Hi friends!
This is a post that I have been wanting to write for a while because it allowed me to explore what other cozy hobbies are out there. As a self-proclaimed introvert and homebody, I really appreciate slow hobbies that I can do at home without breaking the bank. If this sounds like you, too, maybe you’ll find something new to add into your routine.
I truly believe hobbies can add so much joy and happiness to your days and it is important to carve out time for them. I know we are busy, but let’s try to put our phones down (we are all making time to scroll, aren’t we these days) and do something that that fills our cups in a healthy way.
Here are some of the coziest hobbies I can think of (and a few that I hope to try my hand at).
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23 Cozy Hobbies
1. Reading ~ Unsurprisingly, this is number one on my list because my favorite thing in the world is getting lost in another world. It doesn’t matter what the genre is, just find something that brings you complete joy and broadens your imagination and mind. I share a lot of books recs on here.
2. Cozy Gaming ~ The key is to choose games that are calm and low-stakes. For me, this is Animal Crossing. It is such a relaxing way to spend my evening. Other games that are cozy: Stardew Valley, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and Harvest Moon.
3. Gardening ~ It can be as simple as a small potted herb garden or a garden oasis in your backyard, but there is something so satisfying to know that you grew something beautiful (or edible) from a seed. I personally love planting bulbs in the spring and fall and keeping herbs on my porch. Indoor gardening is also something to consider.
4. Journaling ~ Write down your thoughts, quotes that you’ve come across, books you want to read, things that you love or things that make you happy, daily joys… jot down whatever it is that you want to document and capture before the day begins or before going to bed.
5. Scrapbooking ~ This feels like a lost art now that we have our phones and digital photo albums but growing up, I made a scrapbook for just about everything and I still look back at them. They are such a fun way to capture moments in time. I’d love to make one for where I am in life now.
6. Baking ~ When you are baking for yourself and testing recipes, it can be very relaxing. No pressure, just making something and hoping to comes out delicious. Plus, your home will smell divine. You may also want to watch a few YouTube tutorials to learn how to pipe frosting on cakes and cookies like a professional. Why not try your hand at it?
7. Knitting or Crocheting ~ If you want to create something with your own bare hands, consider learning to knit or crochet. You can make yourself something extra cozy.
8. Crosswords ~ A great way to exercise your brain and learn new things.
9. Puzzles ~ Having a huge jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table to slowly work on is one of my favorite cozy things, especially in fall and winter. So relaxing with a cup of tea and a gentle playlist in the background.
10. Lego for adults ~ It’s not just for kids, friends. There are some beautiful kits out there! Look at this gorgeous botanical Lego kit. You can display in your home when you are finished.
11. Adult coloring books ~ Coloring is one of the most relaxing hobbies, honestly. Invest in a nice set of colored pencils or markers and find a fun book that speaks to you. There are endless choices to choose from, including this ACOTAR coloring book that very much speaks to me. And don’t forget about the Dollar Tree, which is always stocked with these types of books.
12. ZenTangle ~ Create beautiful imagery and illusions with the art of ZenTangle. You don’t need much to start and there are endless free tutorials online. It can help reduce stress and improve your focus.
13. Hand lettering ~ Learn to illustrate letters to make something beautiful. That’s a neat talent to have in your back pocket.
14. Painting ~ You don’t have to be good at it – just start. Grab the supplies you need and see what comes out. Watercoloring looks so relaxing and there are so many tutorials on YouTube. Or you could watch Bob Ross and paint along with him (which sounds like the ultimate relaxation).
15. Pottery ~ Start with something as simple as air-dry clay to use your hands in a creative way. If it is something you really enjoying doing, you can consider taking classes. This is one of the hobbies I would really love to dive into.
16. Yoga ~ A gentle way to add movement to your day that will help you de-stress and improve your balance and core. There are plenty of YouTubers who can help you get started. My favorite for beginners is Yoga with Adrienne.
17. Create digital art ~ This is something I am particularly interested in, though I have no experience. But an app like ProCreate is an easy way to dip your toe into creating digital art. I feel intimidated by it, but we all have to start somewhere! And I am sure there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help.
18. Make your own tea ~ Grow your own herbs (like chamomile, lavender, or mint), dry them out, and experiment with flavors.
19. Birdwatching ~ You can simply sit in your own backyard and just look to the sky. I found myself doing this a lot, unintentionally, when my kids were toddlers and I would sit in the backyard while they played. It was one of the most relaxing parts of my day. For colder weather, consider a window bird feeder. Keep track of the birds you identify (in your journal!)
20. Watch a cozy TV show ~ Sometimes you need something as mindless as a show with a warm beverage and blanket. Some great comfort shows: The Great British Baking Show, Gilmore Girls, Friends, The Office, Parks and Rec, Bridgerton, Virgin River, or your favorite cooking show (Mine is The Barefoot Contessa!)
Bonus *get-out-of-the-house* hobbies:
21. Go thrifting to curate your dream home ~ Walk around and see if anything can be moved around for a fresh look. Shop your own home or basement. Or head out to a thrift store and see what treasures and trinkets you can find that feel like you. This is a slow process for sure, but it sure is fun to gradually build the interior of your dreams.
22. Beachcombing ~ If you are fortunate enough to live near the ocean, take a stroll and look for rocks, sea-glass, seashells, or any other trinkets that you can add to a collection.
23. Savoring a warm beverage at a local coffee shop ~ Make it a weekly ritual if you can. It’s something you will look forward to – and don’t forget to bring a book.
