As live-in carers we often have time on our hands. Many carers have hobbies which they have been pursuing for years and occasionally might feel like doing something different.

An interesting point is that people who have a purposeful activity to follow are less likely to suffer from stress, depression and low moods.

Tips to choose a new hobby

Understand your own style of life

Note what makes you feel happiest, are you creative, do you enjoy learning, or working with plants? 

Everyone has different things that please them, and not all, understandably, can be adapted to live-in carers and their lifestyle, but there are many hobbies which can be successful with this type of work.

Think about your own values

It helps if you prioritize your own values, things that make you happy and feel fulfilled. This can be anything from simple walks in a park, to doing physical exercise or learning another language.

Think about what experience you would need

It pays to be realistic about the time available to you. Could you get to a gym and back to your client during your break? How much extra training would you need to start your new hobby? Can you learn online or do you need to find an outside instructor?

What equipment would you need?

While many might enjoy taking up pottery, having the availability of a kiln, bags of clay and modelling tools is simply not practical for most. However, making small models from air dry clay may be an option.

Start small

Most live-in carers are busy throughout the day, and finding time to start something new may be a daunting project. If embroidery work appeals to you, then start with a small piece first, so you can see progress quickly and not end up with a huge tapestry which is never completed.

Join an online community

Whatever new hobby you start, there will be an online group to join. Opt for groups that mention beginners so that you are not overwhelmed by other people’s workmanship.

Track your hobby

When you have completed a piece of work, whatever it is, take some pictures. This way you will be able to look back at what you have achieved, and see your own improvement.

Final thoughts

It is important to be realistic about a new hobby. Most live-in carers are busy and only have their break time free in the day. Be realistic about how much time you will have to devote to something new and start in a small way so that you are not discouraged.

Finally, pick something that you think you will enjoy and do it as well as you can. This way your self esteem and personal happiness will be restored and your days become more satisfactory.

 

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Live in care jobs