Being able to separate work time from relaxation time is important, but so is finding things that you truly enjoy doing in that time. Picking up an at-home hobby will not only allow you to tap into your more creative side, it can help release any bottled up energy. Hobbies can help you decompress after a long day and can be great for spending quality alone time with yourself. And the good news is that most at-home activities don’t require breaking the bank.
If you’re having a hard time coming up with an at-home hobby or are itching to try something new and just aren’t sure where to start, try revisiting topics you enjoyed in the past. Maybe you regret not taking another year of language in school, or maybe your grandmother tried teaching you how to knit but it didn’t peak your interest at the time. We’ve compiled a list of at-home hobbies you can start right now, so keep reading to see them all now.
Related: Discover a Whole New World With These 30 Disney-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles
Unsplash / Rai Vidanes
Baking or Cooking
Some people are born with the baker or chef gene, but for the rest of us, it takes a lot of trial and error. If you’re interested in baking or looking to cook more to save money on takeout, now’s your chance! There are tons of online classes you can take, or you can just dive head first into a cook book and learn as you go.
Pexels / cottonbro
Journaling
The best part about journaling is that it can mean so many different things. From bullet journaling to writing prompts to journaling about your day to writing poems, your journal can be completely customized to fit your personality and style. And definitely don’t be shy about using all the colorful pens and cute journals out there!
Pexels / fotografierende
Reading
Always see tons of book recommendations on Instagram but never get around to reading any of them? Or maybe you’re tired of hearing your friends talk about a book that’s being adapted for TV and you haven’t read it yet? Escape from the world around you by digging into a good book. There’s so many categories out there – romance, mystery, adventure, thriller – that you’ll never run out of options. And bonus: reading strengthens your vocabulary and comprehension skills, too!
Unsplash / Swabdesign_official
Candle Making
If you’re a candle addict like me, you know they can get expensive. In your free time, try making your own homemade candles. There are lots of great tutorials online that break it down into easy steps, and the ingredients are pretty simple. Who knows, maybe you’ll be quite good at it and open a shop on Etsy!
Unsplash / Camylla Battani
Restoration
Buying new furniture can come at a lofty cost, so instead of getting a new bookshelf or table, restore an old one! If you’re looking for a piece you don’t already own, try thrift shopping or garage-sale hunting. Sand it down, stain or paint it, and ta-da! You’ve got a brand new piece of furniture.
Pexels / cottonbro
Calligraphy
Not only is your writing game about to go up several notches, but your friends will be jealous of how amazing your homemade cards look come next holiday season. Calligraphy also complements other at-home hobbies, like painting. There are tons of great online classes and tutorials for calligraphy, and it’s superrelaxing.
Unsplash / Madison Lavern
Meditation
Staying calm and relaxed is important for your overall mental health. Try to mediate for a few minutes everyday to feel restored and replenished. Don’t know where to start? You can download guiding mediation apps or try listening to a soothing playlist.
Pexels / Magdaline Nicole
Embroidery
Embroidery is an at-home hobby that’ll tap into your creative side. You can either purchase kits with stitch outlines or you can make one completely from scratch. With so many designs and yarn colors, you’ll be set for a long time.
Unsplash / Vladimir Proskurovskiy
Scrapbooking
Although most pictures are stored online these days, there’s nothing stopping you from printing a few out and turning it into a scrapbook. Scrapbooks are great for vacation or school memories, weddings, births, etc. They also make a great sentimental gift!
Unsplash / Evan Dvorkin
Brewing Beer
While brewing your own beer might not be the easiest at-home hobby on this list, it is one of the more brain stimulating and rewarding options. Your home will quickly become your new favorite hangout to enjoy an ice-cold beer.
Unsplash / Les Triconautes
Knitting or Crocheting
If you’re like me, knitting was always that activity your grandma tried teaching you when you were younger, but at that age all you cared about was playing outside. But there are so many great garments you can make like gloves, scarves, beanies, and even blankets! Plus, they make a great gift when holidays and birthdays roll around.
Pexels / Retha Ferguson
Learning a New Language
Did you enjoy learning a new language in school or while you traveled abroad? Brush up on your vocabulary and verb tenses or use learning a new language as a motivator for your next trip.
Unsplash / Clem Onojeghuo
Learning How to Play an Instrument
It’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument, and with the help of online tutorial videos, it’s never been easier. This could be your new party trick or even better, maybe you’ll join a community band.
Pexels / Huy Phan
Gardening
Gardening is a great at-home hobby for green thumbs. Whether it’s flowers, fruit trees, vegetable trees, or bushes, go get your hands dirty! You’ll feel rewarded when you see buds blossoming.
Unsplash / Steve Johnson
Painting
For beginners, paint-by-number kits are a helpful activity to ease you into painting. Or if you’re more advanced, try painting objects in your house, popular landmarks, or family members.
