[00:00:00] Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Tune in each week as we explore strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership, focusing on fostering your sense of purpose and reigniting your passion for the job.

Today, we’re talking about embracing hobbies as a form of self-care. Hobbies are often overlooked as self-care tools because we tend to focus on fitness, nutrition, or relaxation. But hobbies—whether relaxing or not—are an important form of self-care.

Why Hobbies Matter
[00:01:00] Many educators consider education itself their hobby, which is wonderful because it reflects passion. However, this can blur the line between professional dedication and personal enjoyment. While this passion is great, it’s crucial to set boundaries in order to reduce stress and prevent burnout. We need hobbies that are purely for fun—not related to work or serving others.

Hobbies provide several benefits:

• Anticipation and Enjoyment: They give us something to look forward to and offer a break from daily routines and responsibilities.

• Excitement and Engagement: Hobbies can spark creativity and allow us to explore new interests outside of work.

• Stress Relief and Relaxation: Some hobbies offer therapeutic outlets for stress, helping reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

• Personal Growth: Hobbies challenge us to learn new skills, build confidence, and broaden our perspectives beyond our professional roles.

For example, when I got into running, I learned about nutrition, improved my endurance, and reached goals that boosted my confidence.

Reflection on Hobbies
[00:04:00] Think about your own hobbies:

• What hobbies do you currently love?

• What hobbies have you stopped participating in, and why?

• What hobbies do you wish you had?

Pause for a moment and reflect on these questions.

Possible Hobbies to Explore
Here are some hobby ideas to get you thinking:

1. Adult Sports: Consider joining adult sports leagues like softball, tennis, pickleball, or volleyball. They’re a great way to stay active and build relationships.

2. Artistic Hobbies: Explore painting, pottery, digital art, knitting, or crocheting. These creative outlets can be therapeutic and fun.

3. Outdoor Hobbies: If you love nature, try kayaking, hiking, skiing, or camping. These activities are great for physical activity and relaxation.

4. Reading: Join a book club, either virtual or local. It’s a great way to socialize, enjoy reading, and hold yourself accountable.

5. Writing and Journaling: Creative writing, blogging, or journaling are excellent outlets for self-expression.

6. Cooking and Baking: Experiment with new recipes or bake something for fun. This is a great way to de-stress, especially in the summer.

7. Photography: Use your phone to capture moments in nature, family, or special events. Photography can be a great way to practice mindfulness.

8. Playing an Instrument: If you’ve always wanted to learn, pick up a guitar, piano, or violin. It’s never too late to start.

9. Traveling: Whether it’s exploring new places on weekends or planning overseas trips, travel is a rewarding hobby that brings joy and excitement.

10. Dancing: Take dance classes, whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or hip-hop. It’s fun and good for physical health.

11. Collecting: Collect stamps, coins, or antiques. It’s a relaxing hobby that can also be educational.

12. Board and Card Games: Play games with friends or family. This can be a great social hobby.

13. Learning a New Language: Revisit a language you once studied or start learning a new one. This is a hobby that can challenge your brain and open new doors for cultural exploration.

14. Home Brewing: Try brewing your own beer, wine, or kombucha. It’s a fun, creative hobby with a community around it.

Choosing the Right Hobby
The key is to find something that works for you. Whether you prefer team-based activities or solo hobbies, the most important thing is to make time for yourself. Hobbies give you an opportunity to learn, relax, and recharge, and they help provide balance outside of work.

Remember, hobbies change throughout different life stages. For example, my husband loves playing softball, but with his busy schedule, running has become a more practical hobby. You can adapt your hobbies to fit your current circumstances.

Conclusion
If you’re struggling to find the time for hobbies, think about how you can incorporate them into your schedule. Even if they don’t fit your routine now, prioritize a hobby that excites and relaxes you. It’s an important part of self-care.

If you don’t have a hobby yet, take time to reflect on the ones you’ve always wanted to try. Don’t be afraid to start something new!

As a principal, you have a responsibility to prioritize your own wellbeing, which in turn supports your leadership effectiveness. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and wellbeing, my one-on-one coaching can help. It’s designed to build your resilience, clarify your goals, and enhance your leadership skills.

If you’re interested in a free consultation, click the Calendly link in the show notes to schedule a time. We’ll discuss your current challenges and how I can support you in reaching your goals.

If you’re enjoying the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Remember, you have the power to shape your life based on the mindset you choose. Have a great week, and I’ll see you next time!