If there’s one thing we seek above all others in our adult lives, it’s getting the biggest possible bang for our buck. If we’re investing time, energy, or money into something, we want it to (at the very least) fill up our cups. So when it comes to solving the age-old “I’m bored” conundrum, we want to seek out hobbies that make us feel good above all else.
Sure, watching hour-long episodes of Euphoria helps us pass the time (and gives us a surge of instant gratification), but when it comes to finding something to do that gives us an endorphin boost, helps us to sort through some of our emotions, reduces stress, or allows us to reconnect with ourselves, we’re all ears. Whether you’re trying to nail down that one pastime that reenergizes you or looking to add a hobby to your arsenal, we’ve got you covered. These feel-good hobbies will leave you feeling 10 times better:
1. Find a form of physical activity that you actually like
When it comes to workout routines, it’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut of doing the same thing over and over and potentially getting bored to the point where you just stop altogether (I know I’ve been there). But why not approach working out as if it’s something fun that you choose to do rather than something that you feel obligated to do? The key to this is to find physical activity that you actually enjoy. With our editors’ favorite at-home workout tool obé fitness, there truly is something for everyone. From dance classes to cardio boxing to yoga and pilates, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a class that you will look forward to. Obé also offers both live and on-demand classes, so you can fit them into your schedule with ease. Plus, get a seven-day free trial + 50% off your first month with the code TEG50!
Source: Social Squares
2. Build, tackle, and annotate a TBR list
The number of book recommendations coming at a person on any given day can be overwhelming. From word-of-mouth recs from friends and coworkers to internet ones from BookTok and Instagram, it’s nearly impossible to remember everything you might want to read—unless, of course, you immediately add a book to your TBR, or To Be Read, list. A TBR list helps you keep track of books you want to read, but it can also be a powerful tool for setting reading goals for yourself and even rating and reviewing books after you’ve read them. Whether you prefer to do this in an app like GoodReads or want to keep a good old-fashioned book journal, there’s an option for everyone.
3. Pick up and learn an instrument
Maybe it’s time to expand your musical repertoire beyond Hot Cross Buns on the recorder. If you, like me, are always wishing that your parents put you in music lessons when you were young, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late. You can take in-person or online classes to learn guitar, piano, violin, or whatever else your heart desires. Or if you want less of a time and money commitment, you can even teach yourself through YouTube videos.
4. Practice intention or manifestation journaling
We talk a lot about both manifestation and journaling here at The Everygirl because it’s not only a hobby but also a form of self-care and mindfulness. Journaling can be therapeutic in the sense that it lets you get all your thoughts out on paper—and it can also help you with everything from practicing gratitude to setting intentions to manifesting your best life.
Source: ColorJoy Stock
5. Refine your green thumb
If you’re looking for a hobby that allows you to get a little down and dirty, gardening might be perfect for you. This hobby allows you to work with your hands, take care of and tend to whatever you’re growing, and get something out of it in the end, all of which can be very rewarding and meditative. Live in an apartment? No worries—there are indoor herb garden and mini balcony garden options for you as well.
6. Reconnect with a hobby from childhood
As children, we spend a majority of our free time simply doing things that make us happy. And then as we grow up, our hobbies either become our jobs (if we’re lucky) or we set them aside in favor of our responsibilities. But reconnecting with something that you truly enjoyed doing when you were younger—whether that be painting, photography, a sport, horseback riding, or anything else—is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a fulfilling hobby to occupy your free time.
7. Start hiking in nature
You’ve heard of the Hot Girl Walk and 12-3-30, but what about taking that love for walking to the great outdoors? You don’t have to live in a state with majestic mountains and forests to take up hiking—every state (yes, even the Midwestern ones), have nature reserves, state parks, local hiking trails, and more for you to explore. Simply search “hiking trail near me” to find your new favorite escape into nature.
8. Try a form of art therapy
Art—whether that be painting, drawing, pottery, or anything else—can be one of the most relaxing and therapeutic activities that truly just helps you unwind. You could try making your own art at home or look up local classes in your area to learn something new. And if you want to take it a step further, you can find a professional art therapist to work with.
Source: Social Squares
9. Practice creative writing
When’s the last time you wrote a story purely for your own enjoyment? Many of us probably enjoyed creative writing when we were kids, putting our tall tales on paper to read to our teachers and parents. This hobby is an excellent way to exercise your creativity and imagination and allows you to escape into a new world for a bit. And if you’re not quite ready to write a full-on story, you could try your hand at poetry or prose as well. Don’t worry, no one has to see it but you!
10. Foster a pet or volunteer at your local animal shelter
If you’re an animal lover but not in the position to have your own quite yet, fostering or volunteering at an animal shelter could be your new favorite hobby. Not only do you get to hang out with cats or dogs while you work, but you can also find personal fulfillment by knowing that you’re doing something good. Just don’t blame us if you end up adopting a couple along the way…
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of obé, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
