Now that I work from home, I spend more time in my apartment than I ever thought possible, and TBH, I struggle to separate work from pleasure. My life has become one blue-light blob of working at my computer before winding down by scrolling TikTok and watching the newest show on a streaming platform. While I love vegging out on the couch after work just as much as the next person, all screens all the time isn’t ideal. So, I started to think about other ways I could spend my evenings. If you’re like me and are looking for ways to break the doom-scrolling cycle and be intentional with your free time, it might be time to start thinking about some new hobbies to pick up.
Thankfully, there are plenty of hobbies you can do in the comfort of your own home that (brace yourself) don’t involve scrolling your phone every night, and we are sharing them ahead. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of fun and creative hobbies you can start at home today.
Why start a hobby at home?
If your evenings at home are starting to feel a little monotonous, now is the perfect opportunity to invest time into something that makes your home life more exciting. Starting a hobby that you can do from the comfort of your home is a great way to discover new interests and passions. And you don’t have to do it alone! Hobbies are a great way to connect with family and friends in a relaxed setting. With so many different types of hobbies out there—from creative crafts to relaxing activities—you’re bound to find something that sparks your curiosity. Not only can a hobby help you unwind after a long day, but it can also bring a sense of accomplishment and joy to your daily routine. Below, we dive into the many benefits of picking up a new hobby at home and share ideas to help you get started, no matter what your interests are.
The benefits of hobbies
While hobbies are a great way to relax and spend free time, they can also seriously upgrade your life. There’s something out there for everyone—whether you’re into creative hobbies like painting or drawing, outdoor hobbies like gardening, or other hobbies such as cooking or making music. No matter what sparks your interest, each hobby comes with benefits that’ll drastically improve your lifestyle.
Dedicating time to a hobby can boost your self-esteem, improve your mental and physical health, and even expand your social life by connecting you with friends who share your interests. Who doesn’t want a group of friends you can geek out over online games or reading with? Many hobbies allow you to develop new skills, challenge yourself, and maybe even discover a hidden talent or two. Plus, the joy and satisfaction that come from creating something or mastering a new skill are hard to beat. So whether you’re interested in learning a new recipe, picking up a musical instrument, or just spending more time doing what you love, the benefits of hobbies are truly endless.
25 hobbies you can start at home
1. Learn calligraphy
I don’t know what it is about calligraphy that is so mesmerizing to me, but I feel like I must learn it in this life in order to feel fulfilled. Cue me buying a beginner practice book and brush pens on Amazon, and cut to scenes of me sweating while scribbling lowercase e’s all over my planner for practice. It’s a great hobby that can help get your creative juices flowing and, even better, it’s a cheap hobby, too!
2. Work out online
It feels like a lifetime ago when we were all doing burpees in our living rooms thanks to the pandemic, but one of the greatest things that came from that time was the plethora of online fitness platforms. If you are interested in incorporating some movement into your day from the comfort of home, FORM, Tone It Up, Beachbody, Obé Fitness, P.volve, YogaWorks, and Pilates Anytime are just a few of the many online-based programs with free trial periods, so you can save money while keeping active in your own home. There are also plenty of free workout videos on YouTube that offer an easy and affordable way to get some movement in.
3. Practice mediation
If you’re looking for a great hobby that helps you unwind and recharge, meditation might be just what you need. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and clear your mind can do wonders for your stress levels and overall well-being. The best part? There are so many different types of meditation to try, from mindfulness to guided sessions, so you can find the style that fits you best. Not sure where to start? There are tons of how-to videos and guided meditations online that make it easy to begin your meditation journey right from your living room. Give it a try—you might be surprised at how much calmer and more centered you feel.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Meditation has significantly improved my life. Once I realized that you don’t have to sit cross-legged with your eyes closed and woke up to what meditation actually can be, I found it to be a great way to step away from the chaos of life and check in with myself. The best part about meditation is that you have all of the tools to get started already within you. You can do it anywhere you’d like, and it’s free.
4. Learn how to cook
Listen, I’m all for living off of buttered noodles and red wine, but there’s something about mastering a new recipe and switching up your routine to make you feel full-bellied and accomplished. Experimenting with different kinds of recipes keeps things interesting and helps you discover new flavors. Cooking allows you to create delicious meals and express your creativity in the kitchen. If you’re new to cooking, go easy on yourself and have a backup plan in case something catches on fire (speaking from personal experience here). If you’re already a pro, branch out and tackle that one recipe you’ve been eyeing for months now, and do some wine-tasting while you’re at it!
5. Pick up needlework
Q: What are some hobbies to pick up to get me away from my screen and keep my hands busy? A: Knitting, crocheting, or punch needle embroidery. The difference between the types of needlework lies in the techniques and tools used. To my grandmother’s disappointment, I have never taken part in either activity, but even watching YouTube tutorials is extremely satisfying. I’ve been itching to make one of the Pinterest-worthy chunky yarn blankets (which employs a hand-knitting technique), and this feels like the perfect time to make my dreams a reality. Cross stitch is another popular and accessible form of needlework, suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters.
6. Learn an instrument
Bust out your recorder from elementary school because it’s time for your musical talents to shine with this fun hobby. Fun fact: I learned how to play Baby by Justin Bieber on the piano via YouTube in high school, and it’s my favorite party trick to date. There’s no better time to connect with your musical side, and YouTube has a plethora of videos to help you start playing an instrument.
7. Paint
Channel your inner Frida Kahlo and get to painting, my friends. You don’t have to be an artist to pick up a paintbrush and get busy. If you want to go freehand, grab a painting kit with everything you need to get started. If you’re like me and would like some direction (and a guaranteed pretty result), a paint-by-numbers set is a must-have. Put on some of your favorite tunes, grab a glass of wine, and get artsy.
8. Make your own soap or candles
It’s time to level up your crafting. Soap is always a household necessity, and you can never have too many candles, so why not try making your own? Order yourself some supplies, watch a few how-to videos, and get going. You can create personalized gifts or home items through crafting, making each piece unique to your style or the recipient. Bonus: You now have handmade gifts on deck for the next birthday or special occasion.
9. Grow your plant collection
If you too have acquired more plants over the last couple of years, you probably know full well that plants need regular attention and care. But if you’ve already witnessed the demise of at least one, you may wonder if you really have what it takes to grow your plant collection. To ease yourself into it, opt for easy-to-care-for plants until you feel more comfortable. Dive into resources about a new-to-you plant. Does it need a ton of light? Sparse water? A certain temperature or humidity level? There’s so much to learn, but there are so many resources to help you become a houseplant pro.
10. Practice applying your makeup
Why are makeup tutorials so entertaining? Everything I’ve learned about makeup I’ve learned from my favorite YouTube beauty icons. I love a good before and after, trying out new techniques (mastering a winged eyeliner, for instance), and getting the 411 on new product reviews. (Be careful—once you watch one, it’s easy to fall down a YouTube beauty tutorial rabbit hole.)
11. Learn to code
OK, so when you think of hobbies to pick up, they don’t generally revolve around being as productive as possible, but hear me out. Coding is a real transferable skill that can mean big things for your career, whether you’re hoping to make a job switch or you’re just interested in broadening your knowledge base. There are tons of online courses that can teach you to code from your couch, so you can add a brand-new skill to your resume in no time.
12. Take up photography
Dust off that digital camera you swore you were going to use on your trip abroad, and let’s get to learning. If you’re using your DSLR in “auto” mode, you’re doing it wrong. Even though your pictures might turn out OK, you’re probably not using your camera to its fullest potential.
That being said, DSLR or not, learning the groundwork of photography can help you to up your game and take better pictures in the future. Photography is also a great way of exploring the world through your camera lens, capturing new places, cultures, and experiences. Watch YouTube videos to learn about photography basics (aperture, exposure, shutter speed, and ISO), tips and tricks, and mistakes to avoid to better understand the camera you already have or inspire you to invest in one. A good book on photography is another great place to start small.
13. Learn a new hairstyle
If you tend to wear your hair the same way most days because of a lack of time to do anything you’re not quite as familiar with, now is the time to branch out and learn something new. Watch tutorials on YouTube or Instagram, gather any tools or supplies you may need, and give it a try. Practice makes perfect, after all.
14. Tackle your TBR pile
If you have a large stack of books just waiting to be read, consider taking some time and diving in. You may not be able to jet off on a beach vacation this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some quality reading time in. You can even start your own book club and read with friends.
15. Practice journaling
If you’re not already journaling, now is the ideal time to begin. Writing about the day’s happenings or whatever is weighing on your heart can be therapeutic, but the art of journaling doesn’t end there. Last year, I got bored writing about myself, so I turned to bullet journaling to help me tap into new areas of my brain. Grab your favorite pen and a notebook, and you’re set.
16. Make a vision board
Making vision boards is the perfect way to get crafty while also setting your sights on the future. It can help to have a visual aid to remind you of who you want to be, where you want to go, and what you want to accomplish. All you need is a canvas/poster board, a printer, some magazines, glue, scissors, and markers, and you’ll be visualizing your dreams in no time. Bonus points if you invite a friend to join you and pop some champagne while doing it—friends that set goals together stay together, am I right?
17. Prioritize your financial health
Financial planning should always be at the top of our list of things to do, but let’s be honest: When life is hectic, many of us (myself included) put finances on the back burner. There’s no better time than the present to take control of your money. Dealing with finances is no easy feat, but you’re not alone. A good place to start? Check out our finance archives or pick up a money-themed self-help book to kickstart the process.
18. Give your old furniture a refresh
Could that old coffee table in your living room use some updating? Depending on what you want to do (and what the furniture currently looks like), you’ll need sanding and scraping supplies, some plastic sheeting (to work on), and some new paint or wood stain. Transform the whole look of your space in no time at all.
19. Foster an animal
Fostering animals is an incredibly awesome way to spend your time. Reach out to your local animal shelter and see how you can get involved to help furry friends in need. Not only may it result in a cuteness overload, cuddles, and kisses, but it’ll help prepare the animal for future adoption and free up room in the shelter, allowing the shelter to take new animals in. Get some puppy (or kitty) lovin’ without the long-term commitment, and thank me later.
20. Channel your inner mixologist
Ordering a cocktail out these days is pricey as all get out, so why not learn to make your favorites at home for when you want to host your next dinner party? There are dozens of online mixology courses that can teach you how to make a cocktail for any mood or occasion.
21. Teach yourself a new language
I recently downloaded Duolingo to brush up on my Spanish (really wish I would have paid better attention during my high school language course), and it’s one of my favorite pastimes. It’s great for beginners, portable, and free, which is always a plus. Make it a daily habit to start learning a new language so you can confidently book that trip overseas and refine your skills. Learning a new language also helps you connect with people from all over the world.
22. Learn to read tarot
Has tarot card reading ever intrigued you? Do you simply want to know how for the sake of a party trick? Learn how to read tarot cards at home so you can gain insight into the past, present, and future of your life and whoever else is brave enough to do a reading with you.
23. Do puzzles
There is something so therapeutic about working on a puzzle—especially a big one—and it’s one of the best easy, no-pressure hobbies to pick up. Completing a puzzle brings a whole lot of satisfaction and relaxation, making it a fulfilling way to unwind. You can spend time with family or friends while puzzling, enjoying quality moments together as you piece together the image. Pick one out that you think is cool (you can thrift these a lot of the time) and work on it for a little bit at a time after work to unwind and take your mind off the stressors of work and life.
24. Start coloring
Channel your inner child by coloring in a book or on free printouts as a hobby. It’s so creatively freeing and relaxing, and you can choose whatever type of pictures you want to do. This isn’t and never will be a hobby that is just for kids.
25. Start a blog
Do you love to cook? Are you obsessed with finding fashion deals? Does teaching others how to do yoga light you up? No matter what your interests are, starting a blog is a great way to channel your passion and share it with others. You can write about your hobbies and share your experiences with a wider audience. Many people who wrote about their hobbies have inspired others to try new things or develop their own passions. Blogging can also help you become a more well-rounded person by encouraging you to explore different topics and develop new skills. And it’s not as complicated as it sounds to do so—all you have to do is decide on your niche, start a website through platforms like WordPress or Squarespace, and start sharing!
26. Play video games
Whether you prefer a low-stress game that doesn’t involve imminent danger or you love the rush of fighting monsters, gaming is the perfect thing to try if you’re looking for a cozy, at-home hobby. You can choose from slow, relaxing games or let your competitive side shine with a fast-paced, win-or-lose game. Either way, you can play while relaxing from the comfort of your home—all while still scratching that digital itch.
27. Build model kits
If you couldn’t keep your hands off of LEGOs when you were a kid, building models is a great hobby to scratch that creative itch and work with your hands. Whether you try your hand at building a book nook, a mini house, or get nostalgic with an actual LEGO kit, it’s so satisfying to put all the pieces together and watch your build take shape. It definitely takes a little patience, but with dedication and time, each piece will turn into a masterpiece you can be proud of (and definitely brag about).
28. Learn to do your own nails
If you’ve still been dropping hundreds of dollars at the nail salon, this is your sign to stop. Save yourself the cash and learn how to do your own nails! It’s both relaxing and rewarding, and it allows you to get creative through different colors, designs, and techniques. Whether you’re into simple manicures, intricate nail art, or experimenting with gel, dip, and acrylics, there are countless tutorials and tools available online to help you improve your skills.
Ashley Selleke, Branded Content Managing Editor
Ashley’s first love in life is writing and, since working at The Everygirl, her passion has grown to encompass all forms of content creation. Since joining our company, Ashley has grown her creative instincts and merged them with metrics-driven strategy, bringing a fresh perspective to our team.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.
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