Cancer treatment was difficult, but managing menopause after cancer has been even harder. Both have required resilience and strategies. Self-care, now, feels essential and these five hobbies have become a key part of that.
They have helped me stay in the moment, feel calm, they have helped improve my focus and rest my busy mind and switch off. They are five hobbies that help me feel good.
01
Knitting
Knitting gives my busy mind something to focus on. Reading a pattern is like reading a whole other language. And over time I’ve taken on more ambitious challenges which has pushed me to learn new stitches and techniques. Its such a pleasing activity too, even when I do lose focus and have to unravel rows and re-do. Plus I’ve now got a wardrobe full of jumpers and socks
02
Running (or movement)
I love running. I’m not fast and I rarely run for speed, distances or goals these days (apart from RED January!). I love the boost I get when I finish a run but I also find it a helpful activity to problem solve and also reduce stress. I often feel a lot calmer after a run.
03
Reading
There’s nothing better than a good book to help me switch off from my own world and sink into a story I can’t put down. It pulls me away from the endless phone scroll. Its escapism, Its calming. I also like reading to learn about new self care tips – my book of the moment is How to Be Selfish by Suzy Reading
04
Aromatherapy Baths
Can you call having a bath a hobby? Maybe not but I’ve been learning about, creating and testing aromatherapy blends so I guess it counts. I’ve always found baths particularly comforting. Sometimes it’s the only way to heat up after a long time in the cold. I can spend hours lying in the bath with a great book. Adding aromatherapy oils has become a must. I like to work out the best blend of oils to suit my mood and how I’m feeling – whether that’s something calming to wind down before bed, or a more energising scent on days when fatigue has hit and I need a gentle boost.
05
Journalling
Journalling has become a daily ritual rather than a hobby. Every morning, I write down 5 things I’m grateful for and put pen to paper to do a brain dump. Its helped me feel calmer, get any worries out of my head and helped me manage overthinking and catastrophising (which happens a bit too often)
These hobbies (activities) are not a complete fix for midlife interrupted moments, but they have certainly helped me get through a few challenges. Simple things, big personal impact.
What works for you to stay calm in a midlife interrupted moment?
