So, You Want to Find a Hobby?
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It’s a classic story, really. You have an unexpected Saturday off and are ready to fill it with new, exciting activities that make you feel a lil more productive. But, meh, all you can think to do is re-watch your favorite mukbangs. No shame! I love watching mukbangs on loop! But I know you're here because you want something ~*different*~. So let's find you some hobbies!
Before you start to worry, your hobby doesn’t have to become another to-do on your already long list. It can literally just be something small that you do to feel like you’re actually taking a break instead of just switching between your work computer and your phone throughout the day. Plus, we all know that job interviewers just love to ask us what we like to do in our free time. What are you gonna say, YouTube?? Not on my watch.
Whether you want something that you can get into with friends (see #5) or a solitary escape, I’ve got tons of different activities for you to try out. Happy hobby hunting!
Hobbies for Staying at Home
1. Wreck This Journal
If you didn’t have a “Wreck This Journal” back in the Tumblr days, it’s basically a coloring book/journal/scrapbook/napkin (yes, napkin). The therapeutic journal will start out super nice and neat but, once you’re done with all of the prompts, it’ll be your own, one-of-a-kind, ultra-healing masterpiece.
2. Calligraphy
Whether you’re looking to up your stationery game or elevate your note-taking, learning calligraphy will undoubtedly add a lot to your life. Getting the skill down is totally free (there are tons of great resources online) but, beware, the pens may make your credit card a little sad.
3. Gaming
From Animal Crossing to Myst, there’s absolutely something for you in the gaming world. Just be sure to do it right and splurge on a gorgeous gaming setup!
4. Gardening
Okay, this one may sound overwhelming, but you can ease into it! Whether you want to start with some small plants that are on the low-maintenance side or you have the space to get down and dirty with your own product; gardening is a great way to keep yourself busy (and your space really cute).
5. Throwing themed dinner parties
Now that it’s a bit safer for us to gather with our vaccinated frands, doing weekly *themed* (very important) dinner parties can be a great way to debrief. The best themes I’ve seen are “1997 Romeo and Juliet,” “Studio 54,” and “Positano, Italy,” but I’m sure you’ll come up with ones that are evennn better.
6. Learning to cook
Don’t feel bad, Paris Hilton is still navigating the kitchen too! If you’re looking for ways to make learning to cook super fun, I suggest picking a workbook< to cook through from top to bottom or pick a random recipe from this yummy list every night.
Adorably Quirky Hobbies
7. Make your own milk alternative
Yup. Instead of buying your almond milk and oat milk from the grocery store (which I know is deliciously easy), try making them yourself? Just look up some recipes online (like this one from Delish.com) grab your nut milk bag, and get started. Your lattes will thank you!
9. Puzzling
If you’ve ever placed that final piece into a puzzle, you know that’s a feeling worth repeating. With their range of sizes, shapes, and designs you’ll never run out of puzzles to tackle. Plus, if you really love one once you’re done, you can frame it for a rustic, artwork moment.
10. Learn to read tarot cards
If you’re really into tarot readings, it could be very worthwhile to delve into the specifics and learn to do it yourself. Lucky for you, we have a comprehensive guide right here.
11. Pickling
Did you know that you can pickle pretty much any fruit or vegetable? Never mind, why would you know that? Anyways, if you pick up a handy fermentation kit—or get some Mason jars, vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to go completely DIY—you can easily transform your produce into the perfect snack or garnish.
18. Candle-making
If you caught Kim Kardashian's Insta story the other day, you would’ve seen her doing this very activity with her eldest, North. If that doesn’t convince you, I’m not sure what will! Well, also the fact that having your home smell *exactly* how you want it to is kind of amazing.
Art Chick™ Hobbies
12. Crocheting
From crop tops to cardigans to blankets to bags, the world is your oyster when you learn to crochet. After you grab your needles and your favorite colors of yarn, you can find tons of (free) easy-to-follow patterns on Love Crafts to get you started.
13. Painting
Painting is not only amazingly therapeutic but a cost-effective way to spruce up your space with a personal touch. If you want to skip the experimental phase and follow the greats, you can watch some Bob Ross reruns on Hulu or browse the plethora of how-tos on YouTube.
14. Punch needling
You may have noticed the adorable, handmade rugs that are taking over Instagram and TikTok and thought, “I want one!” Well, I believe in your ability to make some yourself. You can find all the tools you’ll need in this beginner kit and, after a few attempts, I’m sure you’ll be pumping out 8” x 10” area rugs in no time.
15. Making playlists
Whether you organize them based on mood, activity, or even location, making playlists can be an awesome, low-stress hobby. Even Obama does it!
16. Songwriting
I mean, Olivia Rodrigo wrote record-breaking hits in her downtime, so whose to say you can’t become the world's biggest pop star too? Just whip out a notebook (and those heartbreak memories) and see what comes of it. Who knows; you could surprise yourself.
Very Fahncy Hobbies
17. Pilates
If you’re looking for a more active hobby, here ya go! All of our favorite celebs have made it clear that pilates is the workout-de-jour, so definitely try it out if you’re looking to do something other than running on the treadmill. <
18. Mixology
Start by learning the classics like a perfect cosmopolitan (*wink*) to an old-fashioned. Then, go off and explore with whatever’s in your pantry. Just, please, don’t start calling yourself a “mixologist.” Please.
19. Take a masterclass
Well, Maybe we can rephrase this to "become a student again" but y'all get what I mean. If you want a hobby that’ll truly help you better yourself and become *that* person, investing in Masterclass is the way to go. From TV writing with Shonda Rhimes to cooking with Gordon Ramsey himself, taking this "hobby" seriously will make you good at just about everything.
20. Manicuring
Okay, this is a skill that could make you some extra money, TBH. We’re definitely having a nail art renaissance and learning to do it yourself would be HUGE. All side-hustle efforts aside, if you can get your left hand done without it looking like your right hand’s awkward sister, I’d be thoroughly impressed.
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