You're listening to your mom gloat about how she can do a proper bullion stitch while the others in her crochet group can barely get a chain stitch together. Then your son comes home from his friend's house, bragging about the Pokémon cards he traded. You glance at the window to see your husband return from a three-hour mountain bike ride.
Meanwhile, you're cleaning messes, dropping off prescriptions, and acting as the family chauffeur. Life is hectic as a sandwich mom. When was the last time you did something that wasn't for someone else?
Amid all the chaos, it's easy to lose touch with the things that used to bring us joy before your kids and parents took over. It's time to reconnect with your past interests or explore new hobbies as a form of self-care. Hobbies can be a joyful escape, allowing you to personally grow, recharge and rediscover yourself.
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Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started on identifying and incorporating these activities into your routine.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Interests
Five minutes before you go to bed, grab a notebook and a pen. Or open up your notes app. Take a moment to reflect on the activities or hobbies that used to light up your soul before the whirlwind of sandwich parenting came along. Imagine yourself as a 7-year-old. What are you doing?
Whether it's painting, collecting stickers, dancing, singing, pretending to be a fashion designer, playing dress-up or picking wildflowers, write down all these activities that brought you joy and fulfillment.
Step 2: Make Time for Yourself
As sandwich parents, we know time is precious. There is always something to do, plan, or fix. The only way to do anything for yourself is to make time for it. Don't be afraid to ask a neighbor, your spouse, or a friend to help out.
If your support system is limited, carving out even just a few minutes each day for yourself can make a world of difference. Wake up a bit earlier or schedule "me-time" during naptime or after the kids go to bed. Treat this time as sacred and non-negotiable.
Step 3: Start Small
So maybe you were a runner for years before the kids came and you needed to care for your parents. It can feel scary and overwhelming to start after a decade without hitting the pavement.
Start small! You don't need to dive headfirst into a new hobby or commit hours of your time right away. Begin with bite-sized activities that fit into your busy schedule. Park your car in the furthest spot and do a brisk walk or jog to the store. Jog in place while you reheat that cup of coffee. Do knee lifts while waiting with your mom at the bank.
Step 4: Get Creative With Your Schedule
Flexibility is key when you're a sandwich mom. Look for pockets of time throughout your day when you can sneak in a hobby-related activity. Maybe it's listening to an audiobook while commuting, sketching during your child's extracurricular activities, knitting in the car while waiting for your dad to finish his medical appointment, or tending to a small indoor plant or journaling before bed.
Step 5: Involve Your Family
Incorporate your hobbies into family time by involving your kids and parents. Get them excited about gardening, cooking together, or doing simple crafts. Not only does this allow you to spend quality time with them, but it also introduces them to your passions.
Step 6: Explore New Hobbies
Think about all the people in your life and their hobbies. Perhaps you have a friend who grows the juiciest tomatoes? Or maybe you realize you've been seriously stalking an influencer who posts challenging yoga poses? Would you like to try some of those activities?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new interests! Sign up for a gardening class, join a book club, or try your hand at yoga. You might discover hidden talents or passions you never knew you had.
Step 7: Connect With Like-Minded Moms
Reach out to other moms who share similar interests or hobbies. Join online communities, attend meetups, or start your own mom's group centered around a specific hobby. Having a support system can provide motivation, inspiration, and accountability.
Step 8: Let Go of Perfection
Remember, it's not about being perfect or mastering a hobby overnight. Embrace imperfection and enjoy the process of learning and growing. Have fun and laugh at yourself. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Prioritizing self-care and reconnecting with your passions is not selfish — it's essential for your well-being and happiness. By following these simple steps, you can begin a journey of self-discovery, fulfillment, and rejuvenation.
So go ahead, dust off that old guitar, pick up those paintbrushes, or lace up your dancing shoes. Your inner spark is waiting to be reignited. You've got this!
