NMR: I need a hobby/ aka I'm bored with my life

[daisyn]

I'm a single mom and my son is getting older and wants to spend more time with his friends and less time with me.  It's normal growing up stuff for him (he's 11) but I don't know what to do with myself.  I've tried reading and watching tv but can't really get into anything.  

I need a hobby or something I can do in the evening/ weekends preferably at home or away for maybe an hour at a time.  I already workout first thing in the AM.  I'm also lacking motivation (but not depressed).  Just having a hard time dealing with this change.  We've spent a lot of time together since he was 4 when I got divorced and I have full custody.

any suggestions or advice?

[UnderProtest]

No suggestions, just empathy. I considered posting something similar earlier today. We just moved to a new town and my kids are in school all day (and husband works). So I'm home alone all day and need to find something productive to fill my day. Hugs.

[gt7301b]

Exercise? I could entertain myself with running/walking/gym/yoga.

[explorer2001]

Knit
Crochet
Paint
Craft
Bake
Take a class (online maybe if you need to be home/available)
Learn a language
Volunteer
Book club

[aurora]

What kinds of things do you enjoy? For at-home hobbies I knit, sew, and garden when I can find the time.

[nicechicken]

I've started painting. I'm not artistic by any means, but it calms me.

I do a lot of abstract stuff.

[SallyJ]

What have you always wanted to learn? I pick something new every year. Some things I've learned/plan to learn:

How to drink/order/enjoy wine
Same with beer and vodka
How to sew clothes
How to knit and crochet
Photography
Ballet
Piano
Cooking healthy

[sadlebred]

How about some volunteer work 1-2 nights/ week?

[nicechicken]

I also go pet cats at the shelter once a week.

[just]

Would you be open to some video games?

There are wonderful games available now on steam where you don't need a fancy computer, or controller - there are puzzle games, games that open narratives and discussions, story based games, games that are just fun to goof around in. And they don't have to be expensive - I've played $5 and $60 games! Also some games you can buy for your phone are really meaty and don't have to feel like a guilty pleasure - they can be an actual thing you do!!

I also love signing up for MOOCs on Coursera, watching all the videos/reading all the content but never finishing

Or signing up for a free lynda subscription and learning how to use a new software or programming something new and fun.

[1yeartogo]

Books and a book club? Seriously, get a kindle if you don't have one and check out your local library's selection of e-books. If you are an extrovert I've got nothing...

[imojoebunny]

I am pretty much stuck at home at night, since my kids can't be left alone. I tend to like to do productive things for whatever reason, I have tried other things, but they didn't stick. I like to refinish furniture, embroider hand towels and dishcloths, and sew things like pillow covers, shower curtains, or baby carriers for friends. I don't know if it is a hobby exactly, but I have enjoyed getting the Blue Apron style boxes, and broadening my cooking skills.

Hand towels look like the below, but with my own designs, which tend to be funny or sarcastic. It is relaxing to do and can be completed pretty quickly, and they make good gifts and wrapping paper. They are also cheap, like $1.25 each to make.
www.etsy.com/listing/256584912/gather-flour-sack-tea-towel-kitchen?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=embroidered%20hand%20towels&ref=sr_gallery_43

[lys]

Find a way to volunteer your time and/or skills .  Every community has people who need help of some kind as well as organizations that need volunteer assistance.  

[ijack]

candy crush?

[followyourarrow]

I make door wreaths for every season.
Refinishing furniture if you have the space.
Archery, I have to throw this out there, but know it's not for everyone. You just need 10 yards on open space to be able to do it at home.

[Deleted]

Volunteering would be a great one. That gives you a weekly commitment, but it sounds like that might be a good thing if you're trying to find motivation?

This year I sent a goal on Goodreads for how many books to read, and it's actually motivated me to keep up with it! I love reading but sometimes fall out of the habit. My goal was 26 books and I've already almost hit it. I definitely didn't read that much last year, so I found this helpful for keeping up with my hobby.

I also recently started taking a photography class. I'm hoping that will turn picture taking into more of a hobby for me. Are there any classes you might be interested in taking? I've also considered taking a language class or a history class since both of those interest me too.

[insominac]

Voting for Hilary and live in a swing state? Volunteer for her campaign!

(If you're a Trump supporter, disregard that idea lol)

[daisyn]

Lots of great ideas! Thanks to all who posted and keep them coming if you have others!!

[tacom]

Have you ever had an interest in caring for a pet? Mine give me my nurturing fix and also add a ton of happiness to my life. They are a lot of work but that might be a welcome change in this new phase of your life. My mom adopted a dog earlier this year (when her youngest was graduating hs) and it's been a blessing for us all, lol

[Deleted]

I like the pet fostering idea. Or maybe just adopt a pet! A dog can be great for exercise, built-in security system, and companionship.

I also like the volunteer idea. volunteermatch.org is great for connecting you with something you're interested in

I struggle with this myself so you're not alone. I spend way too much time with Netflix.

[lagom]

Book club?
Toastmasters?

[idahome]

I need to figure this out for myself, too.

I have got caught up in things (knitting, card making, crafting) that have gone no where. I'd like to focus on something I will see through.

im planning to spend October plotting out some writing for the annual attempt at National Novel Writing Month in November. We will see how that goes. Perhaps you have a story to tell, though?

[dragon's breath]

I've recently taken up quilting and crochet. I hand quilt, so it doesn't take much space and all fits in a bag when I'm not working on it. I am learning though youtube videos and a quilt group I have joined. The quilting can be done alone or with a group, so good for at home or for being social.

If I didn't want to travel so much, I'd get another pet.

You could learn a language (duolingo is helpful, and free).