Imagine if, when someone asked what we do, we answered with our all-time favourite hobby instead of our job title. I feel as though we’d learn a lot more about each other that way. Like, yes, software development is interesting. But a software developer who enjoys cycling—please tell me all about your road bike and your favourite routes.
That’s the thing about hobbies. If you find one that vibes with you, there are benefits that go beyond stress reduction, all the way to confidence building—and just being extremely passionate about something outside of work.
If you haven’t found your favorite yet or want to discover more, here are 18 options to explore.
Creative Hobbies to Explore
The number one objection I’ve heard from people on the topic of creative hobbies is that they simply aren’t creative enough to participate. As someone with ample experience in the subject, what they probably mean is that they think they lack imagination—when, in reality, all they need is skill, and skill can be taught.
Think of it like this. When you first learn to paint, the objective isn’t to reinvent the wheel. You first paint the wheel as you see it. Then, as you get more comfortable, you come up with your own interpretation. To do so, you might add or take away other elements, but you’re always working with some kind of reference—a scene in front of you, an image or photograph, your own interpretation of someone else’s work.
And if you want something original, you combine multiple references to get there.
All it takes is patience, practice, and knowing that creative work is subjective. You might think you’re the worst ever, but so do most creative folk—it kind of comes with the territory.
So let’s dive in.
Drawing and Art
With art, there is no getting things “right.” Anyone can start at any time, no diploma or formal lessons necessary.
That said, our media options are vast—be it clay, painting, pastels, or marker—you could feel a sense of decision fatigue. But that also means, with so many choices, there’s likely one or even a few that speak to you.
Do you need to run out and buy a collection of materials and supplies to get started? Not necessarily. That’s part of why I wrote an article outlining what to consider before starting a new hobby. If you’ve felt the itch to try painting or pottery, go for it—just avoid overdoing it out of excitement, and get what you need as you go.
Right now, my medium of choice is digital illustration. What I like about it is that I don’t need to restock supplies or clean up my work area (other than the collection of mugs that accumulates). I’m also one who gets everything on my shirt, and so I’ve saved a lot of clothing this way.
Photography
Photography is more than pointing your camera—or phone—and shooting. Maybe at the start, but as you grow you’ll start playing with composition, lighting, framing, editing, and much more. There’s a lot of patience and technique involved, but that’s no reason to avoid the hobby. Certainly, some people might seem like they have an “eye” for it. But photography is yet another skill that can be learned and practiced—and sometimes you just need to remind yourself that comparison is the thief of joy.
There are many subjects waiting to be captured—some like nature photography, others like street, and there are also people who specifically shoot portraits or take pictures of birds. You can even use photography as a journal or log, capturing trips, travel, food, or whatever else catches your attention.
Writing
Another skill to learn and practice with many avenues to explore, with writing comes many possibilities. Of course, there’s the more obvious—books and blogs—but if that’s not your thing, maybe you’d enjoy journaling, poetry, lyrics, short stories, essays, fan fiction, scripts, reviews, and even essays (yes, those can be fun to write too).
You might think you have nothing to say or it’s all been written before, but I look at it like this—there may be a hundred other articles about hobbies similar to mine, yet none of those offer my perspective or experiences.
Sewing
I have a love-hate relationship with sewing, and it’s not just me. Every person I know who gets behind a machine does—in fact, a lot of us “quit” many times.
And yet, we keep going back for more, which really says something about this one.
If you enjoy a bit of challenge and a lot of reward, this could very well be your next hobby. If you have absolutely no patience, it may be something you want to skip.
There are many avenues to explore within sewing as well, and you needn’t stick to one. I mostly use the skill to fix up clothing or make something to solve a problem around the house, like a roll for storing chopsticks or hemming curtains. Sometimes I make clothes, but in my case, it only makes sense for certain items.
Sewing is also a great way to make your own home decor items or gifts with a personal touch.
Knitting and crocheting
This is a portable, practical hobby with a lot of possibilities. I recently went to a yarn and fibre festival where each and every vendor had a unique array of work from bright and colourful plushies to muted and elegant scarves and shawls. By the time I left, I was inspired to try picking up that ball of yarn and crochet hook I bought years ago with the intent to learn—because that’s really all you need to get started.
Some folks prefer written instructions found in online articles and books, some like videos, and then there are those who have someone to show them the ropes. Either way, this is a quiet hobby you can do while watching TV or sitting outside, and you can pick up between tasks or when you’re waiting for something—an excellent replacement for scrolling through your phone.
Relaxing Hobbies to Try
Sometimes it’s nice to sit and do something quiet whilst sipping a cup of tea. Here are some engaging, low-energy hobbies for when you need something like that.
Reading
Reading is all about finding the right book. I used to dread the idea of sitting down with a 500-page novel. Right now, the one I’m reading is just around 850. It’s all about finding the right stories, genres, and authors—and knowing when to put down a book if it’s not for you.
Slogging through a novel you don’t enjoy might turn you off reading, so if you’re not happy with the one you’re on, head to your local library or used book shop and browse for another.
I didn’t see myself as someone who would get excited about a book with dragons, and here I am on the fourth book of the Inheritance series(the shortest being 500+ pages). You never know!
Either way, once you find something you like to read, it can be quite relaxing to sit and enjoy a chapter or five.
Jigsaw puzzles
I didn’t think I had the room for jigsaw puzzles until I found a way to roll them up. This is an excellent rainy / snowy-day hobby when you just want something low-key. Whatever you’re into—nature, animals, art, books—you’re likely to find a picture that interests you.
To make it a team effort, you can also partner up with a friend or loved one. My husband and I choose ends of a puzzle to work and sit at either side of the table.
Colouring or paint-by-number
Years ago, someone gifted me an adult colouring book. I’d heard it was good for stress and sure enough, as I focus on the task, I (most times) feel calmer.
This is another hobby where you can find a lot of variety in media and imagery. While some might prefer physical books or printouts, others might opt for a digital version on their phone or tablet.
Best of all, you don’t need to be skilled or creative because there is no right way to colour.
While I can open up a design program and doodle, I like this because there aren’t many decisions to make, except what colour. And even if that seems like a lot, you can opt for colour-by-number.
Hands-On Hobbies Worth Checking Out
If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of challenge and likes working with your hands, some of these hobbies may be right up your alley—especially if you’re looking for something to scratch that practical, productive itch.
Cooking
Some might argue that cooking isn’t fun. Some days I’d agree, but for the most part, I enjoy cooking and baking as long as I’ve gone into it with a plan and I’m not rushing. You can be as creative as you want with it, share your creations with friends over dinner, swap recipes and photos on social media, and even if it doesn’t turn out looking perfect, you still have something to eat!
I don’t know about you, but there’s something a bit meditative about dicing and chopping ingredients (except for onions).
Ornamental Gardening
Who wouldn’t want to surround themselves with beautiful plants? Whenever I write about outdoor gardening, I stress the ornamental part. People seem to think I grow vegetables, but I don’t need that kind of stress. I’d rather decorative plants and bushes. From what I’ve read they’re far easier to care for and protect from wildlife.
Gardening is not as tricky as it seems. As someone with experience, I’ll tell you to mostly stick to perennials (the ones that come back every year), curate your plants intentionally, and only invest in tools as you need them.
For the most part, it’s a fairly chill hobby. Sometimes I find it stressful if I’m busy and my plants need water—but once I get out there and give them some attention, I feel better. Anyone can learn to garden, but the biggest skill involved is patience.
Indoor gardening
There’s a lot more to indoor gardening than watering and soil—and yet, it really is that simple. Scroll through plant articles and forums, and you might see all sorts of tips, tricks, products, and techniques, but really, all you need is a bit of patience, and a well-lit area in your home.
Occasionally, yes, you’ll need to trim your plants or repot them, but for the most part, they just sit there looking lovely until their soil dries out, you water them, and it’s back to the way it was. Maybe I’m not selling this as an overly exciting hobby, but it’s one of those things where it is what you make it. One plant is easy enough. Curate a group of them, and it becomes more hobby-like. End up with too many and you’ve got a new chore on your hands (ask me how I know).
But really, there’s a lot of depth to indoor gardening if you want to take things further and learn to propagate your plants. You can also join other plant enthusiasts on forums if you want to get social.
Jarred Candlemaking
Until you make your first batch, candlemaking might seem intimidating, but all it takes is a short list of supplies and an afternoon in your kitchen. You might already have some of what you need. For me, jarred candles are the way to go, and for someone who is new to candlemaking, it’s probably the perfect place to start. There’s no need to invest in molds—in fact, I got started with a simple candlemaking kit that came with the bare minimum and a page of instructions. If you’re someone who goes through a lot of candles, this may be the perfect hobby for you. It’s also a lot of fun to explore different scents.
DIY
Okay, maybe I sound like somebody’s spouse trying to reframe a honey-do list, but hear me out. DIY projects can be fun—and it doesn’t always mean repairs. Really, it’s a vast category, so I’ll give you some leads you can explore further:
- Woodworking. Not just big things like furniture and cabinets, but smaller-scale projects like decor items for your home and garden—even something like a cribbage board. I feel like I used to see cute and kitschy wood art more often, but also more handy, purposeful items.
- Furniture restoration / refinishing.
- Stained glass.
- Soap making.
- Canning.
- Jewelry making.
- Macrame.
- Needlepoint.
- Silk screening.
- Papercrafts.
- Printmaking.
- Felting.
- Clay sculptures.
- Pottery.
Active Hobbies to Consider
I’m not here to push exercise—we get enough of that already, am I right? But, in my experience, activities that get you moving are worth exploring until you find the right one—like a workout in disguise.
Unbeknownst to me, I was a bit of a desk-chair potato in my late twenties, and so I’m happy to say I found a handful I enjoy and challenge myself with.
Walking
For me, getting out for a walk was like the gateway drug to physical activity. I’ve always enjoyed a good wander, but years ago I set a goal of getting 30 minutes of planned exercise a day, starting on foot. Thanks to that small commitment, I realized the mental health benefits as well—especially once I stopped getting winded on the steep hill by my house and took longer routes.
Hiking
Like walking, but with more rocks, hills, and tree roots. Hiking is a great way to explore nature without needing a ton of equipment (unless you go for days and pair it with camping, unlike me).
First and foremost, I think the most important part of hiking is being prepared. The best way to prepare yourself is by knowing the trail, which is why it’s good to stick with ones designated for recreational use—municipal fitness trails, nearby provincial or national parks, and such.
That way, you avoid wandering somewhere treacherous or on private property. You can usually find information on these public routes—how long they are, the difficulty level, stuff you should be mindful of, etc.—and you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. Even if it’s super long and rocky and there might be poison ivy, you know going into it.
Hiking is not always going to be 100% comfortable and convenient, but it really is rewarding.
Biking
This one is an excellent combination of fun and challenge. You can go out for a leisurely ride, or you can push yourself with speed or distance. I’m somewhere in the middle. Sometimes, I like to stick to routes and streets I know, just out for a cruise. Sometimes, I like to see how fast or far I can go.
A few years ago, my husband rediscovered his love of cycling, and now he’s all in. It’s his favourite workout, one of his top hobbies, and he even has a group of other bike enthusiasts he joins for rides and events.
There are many avenues to explore with cycling. Some folks travel. Some race. Others go “bike-packing.”
Thanks to pedal-assist bikes (like mine), the activity is becoming more accessible for those who need a push. Despite being fairly active in other areas, biking used to hurt my knees (still does a little), but as I use the assist less and less, I’m tempted to jump on a road bike myself.
Paddleboarding
I thought I would give paddleboarding a mention. It’s a bit of an investment, but it’s a great way to get out on the water and explore. Before we got our own, my husband and I tried out a friend’s kayak and paddleboard. We went with inflatables since they are easier to transport.
The vibe is hit or miss. I love it when the water is calm and there aren’t too many boaters out. I tend to get impatient after an hour of wrestling with the wind, waves, and wake.
Cross Country Skiing
Where I live, we can have snow from October to April, so we need to make the best of it. While I still get active at home and enjoy a winter walk or hike, I’m tempted to give cross-country skiing another shot. It’s been a while since I tried it out, and I recall it being a good combination of fun and challenging.
I know a lot of people who enjoy the sport, and rentals are available for folks like me who don’t go often enough to own them. Apparently, it’s a great swap for those who like cycling in the summer (as are fat bikes, but I think that’s more so if you enjoy mountain / trail biking).
Which one will you try?
Hobbies all serve a purpose—whether it’s getting you active, expressing yourself, creating something, or simply unwinding. They’re a way of learning new skills, challenging yourself, or enjoying a little quiet time.
Are you currently looking for a new hobby? Which one of these are you most inspired to try?