I don’t know about you but most of my adult life has been hobby-less. Between work, raising a family, and caring for a house there seemed to be very little time to take part in regular hobbies. Yes, occasionally I would sneak in a project or a trip here and there but for the most part my days were spent working on my to do list and then flopping on the sofa for a nightly Netflix binge. Not the healthiest of routines. While watching TV might be relaxing, it is mindless and time that could be better spent on a different hobby that actually engages our senses. If you are with me in your search for relaxing hobbies to get you to stop binge watching, I have compiled a list of hobbies for inspiration.
20 Relaxing Hobbies
Gardening
I have always loved the idea of gardening and am so excited to have a yard again to get back into it. I don’t however have a green thumb. But there is good news for me (and you if you tend to kill more plants than not). Gardening is a learned skill. The ability to grow a garden is not a talent you either have or don’t. It simply takes a bit of time, research, and practice and your garden will be flourishing in no time. Currently, I have 4 pots of herbs and greens on my window sill in the kitchen that are doing pretty well. My soil is a bit on the heavy side so next time I know to mix more sand into the mix. See, its all about growth – mine and the plants. So don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, start small, and try gardening as a way to get you off the sofa.
Puzzles
Okay, so I am a bit of nerd. I love a good crossword or sudoku puzzle. I may or may not actually own a wooden reusable sudoku puzzle. When I am in the mood for a game and can’t convince anyone else to play Scrabble with me, the puzzles come out. I know a lot of people also enjoy jigsaw puzzles as a way to relax. I myself haven’t done jigsaw puzzles since the kids were young but the next rainy afternoon maybe dust off the box and give it a try.
Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking may or may not be a stress relieving hobby for you. It is definitely something I have to be in the right mood for. But if the mood has stricken you and you are headed into the kitchen why not give one of these recipes a try.
Writing
Writing on the other hand is on my list of relaxing hobbies. I have always been a writer – from having my little second grade book published in the school library to blogging with you today. Whether or thing is blogging, poetry, or writing short stories, there is something very relaxing about getting your ideas out on paper and being creative. So grab your pen (or keyboard) and try your hand a writing something next time you are bored.
Crafts
Along the same line as cooking, crafting can be either relaxing or stressful depending on the person (and the mood). If I am alone and can devote my full attention to a project I can fall into the relaxed crafter bracket. But, as a mom who very rarely has time to herself that is not spent working and “being productive”, I don’t find as much time for crafting as I would like. But if you have been itching to try that Pinterest-y project, there is no better time than now.
Listening to Music
One of the most tried and true relaxing hobbies is music. Whether you have the talent to play it or just want to listen, this hobby is a sure stress-reliever for most people. I will say, however, there is some music out there that is just stressful (and unfortunately it is my husbands favorite music) so not all types of music work for all types of people. Find your favorite genre and put it on while you work or eat dinner and see how it feels.
Walking/Hiking
No matter your fitness level, there is a trail or path out there for you. I enjoy getting out to the woods to hike often and most of our vacations center around hiking as well. I am by no means a fitness type person but hiking is the one exercise I don’t view as exercise. Lace up you sneakers and see what kind of trails your local park has or ask your neighbors about secret gems they might know about.
Reading
Reading a book on the beach or by the pool has to be one of the most relaxing hobbies. Or if it’s too cold for that doesn’t reading a book snuggled under a blanket sound just perfect? Yes, my nerdiness is showing again. I am a book lover. Maybe the only thing I would rather do than write for a living would be read for a living – but those jobs are a lot less easy to come by. I know a lot of you out there are with me on that one (I mean, you are reading right now). So, after you are done here of course, put down the phone or turn off the screen and open that book you haven’t finished yet.
Playing Games
My family is a big game family. We play games regularly, especially when we have guests over. It is a nice change to turn off the TV and pullout the playing cards for some fun competition. Feeling extra, take it one step further and make a game night out of it complete with snacks and a theme.
Knitting/Crochet/Macramé
I have tried to crochet and to knit (haven’t done any of the macramé projects pinned to my Pinterest yet). It is not my thing. I get too frustrated and everything turns out a bit…wonky. So for me, it is not one of the most relaxing hobbies. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. What better feeling must there be than to knit a beautiful blanket or scarf yourself?
Journaling
Here’s a hobby I can get behind. As you probably know I am big into journaling. I journal nearly every day. I think this is one hobby every person should give a chance. There are so many benefits to journaling that it is worth trying. It is a great way to relieve stress, brainstorm, and express your feelings. If you want to learn more about it, read my post about creating your own journaling practice.
Coloring/Sketching/Doodling
When I am stressed, I doodle. If I happen to be holding a pen or pencil at the time (or even if there is one nearby for me to grab) I mindlessly doodle. It has something to do with needing to keep my hands busy when I am anxious. I also fidget a lot so having a pen to tap or doodling stars focuses my fidgeting. I do also intentionally sketch and draw when I am watching TV sometimes. If you tend to be on the fidgety/anxious side, I recommend doodling, drawing or coloring when you are relaxing.
Painting
Painting is one hobby that takes a bit of prep but can be really relaxing if you are so inclined to give it a try. I tend to gravitate toward watercolor as it is the simplest and requires the least about of equipment. If you want to learn how to paint, there are lots of tutorials on YouTube to get you started.
Fishing
Fishing can be really relaxing if you live in an area where a pond, lake, or river is close by. Even if you don’t have luck catching any fish, just sitting near the water or in a boat is relaxing. When I go fishing with my husband, I also usually bring a book to read, lol.
Photography
Whether it is taking selfies or pictures of nature, going out on a walk with the purpose of taking pictures can be a relaxing hobby. Take pictures of flowers next to the trail, views from hilltops, or selfies in front of mural painted buildings.
Jewelry Making
From beading to bracelets, the act of busying your hands while making jewelry is relaxing. And, knowing you have created something with your own hands is rewarding.
Yoga
Take a yoga class or learn it from YouTube next time you want to do something physical to relax. Yoga’s slow movements and focus on breathing techniques are very relaxing and there are poses for every fitness level.
Origami
The Japanese art of paperfolding, Origami, can be very relaxing. There are books out there with instructions to create everything from cranes to flowers by simply folding paper in different ways. It does require patience to learn but if you have the time to learn it can be very rewarding.
Biking
Biking along the city paths or through the dirt trails can be a fun and relaxing activity with the added bonus of being exercise. When my family would go RVing we would take our bikes and bike the trails, park paths, and seawalls as a way to see more of the area we were visiting.
Bird Watching
Aside from watching the birds outside my window, I have yet to go bird watching (at least intentionally). I am however interested in learning more about it as I can see it being an especially relaxing hobby.
Are you relaxed yet?
Well, writing this post relaxed me, did reading it relax you? Are there any relaxing hobbies on this list you enjoy? Any you think I should add? I would love to hear what you think. drop a comment below.
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