How To Rediscover Your Hobbies For Sandwich Generation Moms

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Life is hectic as a sandwich generation mom. You’re cleaning messes, dropping off prescriptions, and acting as the family chauffeur. When was the last time you did something that wasn’t for someone else?

While you’re busy doing things for other people, it might seem like those people have a lot of hobbies. For instance, perhaps your mom gloats about how she can do a proper bullion stitch while the others in her crochet group can barely get a chain stitch together. Or your son came home from his friend’s house, bragging about the Pokémon cards he traded as your husband returned from a three-hour mountain bike ride.

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.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help sandwich generation moms rediscover hobbies that are just for them.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Interests

As a sandwich generation mom, it might feel like you have no idea what your hobbies even are. So let’s start with doing some self-discovery.

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 generation 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 generation 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. If this time is not possible, consider pulling in some outside resources to free up your own time — and yes, this is a valuable investment, so don’t second-guess spending the money.

What are some tasks that could be outsourced to help free up some time for you? Here are some ideas:

A laundry service
House cleaning
Meal delivery
Errand driver
At-home respite care for children or parents

When you do get time to yourself, treat it as sacred and non-negotiable. And if you’re feeling guilty about taking this time for yourself, just remember: it doesn’t have to be forever. This is a temporary investment in your own health and well-being and that’s vitally important.

Step 3: Start Small

Rear view of young woman walking in park — MangoStar_Studio/iStock

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.

A small step can help jumpstart the motivation to do more to pursue your hobby.

Step 4: Get Creative With Your Schedule

Flexibility is key when you’re a sandwich generation 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

sandwich generation mom hobby — SbytovaMN/iStock

If the idea of a solo hobby doesn’t appeal to you, consider incorporating your hobbies into family time. For example, you could ask your kids or parents to join you in learning more 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.

More from LittleThings: Gentle Yoga Poses To Relieve Stress And Relax The Mind

Your local library is also a great resource to explore new hobbies. Many libraries offer activity kits you can check out, like gardening or craft kits, to help you try out new hobbies.

Step 7: Connect With Other Sandwich Generation Moms

Reach out to other moms who share similar interests or hobbies. Join online communities, attend meetups, or start your own sandwich generation 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!