New Hobbies for New Lives

I've been thinking about new ways to fill my time, time that previously would have been spend with or in search of food. And positive ways to use my increased energy. It really hit me as I was driving around to my favorite grocery stores looking for something void of garlic or ginger and organizing my post op supplies. : Have any of you started or plan to start any new hobbies, either immediately post op or as you get stronger? Exercise will be one of mine. I've always wanted to do kickboxing to tae kwon do, I think it will be very therapeutic for me and rewarding as you move up and earn different belts. Yoga has always interested me and will help with stress; when I tried it before I found I could not bend/move as needed and was more embarassed at my nonflexibility than any benefits from the workout. It will be important for me to go somewhere versus doing it all in house where I'll be distracted. I also want to get back in touch with my organic and vegetarian lifestyle. I am struggling with all the aspartame/splenda and processed foods in our immediate post op diet; I've always been so against them but plan to be a good doobie and follow all instructions to the T. Fortunately I'm not a sugar eater. I look forward to everyone's ideas and how they will be using the time and energy that is ahead! ~Tiffany

I plan to work on my jewelry business and teach my son a new type of craft each month. I taught him plastic canvas last month. This month we are going to learn how to paint pottery and how a kiln works. Not to mention changing regular clothes into clothes my mom can wear, she is handicapped and has special needs in how her clothes go on. ::hugs:: Cyndi

Hi Tiffany, I have thought about it and I know exercise will definitely be one of my new hobbies. I am trying to get my husband to join me but he never has any energy. Which then worries me about after the surgery, what will happen when I am so energized and he is sleeping or resting....I am so worried that he will not be able to handle me.....lol. Well I will think of something. Later, Dawn

I always found that my beading, embroidery, or sewing is great to keep the fingers busy and then they can't be stuffing food in my mouth!! Patty

It's so nice to see other people wondering and trying to prepare for "what to do with the extra time". I have had to fight the time because I have also had to quit smoking. And that has freed up time as well. What to do while I watch tv or read a book. My hands are used to being occupied with a cigerette...not that I was a heavy smoker, but enough that sitting outside and talking to my mom, I am restless because I am not occupied with flicking ashes, holding or lighting a cigarette. Now scrounging through the fridge and the cupboards and wandering through the grocery store is another time replacement activity that I need to come up with. I have lots of work that I can do, papers to grade and lessons to plan, but that gets tedious have too many hours. I have recently moved and one of the things that I have recently gotten into is art stuff. I have been beading necklaces, making picture mats for wall decorations, reading books on making cool candle holders and I am surprised at how intense I can get into a project. I can sit for hours and work my hands painting or beading, it's a fabulous thing. It's not only kept me from smoking it has also kept me out of the fridge. I am hoping once I get through my surgery that working out will be my big time consumer...but off the bike or outside of the gym, beading and painting seem to be my trick. Hope that gives you some ideas. If not...writing. Anything to keep your hands busy I would think would help. See you on the other side. Jessica