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If you are looking for a simple and fun way to relax and unwind, these low-energy, calming hobbies are going to be perfect for you!
When life gets busy, we sometimes forget to make time for rest, relaxation, and FUN.
With a loaded schedule, it’s easy to fall into the “go-go-go” mindset without ever really pausing to rest and take time for yourself.
Picking up some simple relaxing and restorative hobbies is a great way to ensure that you make time for yourself – no matter how busy you get!
This list is filled with some of the best calming at-home hobbies that are mindless, chill, relaxing, and totally fun too!
Never underestimate the power of adding some hobbies into your life. Your brain, body, and soul will thank you!
Benefits of Having Hobbies
As we get older, it feels less common to have hobbies. We often lose touch with the mindless or fun activities that brought us joy as kids!
There are so many benefits to having hobbies to do in your life as an adult.
Here are 10 reasons having a hobby benefits you:
- Less stress
- Opportunity for connection
- Social interaction
- Improved productivity
- More relaxed
- Happier
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
- Better work/life balance
- Lower risk of anxiety and depression
25 Calm & Relaxing Hobby Ideas
These hobbies are the perfect way to relax and unwind – and have fun while doing so!
1. Creative Writing
Writing is one of the best hobbies to keep your mind active and let your imagination wander. Whether you choose to write short stories, poetry, prose, or something else entirely – giving yourself time and space to let your mind wander on paper makes this the perfect relaxing hobby idea.
Supplies Needed:
- Cute Journal
- Fun Pens
- Active Imagination
2. Drawing
Before you jump in to say “I’m not an artist”, I want to stop you. Very few people are naturally gifted with a specific skill or talent. (Even those that are, have to work at it!)
You can learn to draw and develop new artistic skills over time.
Take the pressure of being “good” off of yourself. This is meant to be a fun, enjoyable hobby. You don’t need to be a professional to have fun!
Start with a calming, low-stakes YouTube drawing exercise. Challenge yourself to let go of perfectionism and just enjoy it!
Supplies Needed:
3. Baking
I LOVE baking. It is a great stress-relief hobby – AND the outcome is a delicious bonus, too!
Whenever I’m bored, looking for a low-energy, relaxing activity, I take to Pinterest to find my next baked good.
It truly never fails to boost my mood!
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Pan Set
- A Delicious Recipe
- Recipe Ingredients
4. Walking
Daily walking has completely transformed my mental health.
Not only does walking have many physical benefits (fitness, cardiovascular health, etc.), but it can drastically improve your mood, mental cognition, and mental health too!
Bonus points if you can get outside for your walk.
Treadmill walking is great, of course. But the added benefits of being in nature and getting some fresh air is an added perk if possible.
Supplies Needed:
- Walking Shoes
- Headphones
- Walking Belt
- Treadmill or Outdoor Space
5. Knitting
Knitting is the perfect hobby to add to your pre-existing night routine. Once you learn how to knit, it takes very little mental focus and can become a great mindless hobby to do while watching TV or relaxing at night.
6. Yoga
Yoga, like walking, is a chill, low-stress hobby that has benefits for both your mental and physical health. This is also a perfect at-home hobby (free YouTube videos!) or social hobby (going to a yoga class).
It feels amazing – physically and mentally. Your mind and body will thank you for picking up this hobby.
Supplies Needed:
- Yoga Mat
- Yoga Block (optional)
- Yoga Roller (optional)
- Light Weights
- Resistance Band
7. Photography
Photography is such a specialized and beautiful form of art. After taking a photography class in college, I had a whole new respect and love for photographs.
Don’t be fooled – it looks easy on the outside. (Just snap a photo, right?)
But there is really so much skill, talent, and technique that goes into photography. Learning it will take time – making it a wonderful, relaxing hobby idea!
Supplies Needed:
8. Reading
If you follow my TikTok or this blog, you will know that I am an avid reader. I read every single night. (Yes, really.)
Reading is one of the best chill, quiet hobbies. It is a super great way to relax and unwind. I love how reading allows me to get out of my own head and immerse myself in another story. It’s been so therapeutic for my mind!
Supplies Needed:
- BOOKS! (see all my favorite books here!)
9. Crafting
DIY projects and crafts are great hands-on projects. It allows you to be creative, work with your hands, and feel a sense of accomplishment for your work! It’s a win all around.
Try finding craft ideas and projects on Pinterest if you’re unsure where to begin!
Supplies Needed:
- Craft Supplies (often project-specific)
10. Cooking
Cooking, like baking, is a great chill hobby with a delicious outcome.
Try testing out new recipes from Pinterest, cookbooks, or online blogs. Get creative and make things that are out-of-the-box from what you normally make.
Supplies Needed:
- Kitchen Utensils/Supplies
- Cookbook or Recipe
11. Dance
Let loose with some dancing!
Taking on dancing as a hobby will challenge you to let go of perfectionism and your need to do things “right”. Dance is a beautiful art form – and a great workout too!
It’s something that can be done with minimal space and in the comfort of your own home (if desired).
Supplies Needed:
- Your Body
- Good Tunes!
12. Calligraphy
My sister is absolutely amazing at calligraphy. She took it up as a relaxing hobby during lockdown and has really become super talented with it!
I am in awe of beautiful calligraphy skills and it is definitely on my list of hobbies to try!
Supplies Needed:
13. Coloring
Coloring is one of the most calming hobbies out there. Studies have found that coloring relieves stress, improves sleep, aids in relaxation, and lessens feelings of anxiety/depression.
If you are looking for a mindless hobby that will relax you and calm your mind after a long day, adult coloring is for you.
Supplies Needed:
14. Candle-Making
Let’s be honest – candles are expensive!
Learning how to make your own candles at home is such a great hobby and relaxing activity. You can get creative with scents, containers, and even add essential oils. The opportunities are endless!
Supplies Needed:
15. Puzzles
There are so many different forms of puzzles you can take up as a chill, quiet hobby. From traditional jigsaw puzzles to brain games to word searches and so much more – there is a puzzle option perfect for everyone!
Supplies Needed:
(My favorite different types of puzzles)
16. Gardening
Picking up gardening as a hobby has so many benefits! Not only is it a great relaxing activity to do, but it provides you time outside and allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment in caring for something and watching it grow.
Gardening has been linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety and stress, increased productivity, creativity, and inspiration, and overall improved life satisfaction.
Supplies Needed:
17. Crocheting
Like knitting – but different.
Crocheting is another great mindless activity that (once you get the hang of it) can be a great way to keep your hands busy while watching TV or relaxing.
Plus, you can make some REALLY amazing things by crocheting! (Hello, homemade gifts for the whole fam!)
Supplies Needed:
18. Cricuting
There are SO many things you can make with a Cricut. My sister is a Cricut queen and I am always blown away by the things she can create.
Graphic crewnecks, t-shirts, sweats, and more. Earings, home decor, mugs, cards, bookmarks… truly the opportunities are endless!
With a Cricut, you can also save money by making your own goods that you’d otherwise buy online! (I no longer spend $80 on a graphic sweatshirt!)
Supplies Needed:
19. Organizing
You may think of organizing as more of a chore than a hobby… but it doesn’t have to be.
Organizing can be a really relaxing hobby – and super gratifying too!
I love this hobby idea because it’s satisfying and calming to do – and the result is satisfying and calming. Who doesn’t love to live in an organized space?
I highly recommend The Home Edit book to get you inspired to start your organization hobby!
My personal favorite of all the hobbies on this list… BLOGGING!
Starting a blog is the best thing I’ve done for my mental health, creativity, and (ultimately) bank account. I started Authentically Del as a hobby blog and chose to grow it into my full-time business as I grew.
Whether you want to hobby blog just for fun or blog for money, writing a blog is one of my absolute favorite activities to do.
Supplies Needed:
- Computer
- Web-Hosting
- Blog Training (if you want to take a money-making approach!)
21. Painting
Painting is a great quiet hobby and calming activity. If you enjoy creating art, try picking up painting as a stress-relieving activity in your life.
Watercolor, paint by numbers, acrylic, finger painting – the options are endless!
22. Embroidering
Cross stitching and embroidering make such amazing relaxation hobbies. If you are specifically looking for hobbies to distract from anxiety, I recommend looking into this!
You can create really amazing home decor pieces, clothing items, and creative knick-knacks.
Supplies Needed:
23. Collecting
There are endless things you can collect! Rocks, shells, records, books, wine corks… the list goes on and on.
Find something that makes you excited and start a collection of it. Your hunt for more collectibles may even take you to incredible places and open amazing opportunities!
Supplies Needed:
- A Container to Store Collections
- Anything You Choose to Collect
24. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is an underrated form of art. There are so many options for scrapbooking creations.
Scrapbook Topic Ideas:
- Memories
- Travel
- Life Moments
- Vision Board
- Books Read
- A Year in Review
- Relationships
- Anniversary Book
Pick a topic you love and create a scrapbook for it! Get creative and let your inner designer out!
Supplies Needed:
25. Journaling
Journaling has tons of mental health benefits – making it the perfect relaxing hobby and calming activity to add to your life.
There are limitless options for what you can journal on too! Choose from a wide variety of journal prompts or opt to simply free write in your journal.
No matter what you choose, journaling is a quiet, simple, and relaxing hobby – that doubles as self-care too!
Which Calming Hobby Will You Try First?
Which of these hobby ideas sticks out to you? Do you enjoy quiet, low-energy hobbies? Or are you more of an active, engaged hobby person?
No matter what you prefer, I know there was something on this list perfect for you!
So, tell me. Which of these activities will you pick up first?
Tricia M says
I love this list. I think Journaling is a great practice to know yourself better. Oddly enough, I find scrapbooking to be frustrating. Not a calming habit for me, but I am sure others feel different.