This post is related to my previous one about preventing burnout. Having hobbies can definitely prevent burnout. When you become a father, your life changes dramatically. However, you don’t have to completely abandon who you are. You are still an individual, even if your primary identity is now as a father. You don’t have to give up the things that make you who you are.

Hobbies provide an outlet for us. Whether it’s hiking, running, martial arts, fishing, writing, bowling, or a plethora of other activities, having something to enjoy and look forward to helps relieve stress. Hobbies make us happy, and a happier dad can be a better dad and husband/partner. So, you’re not just keeping hobbies for selfish reasons. It’s a return on investment: it refreshes you and resets your mind before you return to your family.

By engaging in hobbies, you can also show your children how to balance life. Illustrate for them that you can work and take care of your responsibilities while also taking part in other things you enjoy. For instance, if you’re working at your job and taking care of household obligations, and then going fishing on a Saturday, that shows great balance. Of course, there need to be limitations. Hobbies, essentially, need to be earned to a certain degree. You cannot just disappear for hours or days and expect your partner to handle everything at home. You must also ensure your partner can engage in things they love.

Eventually, you can include your children in your hobbies. I know plenty of friends who gained interest in their particular activities because they were introduced to them by their parents. As a personal example, my son and I went hiking this morning. I love hiking and hope to take him on more challenging ones as he gets older.

Becoming a father means adding something to who you already are. You do not need to lose yourself in the process. Your children need a loving dad, not a constantly exhausted and aggravated one. Children can benefit from seeing their dad engage in his passions, interests, and personal dreams.