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[Mighty Girl]

Ok, I have a daughter and I'm a SAHM. I used to take yoga one night a week, then I kind of got tired of it, but hubby and I decided that I would still get out for at least an hour just for myself. Well, that hasn't happened thru no one's fault.

I've gotten the following two pieces of advice from several people, so I can hold on to my sanity:
- Get out of the house sans husband and child once in a while
- Get a hobby

I get very anxious and wrapped up in my daughter, and when she gets sick (sniffles, flu, etc) I can easily drop ten pounds from stress.

Any ideas for these so-called hobbies I should take up?

[Seanette]

Ok, I have a daughter and I'm a SAHM. I used to take yoga one night a week, then I kind of got tired of it, but hubby and I decided that I would still get out for at least an hour just for myself. Well, that hasn't happened thru no one's fault.

I've gotten the following two pieces of advice from several people, so I can hold on to my sanity:
- Get out of the house sans husband and child once in a while
- Get a hobby

I get very anxious and wrapped up in my daughter, and when she gets sick (sniffles, flu, etc) I can easily drop ten pounds from stress.

Any ideas for these so-called hobbies I should take up?
I personally like needlework (knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, etc.) or sudoku, in addition to reading and pet-pampering. Before I developed my hip problems, long walks were nice too (still are on a good hip day).

[Greenday]

Bowling. It's a nice simple activity anyone can get into. I love doing it. Find an alley, work at getting your scores up a bit, then see if you can find a league to join.

[ArenaBoy]

I would suggest a musical instrument, it's quite relaxing and it's great for killing time. I would also suggest some recreational sports, I did karate for 5 years and enjoyed it. It can be anything you want to do, just look for something that interests you.

[Hempress]

I go out with my best friend from high school. We spend the time acting like we're still teenagers (pointlessly driving around, going to a late-night diner for coffee, and various other things I won't mention). Well, to be honest, he never stopped acting like one.

Anyway, it's nice to pretend for a night that I'm not this responsible mommy type. It's fun. And the best part are the hugs, kisses, and cries of "Mommy!" I get when I come home. It's nice to be missed.

[draftermatt]

My wife (we don't have kids yet mind you) does crafts, goes tanning or to the gym, or draws.

She goes dancing with the girls she works with every so often too.

[Jpurple]

Go out with the girlfriends- you don't have to do this every week, but I find it really helps to go out and have adult fun once in a while. One of my coworkers and I go out about once a month to wander about in a mall, maybe get a facial/massage/pedicure/whatever, or just get a coffee and chat (usually about children :rolleyes: )

Martial arts are good, a 'dance for fun' kind of class is good too. I'm a big reader, so I like to just go out and have time by myself in a bookstore once in a while! (As long as I only take a little bit of cash with me)
If you're anywhere near a craft store, many of them offer different craft classes that can be fun.

[Sunsetsky]

I would take something you have an interest in and find a way to turn that into a hobby. If you like to make stuff then sewing or crafts might be fun. Or maybe you can take some classes (pottery, music, etc...).

[NightAngel]

I'd say you definately need some time away from your kid if you get THAT upset when she's got the sniffles! Goodness...

What about finding a charity or volunteer organization?
That way you can channel your momma instincts and need to help to people and get out of the house a bit every week.

You could do something like selling Avon or Mary Kay. I did Avon when I was a SAHM. Go out and hand out your catalogs, etc. Once you get a few customers then they do nice things like invite you for tea to go over this months samples, etc.
Great way to network with other women.

[Crazyredhead]

I go to the gym for about 3 hours a night. I take my stress out on the treadmill for about an hour, then hit the weights for 30-45 min. It is a great destressor and you'll look good and be in shape to keep up with your daughter.

[AFpheonix]

I'd say check out your local community college for any classes on something that you'd find interesting. You might meet some new friends there too.

I have a built in hobby with the ponies, and if that's something that you'd dig, you might consider getting a weekly lesson somewhere, too. Who knows? It might grow into the addiction that I have :devil: And then, I could sell you some nice little ponies.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/jorgumundr/701850261_ORIG.jpg
Cooper!

[chryso]

My wife takes an art class that meets one night a week.
She has been going for years and really enjoys it.