to church, serving in a volunteer group, serving at a food pantry, participating in a budgeting or other group, reading/Internet, writing as a hobby, joining a book club or other group, learning tai chi or dancing, taking yoga class, volunteering at the library, taking a class at community college or other school, choosing a certification or degree to study toward.

Good luck with whichever plans you make! I bet you will have a lot of fun!

Regina in NC

 

[clarabelle]

I teach spinning -so of course I want to plug that. Burns lots of calories and you don't need any kind of particular skill. Just find a gym or Y that offers it.

Also I make sugar scrub, and bath fizzies. Fun and easy and makes nice gifts.
This would not take up a large chunk of time though.

 

[Angelhalo]

I took cake decorating classes at the local craft store. I had NO experience and I LOVE it! Now I make cakes for all kinds of occassions and enjoy every minute of it!

 

[NHdisneylover]

I have done belly dancing classes (lot of fun) and line dancing classes, also yoga and indoor "rock" climbing and enjoyed all of those.

One great way to get out and make a lot of friends is to join a community theatre group. Look for audition notices in the newspaper or search online. You do NOT have to like/want to go on stage to join in. Theatre groups love techies My DD rarely wants to be in the limelight, but she loves to run follow spot or help build sets. Help is always needed with programs, costumes, publicity, lights and sound board, moving set back stage, etc. Groups tend to arrange cast parties, evenings out for drinks or dinner, etc as well as the actual rehearsals.

 

[puffkin]

What about coaching? My son is little and not involved in sports yet, but I coach girls field hockey for our local sports association. I am actually the head coach and oversee the technical aspects of what is taught to all the girls. I coach ages 2-6 grade, although I mainly work with the 5-6 graders.

It is very rewarding and not too bad of a time commitment. My involvment is a little more since I am "in charge". It is also really nice not having a child involved in the sport. I can implement my rules and philosphies adn not have to worry about favoring my own child or friends etc.

Organizations like this are also always looking for officials/umpires/referees. Maybe that would be something you would enjoy?

ETA: My mom (who is 54) takes adult tap dancing classes. She started about 2 years ago and never danced before. She loves it...her class is made up of all shapes, ages and sizes. They have recitals and everything (hers was yesterday).

 

[quasar4legs]

One of the things to keep in mind is that if you pick something, it doesn't mean you have to do it for the rest of your life. So my suggestion would be to just pick something and give it a try and if that doesn't work out have a go at another hobby.
If you enjoy sport maybe that would be a good place to start or perhaps join a walking or bush walking group.


Congrats on making the decision to do something for YOU.
Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

Cheers Trish

 

[luvnmy2bys]

I helped start up a ladies kickball team at my kids sports complex. It is so much fun. It's a bunch of middle age soccer moms just out to have a good time. We started the first season 18 months ago with 5 teams and now we have 16 teams and have to turn people away. The majority of us are in our 30's and 40's with some a little younger and some a little older. Our kids and husbands come and cheer(or harrass us). As a side benefit I have lost 10 pounds. This summer/fall season I will have to sit out because of a surprise pregnancy but I am going to coach. I also belong to a book club at work. We pick a new book once a month and meet monthly to discuss the book, drink wine, well mostly the drinking wine part but lots of fun.
luvnmy2bys

 

[Stephanie218]

Cycling is a great way for me to get out alone and relax. I've found I really enjoy that, as well as running.

 

[raysnkaysmom]

I know it's hard to find time and make dedication to something... I have yet to be able to do it.
My mom is also not artsy at ALL, but my sister and I were both amazed when she began making dolls. She sells them on ebay under the user ID deidraparagalia
She even tought me to do it, and it wasn't that hard, but I can't do it with little ones around.. it takes a bit more focus and patience than I have..

What about planting an easy little garden? My daughter and I spent $50 at Lowes and are quite pleased with the little area we have going...

 

[Fifinella]

Learn to fly! It gave me the most amazing confidence boost. I've always had self-esteem problems, and becoming a pilot gave my self-esteem a huge lift (so to speak).

If you have any interest in historical recreation, that's a fun (and very engrossing) hobby. Depending on what's in your area, you can find groups that deal with time periods from the Dark Ages up to the Renaissance, Elizabethan, Revolutionary War, Civil War, 19th century, Wild West, WWII and other fascinating eras. It's pretty fun to dress up in period costume and learn new things about history.

But I'm biased, I have a closet full of costumes from the 12th century to the 19th century (and even a Jedi outfit, I'm such a geek).

Good luck with whatever you decide. Try several things. Try some things you've always wanted to attempt--now is the time.

 

[dismom2005]

Thank you to everyone for the great ideas and words of encouragement.

I had looked into taking a flying lesson at the local airport, but not really sure if it's something i'll do past the introductory lesson since I do have small children and i'd worry...but i'd like to go up in a plane and see what it's all about.

But I love the idea of a kickball team! That would be lots of fun.

I think part of my issue is that I feel as if I have no passion for anything - I love my family and enjoy my PT job, but there is nothing I have in my life that I feel that passionate about (besides Disney). That's the thing i'm looking to find, and not sure if I ever will - but at least getting out there and doing things for me, putting myself first for once, maybe it'll come.

 

[JessicaR]

Men in their 20's.

 

[ctinct]

Men in their 20's.

Too funny!

 

[ChristaDeVil]

I suggest yoga and/or pilates. Take a few group classes, or get a DVD and do your own practice at home. I do yoga a few times a week at home, and Pilates in a class twice a week. It's great for your body & mind, and it gives me time to just "be".

 

[eeyore65]

It doesn't have to be your passion. Hobbies can also be just plain fun or about learning something new or challenging yourself to do something you'd never thought you'd do.

I am in my 40's and the following are all classes or hobbies I do- cooking school (asian, french, mexican, carribean, pizza), french lessons, scuba diving, jewellery making and design, ballroom dancing, weight training, book clubs, theater club, wine lessons, candy making, travel clubs, volunteering for Jr. olympics, architectural society, reading books on tape for the blind, volunteering at my sons school, running swim meets, kayaking, fishing, wind surfing, art class at a museum, yoga, sewing school, skiing....

I LOVE to learn new things. Keeps me stimulated. I see any type of class and I want to sign up. If I could, I would go to school full time for the rest of my life. So many things I would still like to study. I wonder when I have time to work!

 

[Disney Doll]

I always lean toward the theater...not acting, but perhaps behind the scenes work, set building, that kind of thing. One day, when I am not so busy, I swear I will.

I also enjoy walking. Pretty easy, you can go at your own pace, all you need is sneakers, you don't have to get in the car and go anywhere to do it (like a gym or fitness center). I am always amazed at what I see when I walk around my neighborhood as opposed to when I drive!