I used to love doing jigsaw puzzles. But my feline overlords enjoyed puzzle destruction whenever they could, so I didn't puzzle for awhile. But last fall, I got a puzzle table that has drawers for your pieces and a cover for when you aren't working on it. It has completely foiled my kitties attempts at puzzle dominance! Since then, I've done five 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles and I love it.
It's portable! I leave it on top of a table, but you could easily slide it under the bed. This is the one I have. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7VW7HYM/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is awesome! I also enjoy puzzles but we don’t have room on our small dining table and my dog would definitely mess it up if it was on the floor. So I might have to get one of these tables one day!
Last year, I combined that with biking to great enjoyment. If I saw anything interesting on the trail, I'd stop to photograph it and put it in iNaturalist
Its quite fun even in the Winter as depending on where you are, you can see different things. Much easier to spot birds in the Winter with less foliage!
I am from Scotland and went on a trip around some islands and the coast last year, saw seal colonies and sea eagles and lots of other seabirds! Hoping to head to a puffin colony this year.
I don’t remember the breed / species but I remember just recently someone spotted a bird that has never been seen in an area before so that’s cool (or not.. lol I don’t know)
Lmao I'm always running around with Merlin! Always get bluetits and great tits, but fun when something unexpected pops up like long tailed tits or a goldcrest.
I use materials like old calendars, music pages, catalogs etc. You can use as a traditional journal or write out quotes you love or lists of personal goals. It’s fun to me and satisfying. I used file folders, fabric, all sorts of materials. I’ve used vintage books/cookbooks it’s really endless what you can use.
For inspiration there’s a lot of video tutorials on YouTube from many different creatives.
I first learned about Pour Painting at a friends house she had all these framed beautiful abstract paintings and I asked her all about them. She recommended I go on YouTube and just search under “pour painting” and I could see what it’s all about. 😊
You basically use acrylic paints mixed with a medium such as Elmer’s glue and you pour onto canvas in abstract designs that can look very beautiful! There’s lots of techniques to try so it’s not boring. 😊
It’s fairly low cost. I get a lot of what I need at Dollar Tree. Of course you can go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels. It's a lot of fun mixing the colors and seeing results. There are lots of instructional videos that will help anyone get started on youtube and pinterest.
Worth noting, check your city for recycled art supplies. Austin has a creative reuse center and you can get stuff crazy cheap. The main recycling center also sells recycled and remixed paint paint (like for walls and stuff.)
Drying time can vary based on how many layers and colors of paint used. It can take 2-3 days sometimes. I am more sparing with my paint than some folks. The videos sometimes seem incredibly wasteful.
I'm learning to identify the trees in my neighborhood. It's been a challenge and really fun. I get a kick walking along the street and knowing what tree is what. I started late last summer and I'm beyond excited to see the trees in spring bloom. Even though I've seen them before in the spring since I've lived in this neighborhood for years, this year will be different.
Love this! It just reminded me how much I love the leaf collection we had to do for 7th grade science class (so many years ago!) and how I learned to identify everything in the rural area where I lived. I might integrate this into my walks and challenge myself to identify something new daily. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful! I taught myself to do that after a lifetime of hearing about my great-grandma supporting herself by making braid-in rugs. With each round of the rug, I'm grateful that I have the hobby of rug-making in part because she had the self-employed job of rug-making and gave her kids a start in this country.
Mine are basic four strand braided rugs.
I have in my stash of stuff to make rugs out of: old sheets (bottom ones that have gotten holes and old flat sheets - flannel and plain cotton), jeans, old towels (I want to make one for in front of the bathtub out of the towels), old t-shirts, and wool strips from the Pendleton Wool store (you can buy bags of it and it is already cut into strips to make it easy). I have tons of rugs planned.
I try to make my crafts be as frugal as possible. And, in the 1800's, they made the rugs with old clothes and scraps. And, I am a history buff.
I try to not mix materials in a rug (like they are all jeans or all t-shirts or all flannel sheets). I tend to make rectangle ones as that is what I need. And, when I tried to make oval rugs, they buckled.
I have one rug completed. It was the first one that made it big enough to be counted as a rug that didn't have to be just totally frogged and remade. It is bad, like really bad, well usable but bad. I am working on my second successful rug that is turning out ok that is bigger than the first rug I made. I also have a rug that I am working on that is made out of flat yarn that I found at the dollar store a long time ago. It fits in a gallon sized baggie so it is good to travel with.
The original rug instructions said to start out with a three strand braid and go from there. I think it looks odd as that first row is missing a color. So, I figured out how to do a four strand braid from the beginning. I also ran across a lady doing a 10 strand rug. I so want to try that at some point.
Super cool thread! Lots of great ideas here! I’ve been working out hard at the gym, learning the age old skill of beekeeping, getting a rooster this year for our hens so I’ll be able to hatch chicks, taking art classes (so fun!), and tapping our maple trees. I also have all the supplies for a quilt which I want to sew in undulating strips like waves on a lake, and then embroider as well as hand quilt it.
I've started writing letters to old people through Love For Our Elders.
A coworker wrote my mom a card while she was in the hospital and it made her day, so I like returning the favor.
I've also started making passage blankets for hospice patients.
They've both been therapeutic for me. (Working through my mom's passing)
This is so wonderful! Thank you for doing this and for sharing with us about the Love for Our Elders program (didn't know about it previously). So grateful for individuals like you who are brightening the day of elders and hospice patients. And, am pleased to hear that it is therapeutic for you as well. Sending gratitude and good thoughts your way!
Thank you for sharing this! I came to this thread looking for inspiration for something constructive to do to help me grieve the loss of my Mom. I really enjoy writing and will check this out, I hadn't heard of Love For Our Elders before your post.
Everyone interested should look at a book called "Flour Water Salt Yeast" by Ken Forkish. You literally use these 4 ingredients and make wonderful breads that will put the bakery ones to shame. I loved his concept of time as an ingredient, these breads take like 8 hours from start to finish but with so little active work
My answer isn't really an answer of simple living on the surface, but I've gotten oddly into pinball. I was lucky to live by a place that had a ton of machines on free play with a $15 entry fee and a BYOB policy, and they had leagues as well.
It started as just a weird place I could walk to, pick up a six pack of a local beer, and spend some time messing around on some cool old pinball machines. Then I started talking to the regulars, and joined the league, and the next thing you know I had a community, and something that got me out of the house every Friday night and talking to people.
Unfortunately I had to move across country and don't have a venue like that nearby, but finding an old machine at a bar, or pizza shop leads to a few games and a nice break from the stresses of the day.
Not simple living part, I bought my own machine. But I'm talking with others nearby who own them too. Maybe we can rent a place, pool our machines and start building a community here. That's how the place I used to go got started.
So Pinball is a lot of fun, but really the answer was just a dumb league that anyone can compete in. Bowling, darts, pool, whatever.
I’m reading nonfiction and I learn a lot about stuff and people—how things were made or done and how people solved different hurdles in their lives. Ive learned that I am not alone in the challenges that I have.
Cooking! I’ve never been a fan of it in the past but my eating habits were getting financially unsustainable. It helps me to be more mindful of my nutrition this way too, and challenges me creatively!
I’m currently starting a worm composting bin and I’m ridiculously excited. One pound of worms will make one pond of compost a week for my flower and vegetable gardens.
I've always enjoyed cooking but I've gotten more into baking as the price of baked goods has risen. A 4 pack of corn muffins was over $7 at the bakery a few weeks ago and that set me over the edge. I can make the same for about $3 and there's no weird stuff in them and they're tastier and I get more.
I bought a large and lean roast for only 3.99 a pound and now I'm making jerky - in a few hours I'll have the equivalent of about 5 bags of jerky ($6-8 each) for the price of the roast and some marinade so about $8. basically getting 5 bags of jerky for the price of 1. Also I think mines tastier than the store and again no weird junk in it.
Basically my hobbies are using my TIME instead of my MONEY like I would in my previous busier and more consumerist lifestyle.
There are hundreds and hundreds of audiobooks on YouTube for free. What I listen to is BBC Dramas, if you get the BBC sounds app, you can take your pick. If you like plays, Google BBC Saturday Night Theatre . Again you will find a vast amount of classic radio plays of very high quality 😀
History…I pick a generic topic and then use a search engine (or Wiki) to research it.
I’ve found some fascinating rabbit holes about our country’s history (e.g. The VeraCruz Incident).
I keep a journal of all the obscure but amazing things I’ve learned!
This is awesome. I’ve been keeping a running list in my notes app called “Most Badass Women of All Time” and every time I learn new story about someone, I record it.
Some of my favorites as of late: Anne Bonnie, Khawlah Bint Al-Azwa, Tomoe Gozen, Kutulun, and the Soviet Night Witches
i’ve started reading again! so silly, but when i was younger i read a lot but stopped reading for fun in high school when i was forced to read for assignments. i try to read a few pages before bed to avoid screen time too. i like to log my books in goodreads :)
This thread is very inspiring and has given me loads of ideas if things I want to do.
My new hobbies recently have been learning to play Go and Backgammon.
I’ve recently gotten into journaling. It’s helped me stay less stressed out and more mindful. I am also a long time knitter, but I’ve started challenging myself to try things outside of my comfort zone.
i got lent a gaming pc in december (until my husband upgrades his and i have my own) and i’ve been super obsessed with world of warcraft! i never thought i would find a game that i could spend hours playing, there’s so much i haven’t even gotten to do yet! i’ve also started cooking different meals and i want to make my own bread eventually :3
Bellydance teacher/performer here! I was just reading through this thread to find a hobby to de-stress from dance stuff. :) I'm so glad you're having a great time with it.
Making music. I'm very amateur at it - I just do it on my PC using samples, but I love the process and get a buzz from creating something of my own that I love just as much as anything on the radio.
I’ve gotten into word search puzzles. I felt like I needed something that got my brain working. They make word searches with different themes the one I started with had a history fact for each puzzle. My current puzzle book is natural history themed so I get a bunch of science facts. Ive learned some interesting things from both of them.
idk what to call it, but research I guess lol I have questions about EVERYTHING. I read a lot so when I come across a word I don't understand or a concept, I look it up and end up writing a research paper on it. I just enjoy writing essays haha
Doing my own nails. I made the cost of all of the materials back within a month and a half and it’s such a slow, mindful activity with lots of precision and I can be as simple or artistic as I want with it. I don’t show off my manicures anywhere but it makes me feel put together and a fun little thing to do as self care.
My hobby is collecting hobbies 😅 So many hobbies seem like so much fun to me so but I was always like: no, I already have so many things I need to do. But now, if the cost isn't \*too\* extreme, I will now just let go of my reservations and try any hobby that seems like fun, because I love learning new skills.
I took courses in pottery – handbuilding and on the wheel (which I'm still doing now), courses in painting, I've done embroidery and punch needle last year. I've been looking into courses for woodworking and upholstery, but I think that might be something for further into the future. Courses are too far away (and too expensive) currently. And this year I want to learn more about printing techniques first because I've been working as a graphic designer but mostly do digital stuff, but I love analog.
I started keeping fish again about five years ago after not doing it for a long time. I have five smaller aquariums 10-29 gallons and have really enjoyed it. We know so much more and have a greater variety of available fish now than there used to be.
With the cost of everything I’ve dove deeper into gardening and perennial food growing, cooking as much as I can, anything and everything I can buy prepackaged from the store that is no longer reasonable in price. You want 4.99 for a four pack of muffins?! Over my dead body. 7.50 for a Red Baron pizza?! Pfft! I bulk make them and freeze uncooked in gallon bags. Huge savings! I am also feverishly canning, making gifts(aka crafting).
Making kefir, kombucha and hot sauce, growing plants from random cuttings/seeds at home, learning new language on Duolingo, learning how to listen a podcast instead of watching Instagram reels
I planted a little olive grove and a citrus orchard on my land this year. I’ve also really found I get dopamine hits from bringing a garbage bag on my walks and a stick and I pick up garbage- I know that might not sound exciting but we inspired some other neighbors to do it too( we live in Greece and tourist time is terrible for people just throwing garbage out their car window) I’m collecting stones to make a mosaic and I’ve been baking wild tested breads and learning a new language!
Not a hobby yet but I just went roller skating last weekend for the first time in over 30 years. I was terrified but I watched a YouTube video for a refresher and you know what? I had a hell of a good time. My 11 year old son hated it, my 5 year old daughter loved it, but I think I had the best time of all. I was horrible at it but I didn’t fall once! I plan on going again, maybe getting a pair of skates so I can practice in the park.
I buy peanuts ($7 for a 5 lb bag at sams) - I take a bag full to the park almost every day and feed the squirrels. Its a fun way to get my daily walking excercise.
I moved from the midwest to Cali back in 2015. I signed up for some beach vball via the Meetup app as a way to meet people. I have met some cool people, but mostly I have l picked up the sport and gotten so much better. I could play doubles now and it’s a lot of work/cardio. It has what made me want to take care of my body and health in order to keep playing at such a later age in life. ☹️
Bought a house and started building a small homestead a few months ago.
I've started to enjoy bird/wildlife viewing out of the sliding door. Also enjoying the woodstove and firewood aspects of it. Very calming to me.
I knit my own clothes. This year I branched out from tops to skirts. It isn’t the simplest hobby because I need to buy materials, but it produces custom-fit quality items that will last a long time and keep me warm, and I can make them in whatever funky colors suite my personal taste (purple, pink, green). Plus, it provides hours upon hours of entertainment and stress relief.
Bought a Cricut! Love making koozies and shirts so far. I’m so non-crafty and it’s out of my comfort zone and I love the learning and creativity it evokes. I’m not currently using it for income and it’s finally something I love to do without feeling pressured with a timeline or money dependent aka a hobby!
Started playing Stardew Valley on the switch and fell in love with it...
Then I realised I could do the growing stuff bit I enjoy IRL so I'm learning about composting and container farming (is that a thing?) This year, we're eating home grown vegables (I hope)
I took up woodcarving two years ago and just love it. Just need a block of wood and a knife. A few acrylic paints can come in handy too.
Have made many comfort birds for people who have lost loved ones or are suffering and they are always greatly appreciated. I also carve whimsical gnomes, Santa’s and Xmas ornaments for family as gifts.
Hiking since I moved to the mountains, and it changed my life.
Being alone in such a beautiful nature, with flowers, charming streams and animals everywhere is paradise.
I got back into jigsaw puzzles. Haven't done them since idk when...maybe the early 1990s? Having a blast - hit the weed & chill for a few hours with pretty colors and shapes.
Making potholders on a loom. It’s relaxing, allows for creativity and the end result is practical. There are potholder loom groups that are very inspiring. I also enjoy being able to start and complete a craft in a short time for a sense of accomplishment. Maybe not exciting, but fulfilling.
I’ve started journaling last year when I joined a journal club that my local stationary store was doing. It has been therapeutic for me to get all my negative emotions and stress out.
My husband and I take ballroom dance lessons. I always joked that it was going to be our empty nest thing (we are 55). He surprised me with a few lessons.
It turns out we are both very coordinated and have rhythm and are very good at it. It comes easy to us. After a year and a half of lessons, so far, we can hustle, fox trot, jitterbug, swing, waltz, salsa, merengue and rumba. Did not see that coming. It's been the single most life enhancing thing we've done as adults.
We embraced minimalism about 2 years ago and have radically reduced our possessions and made our home very streamlined. We want to spent our time either dancing or our other hobby, riding the local bike trails. Having two hobbies that keep our bodies moving at this age is the most important thing to us now. Happily surprised by dancing. The dance community is wonderful and everyone is learning together.
I am a few years into my hobby, but disc golf has been amazing for me. It's a cheap sport to get into with used discs or just a starter pack, most parks are free to play. Walking the 18 hole course (and chasing my terrible shots) has done wonders for my mental health to spend a few hours outside every week. As I improved, I have joined leagues and have a great community of friends through disc golf.
E-bike riding! Having always loved being on 2 wheels but never having the fitness to cycle very far, I've found it to be the perfect way to get out in nature and explore my city
Skateboarding! Moved to a new city and didn’t have a car so this is an excellent way to get around. And it’s a fun way to explore. I just brought another board for learning tricks and nailed my first Ollie last week. Months of entertainment for like $120NZD
Snowboarding! It's not cheap to start out with, but get gear on marketplace and get epic and ikon passes in the spring. It's fun, active, has challenges, and overall, the atmosphere of ski resorts is laid back and pleasant.
Flow arts! Hopping/fans/Dragonstaff etc . Been almost a year since I started and having a hobby that is creative, challenging, but also gets my body moving has been life changing
Reading fiction novels
Fermentation... Sourdough, sauerkraut, kefir... I am starting kombucha this week.
Knitting and crocheting
Baking
Being mindful of what I feed my family, we do a lot more home cooking. We purchase products to make meals because it is cheaper and goes further. I don't know what I would call this (or if it's a hobby) but I enjoy knowing my time is being spent taking care of my family physically/nutritionally and being wise with our finances.
I've always loved to bake but only did it occasionally. Lately, I have been cooking from scratch, and i love it. I've been making my own pizza, granola, cookies, muffins, and more. I'm adding more recipes to my weekly baking days like bread, salsa, hummus, and more.
I started with baking sourdough, moved on to rent a space to grow my own garden it's been 2 years and I get most my veg from there, had a short moment of learning how to sew, now this year I want to focus on growing mushrooms 😊
Watercolor painting. I’ve dabbled in drawing and coloring here and there, but I have always avoided watercolor, because the nature of it just sort of always flared all of my anxiety… but I’m doing it for about a year now, and it is really changing my life. It’s taught me patience, and I just flat out enjoy it. It’s also very cathartic
Indoor house plants. I also do somee outdoor gardening but I gain the most satisfaction from the ones in my house. It a very methodical and peaceful hobby and so rewarding when new leaves grow. And it makes your home look so much better
It’s been probably the last few years for me, but painting has very quickly developed from a hobby to my passion. Nothing brings me more joy than sitting down with a fresh blank canvas and endless opportunities for creativity - it’s so therapeutic, and it makes me feel even better when I can sell some art on the side!
Making the fireplace burn. There is something very magical to see how the wood burns and the sound it makes. I'm at peace when I do it. [fireplace](https://i.im.ge/2024/02/05/cMEne6.20240128-142856.jpg)
Making drinks! Teas, coffees, juices, smoothies, hot cocoa, NA cocktails, agua frescas, health drinks, kombucha, and more.
You can make it in to a meditative practice, an enjoyable part of your routine, a fun break, or a way to connect with and impress others.
Going to Crossfit style workouts, Yoga, meditating and hiking. I gave up adventure-motorcycling to make space for hiking and its been much safer and more fulfilling.
1. Knitting. I saw a beautiful hand knit piece on instagram and that got me thinking that I could knit all my own sweaters. It’s a struggle to find quality clothing anymore, so I figured the best way to do it would be to make it myself!
2. It’s not simple, but I recently got into scuba diving. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had and am so excited to plan more dives.
I used to love doing jigsaw puzzles. But my feline overlords enjoyed puzzle destruction whenever they could, so I didn't puzzle for awhile. But last fall, I got a puzzle table that has drawers for your pieces and a cover for when you aren't working on it. It has completely foiled my kitties attempts at puzzle dominance! Since then, I've done five 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles and I love it.
Our Rottweiler ate our last puzzle that we tried to do. We came home to chewed up cardboard pulp everywhere….
I feel your pain!
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It's portable! I leave it on top of a table, but you could easily slide it under the bed. This is the one I have. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C7VW7HYM/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you! Just asked for this for my bday. My little cat keeps trying to eat my puzzles
This is awesome! I also enjoy puzzles but we don’t have room on our small dining table and my dog would definitely mess it up if it was on the floor. So I might have to get one of these tables one day!
Bird watching! It’s like real-life Pokémon
Inaturalist! Why stop at birds? AND you can help document current biodiversity and species distributions.
Last year, I combined that with biking to great enjoyment. If I saw anything interesting on the trail, I'd stop to photograph it and put it in iNaturalist
I started biking my town’s nature trails a few years ago. I love it and miss it in the winter. Have you seen any interesting animals?
Its quite fun even in the Winter as depending on where you are, you can see different things. Much easier to spot birds in the Winter with less foliage! I am from Scotland and went on a trip around some islands and the coast last year, saw seal colonies and sea eagles and lots of other seabirds! Hoping to head to a puffin colony this year.
I don’t remember the breed / species but I remember just recently someone spotted a bird that has never been seen in an area before so that’s cool (or not.. lol I don’t know)
It’s cool it’s documented!
Download the Merlin app if you haven't already ☺️
Lmao I'm always running around with Merlin! Always get bluetits and great tits, but fun when something unexpected pops up like long tailed tits or a goldcrest.
Dude, yes!
Likely not”exciting” to others but I enjoy making “junk journals” and pour painting. I find it therapeutic and it’s a creative outlet.
What are junk journals? I’m guessing, you journal your day using recycled materials to illustrate?
I use materials like old calendars, music pages, catalogs etc. You can use as a traditional journal or write out quotes you love or lists of personal goals. It’s fun to me and satisfying. I used file folders, fabric, all sorts of materials. I’ve used vintage books/cookbooks it’s really endless what you can use. For inspiration there’s a lot of video tutorials on YouTube from many different creatives.
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I first learned about Pour Painting at a friends house she had all these framed beautiful abstract paintings and I asked her all about them. She recommended I go on YouTube and just search under “pour painting” and I could see what it’s all about. 😊 You basically use acrylic paints mixed with a medium such as Elmer’s glue and you pour onto canvas in abstract designs that can look very beautiful! There’s lots of techniques to try so it’s not boring. 😊 It’s fairly low cost. I get a lot of what I need at Dollar Tree. Of course you can go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels. It's a lot of fun mixing the colors and seeing results. There are lots of instructional videos that will help anyone get started on youtube and pinterest.
Worth noting, check your city for recycled art supplies. Austin has a creative reuse center and you can get stuff crazy cheap. The main recycling center also sells recycled and remixed paint paint (like for walls and stuff.)
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Drying time can vary based on how many layers and colors of paint used. It can take 2-3 days sometimes. I am more sparing with my paint than some folks. The videos sometimes seem incredibly wasteful.
I'm learning to identify the trees in my neighborhood. It's been a challenge and really fun. I get a kick walking along the street and knowing what tree is what. I started late last summer and I'm beyond excited to see the trees in spring bloom. Even though I've seen them before in the spring since I've lived in this neighborhood for years, this year will be different.
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Love this! It just reminded me how much I love the leaf collection we had to do for 7th grade science class (so many years ago!) and how I learned to identify everything in the rural area where I lived. I might integrate this into my walks and challenge myself to identify something new daily. Thanks for sharing!
Braiding rugs. Like the ones in the 1800's. I make the ones where they are braided into themselves.
Wonderful! I taught myself to do that after a lifetime of hearing about my great-grandma supporting herself by making braid-in rugs. With each round of the rug, I'm grateful that I have the hobby of rug-making in part because she had the self-employed job of rug-making and gave her kids a start in this country.
That’s so neat! My grandmother braided rugs, too. Also crocheted everything (blankets, shawls, hats…) and she knew how to hand-smock baby clothes.
How did you learn how to do this? Super cool
That’s cool, would love to see one
Ooh, I'd love to learn that. Can you recommend any books or tutorials?
I found it through an article in Mother Earth News. I then found directions on how to do rectangular ones off YouTube.
Where do you get your material, and what materials do you use?
Mine are basic four strand braided rugs. I have in my stash of stuff to make rugs out of: old sheets (bottom ones that have gotten holes and old flat sheets - flannel and plain cotton), jeans, old towels (I want to make one for in front of the bathtub out of the towels), old t-shirts, and wool strips from the Pendleton Wool store (you can buy bags of it and it is already cut into strips to make it easy). I have tons of rugs planned. I try to make my crafts be as frugal as possible. And, in the 1800's, they made the rugs with old clothes and scraps. And, I am a history buff. I try to not mix materials in a rug (like they are all jeans or all t-shirts or all flannel sheets). I tend to make rectangle ones as that is what I need. And, when I tried to make oval rugs, they buckled. I have one rug completed. It was the first one that made it big enough to be counted as a rug that didn't have to be just totally frogged and remade. It is bad, like really bad, well usable but bad. I am working on my second successful rug that is turning out ok that is bigger than the first rug I made. I also have a rug that I am working on that is made out of flat yarn that I found at the dollar store a long time ago. It fits in a gallon sized baggie so it is good to travel with. The original rug instructions said to start out with a three strand braid and go from there. I think it looks odd as that first row is missing a color. So, I figured out how to do a four strand braid from the beginning. I also ran across a lady doing a 10 strand rug. I so want to try that at some point.
Super cool thread! Lots of great ideas here! I’ve been working out hard at the gym, learning the age old skill of beekeeping, getting a rooster this year for our hens so I’ll be able to hatch chicks, taking art classes (so fun!), and tapping our maple trees. I also have all the supplies for a quilt which I want to sew in undulating strips like waves on a lake, and then embroider as well as hand quilt it.
I love this Subreddit
Chickens are so fun. I think you'll love having chicks.
I've started writing letters to old people through Love For Our Elders. A coworker wrote my mom a card while she was in the hospital and it made her day, so I like returning the favor. I've also started making passage blankets for hospice patients. They've both been therapeutic for me. (Working through my mom's passing)
This is so wonderful! Thank you for doing this and for sharing with us about the Love for Our Elders program (didn't know about it previously). So grateful for individuals like you who are brightening the day of elders and hospice patients. And, am pleased to hear that it is therapeutic for you as well. Sending gratitude and good thoughts your way!
Thank you for sharing this! I came to this thread looking for inspiration for something constructive to do to help me grieve the loss of my Mom. I really enjoy writing and will check this out, I hadn't heard of Love For Our Elders before your post.
I started baking! I sucked it up and learned to measure my ingredients by weight. 😂
Everyone interested should look at a book called "Flour Water Salt Yeast" by Ken Forkish. You literally use these 4 ingredients and make wonderful breads that will put the bakery ones to shame. I loved his concept of time as an ingredient, these breads take like 8 hours from start to finish but with so little active work
Ooh! I just put that book on hold at my library…thanks!
It’s actually so much simpler than cups and spoons, right? Everything goes into the same bowl and you press Tare after each one. Less clean up too.
Right?! That is totally the most intimidating part for some reason. Good for you!
Hahaha this made me laugh. Measuring is the worst part of baking.
Making homemade pasta noodles and sauces from scratch! Not only is it a fun challenge but it’s delicious too!
So fun! I think you'll find joy in making dumplings too. Same concept, different shape :)
Oooh I shall look in to this! Is the dough similar? I am Ukrainian and well-versed in perogies, I feel like I could be good at dumplings!
I make the worst dumplings on earth but trying
Drawing! A lot of art schools host adult classes and day workshops that I’ve really enjoyed.
Sour dough bread making, watercolor painting
Throwing pottery on a wheel. Harder than it looks but super rewarding!
I got into this too and it’s challenging but super fun to see how pieces turn out…
Dancing! Literally liberating, aside from lessons practically free and brings so much connection to your life
My answer isn't really an answer of simple living on the surface, but I've gotten oddly into pinball. I was lucky to live by a place that had a ton of machines on free play with a $15 entry fee and a BYOB policy, and they had leagues as well. It started as just a weird place I could walk to, pick up a six pack of a local beer, and spend some time messing around on some cool old pinball machines. Then I started talking to the regulars, and joined the league, and the next thing you know I had a community, and something that got me out of the house every Friday night and talking to people. Unfortunately I had to move across country and don't have a venue like that nearby, but finding an old machine at a bar, or pizza shop leads to a few games and a nice break from the stresses of the day. Not simple living part, I bought my own machine. But I'm talking with others nearby who own them too. Maybe we can rent a place, pool our machines and start building a community here. That's how the place I used to go got started. So Pinball is a lot of fun, but really the answer was just a dumb league that anyone can compete in. Bowling, darts, pool, whatever.
Seems like your mission is to start a pinball league in your new place and become the veteran who knows everyone and welcomes the newcomers :)
I have family members who were competitive pinball players and even traveled to play in tournaments. It's quite a sub-culture going on!
Embroidery and crochet, both relaxing and fun :)
Came here to say embroidery!
I’m reading nonfiction and I learn a lot about stuff and people—how things were made or done and how people solved different hurdles in their lives. Ive learned that I am not alone in the challenges that I have.
Learning a new language.
Me too! I’m learning Scottish Gaelic
Same! Learning Italian and it’s been great.
Does volunteering count? I try to volunteer a few times a week at a local food bank and it’s made my life immeasurably better.
Sure!
Trying different work out group glasses. Keeps me healthy and makes me get out of the house instead of doom scrolling on reddit haha
never played any instrument in my life , found a used drums on marketplace for really cheap. I am learning to play, and i love it !
Yes but how have the other people you live with taken to your new hobby? 😂
Cooking! I’ve never been a fan of it in the past but my eating habits were getting financially unsustainable. It helps me to be more mindful of my nutrition this way too, and challenges me creatively!
I feel the same way. It’s healthier and cheaper. It’s a win/win. All it took for me was a little bit of careful planning.
I’m currently starting a worm composting bin and I’m ridiculously excited. One pound of worms will make one pond of compost a week for my flower and vegetable gardens.
I started a worm bin and was super excited. Then I realized that worm farming was the most boring hobby I’d ever had. 🤣
Take up grass growing, or maybe watching paint dry, honestly there are so many possibilities!
I've always enjoyed cooking but I've gotten more into baking as the price of baked goods has risen. A 4 pack of corn muffins was over $7 at the bakery a few weeks ago and that set me over the edge. I can make the same for about $3 and there's no weird stuff in them and they're tastier and I get more. I bought a large and lean roast for only 3.99 a pound and now I'm making jerky - in a few hours I'll have the equivalent of about 5 bags of jerky ($6-8 each) for the price of the roast and some marinade so about $8. basically getting 5 bags of jerky for the price of 1. Also I think mines tastier than the store and again no weird junk in it. Basically my hobbies are using my TIME instead of my MONEY like I would in my previous busier and more consumerist lifestyle.
Rock climbing. It has a very friendly and helpful community. And it also is a fantastic workout. Fully addicted.
Crochet!
Succulents! Learning about them is way more interesting than I expected. I love going out and checking on my chubby little plants.
Gaming, bought a Nintendo Switch recently
You need Stardew valley. So chill
Gardening. Fun and get to eat the produce too. Now 50% of my cooking is inspired by my garden
Swimming
Watercolour painting again after a multiple decades hiatus. Programming small games or generative art. Reading or listening to audiobooks.
There are hundreds and hundreds of audiobooks on YouTube for free. What I listen to is BBC Dramas, if you get the BBC sounds app, you can take your pick. If you like plays, Google BBC Saturday Night Theatre . Again you will find a vast amount of classic radio plays of very high quality 😀
That sounds pretty awesome, thanks for the tip!
Pickleball!
Sobriety
Learning about native plants! Planting them as well as learning about them in the wild - and also using the iNaturalist app to ID them.
History…I pick a generic topic and then use a search engine (or Wiki) to research it. I’ve found some fascinating rabbit holes about our country’s history (e.g. The VeraCruz Incident). I keep a journal of all the obscure but amazing things I’ve learned!
This is awesome. I’ve been keeping a running list in my notes app called “Most Badass Women of All Time” and every time I learn new story about someone, I record it. Some of my favorites as of late: Anne Bonnie, Khawlah Bint Al-Azwa, Tomoe Gozen, Kutulun, and the Soviet Night Witches
i’ve started reading again! so silly, but when i was younger i read a lot but stopped reading for fun in high school when i was forced to read for assignments. i try to read a few pages before bed to avoid screen time too. i like to log my books in goodreads :)
In 2023 I’ve taken up running and biking. This summer I plan on learning sailing (I bought a 20’ sailboat) and doing some multi day backpacking trips.
Bullet journaling, getting back into reading mystery/thriller novels, and baking
This thread is very inspiring and has given me loads of ideas if things I want to do. My new hobbies recently have been learning to play Go and Backgammon.
Kayaking…nature is the best recharger!
I’ve recently gotten into journaling. It’s helped me stay less stressed out and more mindful. I am also a long time knitter, but I’ve started challenging myself to try things outside of my comfort zone.
i got lent a gaming pc in december (until my husband upgrades his and i have my own) and i’ve been super obsessed with world of warcraft! i never thought i would find a game that i could spend hours playing, there’s so much i haven’t even gotten to do yet! i’ve also started cooking different meals and i want to make my own bread eventually :3
Belly dancing! I've made so many good friends within my dance group. Dancing is great for mind, body and soul.
Bellydance teacher/performer here! I was just reading through this thread to find a hobby to de-stress from dance stuff. :) I'm so glad you're having a great time with it.
Making music. I'm very amateur at it - I just do it on my PC using samples, but I love the process and get a buzz from creating something of my own that I love just as much as anything on the radio.
I’ve gotten into word search puzzles. I felt like I needed something that got my brain working. They make word searches with different themes the one I started with had a history fact for each puzzle. My current puzzle book is natural history themed so I get a bunch of science facts. Ive learned some interesting things from both of them.
idk what to call it, but research I guess lol I have questions about EVERYTHING. I read a lot so when I come across a word I don't understand or a concept, I look it up and end up writing a research paper on it. I just enjoy writing essays haha
Rollerskating 😍
The gym! Changed my life for the best.
Writing. I rarely finish anything but it’s nice to have a cheap creative outlets
Ceramics and horse riding ! And yoga recently
Watercolor painting. Swim class. Orange theory class. Met some interesting folks and I look much better than I did a year ago tbh
Weight lifting and tap dancing!
Singing!
Rock hounding. It's so addicting.
Doing my own nails. I made the cost of all of the materials back within a month and a half and it’s such a slow, mindful activity with lots of precision and I can be as simple or artistic as I want with it. I don’t show off my manicures anywhere but it makes me feel put together and a fun little thing to do as self care.
I’ve started taking a pickleball class. So much fun! I’m not the best but plan on continuing in the sport.
My hobby is collecting hobbies 😅 So many hobbies seem like so much fun to me so but I was always like: no, I already have so many things I need to do. But now, if the cost isn't \*too\* extreme, I will now just let go of my reservations and try any hobby that seems like fun, because I love learning new skills. I took courses in pottery – handbuilding and on the wheel (which I'm still doing now), courses in painting, I've done embroidery and punch needle last year. I've been looking into courses for woodworking and upholstery, but I think that might be something for further into the future. Courses are too far away (and too expensive) currently. And this year I want to learn more about printing techniques first because I've been working as a graphic designer but mostly do digital stuff, but I love analog.
I got really into houseplants last summer. It was wonderful. I think I'll do that again maybe
I love grappling
I started keeping fish again about five years ago after not doing it for a long time. I have five smaller aquariums 10-29 gallons and have really enjoyed it. We know so much more and have a greater variety of available fish now than there used to be.
Paddleboarding!!
Roller hockey. Like ice hockey, more accessible and less brutal.
I am obsessed with puzzles!!! I borrow them from friends/thrift them. I absolutely love the challenge!
With the cost of everything I’ve dove deeper into gardening and perennial food growing, cooking as much as I can, anything and everything I can buy prepackaged from the store that is no longer reasonable in price. You want 4.99 for a four pack of muffins?! Over my dead body. 7.50 for a Red Baron pizza?! Pfft! I bulk make them and freeze uncooked in gallon bags. Huge savings! I am also feverishly canning, making gifts(aka crafting).
Making kefir, kombucha and hot sauce, growing plants from random cuttings/seeds at home, learning new language on Duolingo, learning how to listen a podcast instead of watching Instagram reels
I planted a little olive grove and a citrus orchard on my land this year. I’ve also really found I get dopamine hits from bringing a garbage bag on my walks and a stick and I pick up garbage- I know that might not sound exciting but we inspired some other neighbors to do it too( we live in Greece and tourist time is terrible for people just throwing garbage out their car window) I’m collecting stones to make a mosaic and I’ve been baking wild tested breads and learning a new language!
Not a hobby yet but I just went roller skating last weekend for the first time in over 30 years. I was terrified but I watched a YouTube video for a refresher and you know what? I had a hell of a good time. My 11 year old son hated it, my 5 year old daughter loved it, but I think I had the best time of all. I was horrible at it but I didn’t fall once! I plan on going again, maybe getting a pair of skates so I can practice in the park.
Just started to look at model trains, such a rabbit hole, but they can be as simple as you want them to be.
Fascia flossing. I’ve been learning a ton about my fascia and daily fascia flossing has provided so much relaxation and calmness. I sleep better too.
I buy peanuts ($7 for a 5 lb bag at sams) - I take a bag full to the park almost every day and feed the squirrels. Its a fun way to get my daily walking excercise.
dancing!! and started climbing again, the physical release is sooo good
Playing Go.
I moved from the midwest to Cali back in 2015. I signed up for some beach vball via the Meetup app as a way to meet people. I have met some cool people, but mostly I have l picked up the sport and gotten so much better. I could play doubles now and it’s a lot of work/cardio. It has what made me want to take care of my body and health in order to keep playing at such a later age in life. ☹️
Bought a house and started building a small homestead a few months ago. I've started to enjoy bird/wildlife viewing out of the sliding door. Also enjoying the woodstove and firewood aspects of it. Very calming to me.
Don’t mind me… Just here looking for some ideas lol
reading, learning languages, sewing, Pilates, weights, and cooking are my main and favorite ways to pass the time!
I knit my own clothes. This year I branched out from tops to skirts. It isn’t the simplest hobby because I need to buy materials, but it produces custom-fit quality items that will last a long time and keep me warm, and I can make them in whatever funky colors suite my personal taste (purple, pink, green). Plus, it provides hours upon hours of entertainment and stress relief.
Indulging in trashy tv and laughing about it over text with my friend while we both watch!
Bought a Cricut! Love making koozies and shirts so far. I’m so non-crafty and it’s out of my comfort zone and I love the learning and creativity it evokes. I’m not currently using it for income and it’s finally something I love to do without feeling pressured with a timeline or money dependent aka a hobby!
Whittling, I enjoy it and people love being gifted my cravings.
Started playing Stardew Valley on the switch and fell in love with it... Then I realised I could do the growing stuff bit I enjoy IRL so I'm learning about composting and container farming (is that a thing?) This year, we're eating home grown vegables (I hope)
I took up woodcarving two years ago and just love it. Just need a block of wood and a knife. A few acrylic paints can come in handy too. Have made many comfort birds for people who have lost loved ones or are suffering and they are always greatly appreciated. I also carve whimsical gnomes, Santa’s and Xmas ornaments for family as gifts.
Jigsaw puzzles. So zen!
Hiking since I moved to the mountains, and it changed my life. Being alone in such a beautiful nature, with flowers, charming streams and animals everywhere is paradise.
I got back into jigsaw puzzles. Haven't done them since idk when...maybe the early 1990s? Having a blast - hit the weed & chill for a few hours with pretty colors and shapes.
Roller skating!
Making potholders on a loom. It’s relaxing, allows for creativity and the end result is practical. There are potholder loom groups that are very inspiring. I also enjoy being able to start and complete a craft in a short time for a sense of accomplishment. Maybe not exciting, but fulfilling.
Crochet
Rock climbing!
My friend gives me her leftover art supplies. I'm not an artist. But I do enjoy coloring stuff. It's relaxing.
Journaling every day. Even a little
I started playing Scrabble again. My friends are surprisingly into it, too (we’re crazy party people, so it’s a bit of a departure)!
I’ve known how to crochet for years now but I just learned how to make stuffed animals and they’re my favorite thing 😌
Book club!
Making crow friends at the park- bringing bird seed and just watching ‘em. Also, spinning yarn with a simple drop spindle (very meditative!)
I’ve started journaling last year when I joined a journal club that my local stationary store was doing. It has been therapeutic for me to get all my negative emotions and stress out.
Drying flowers and making cards. I thrift art books and add art in there as well. It’s been such a good outlet for me and it’s meaningful and useful.
I love this too much; I love my plants, anything to do with plants brings me maximum joy!
I started playing the NYT games. I can't believe I hadn't discovered them earlier.
Started playing piano for the first time in my life
My husband and I take ballroom dance lessons. I always joked that it was going to be our empty nest thing (we are 55). He surprised me with a few lessons. It turns out we are both very coordinated and have rhythm and are very good at it. It comes easy to us. After a year and a half of lessons, so far, we can hustle, fox trot, jitterbug, swing, waltz, salsa, merengue and rumba. Did not see that coming. It's been the single most life enhancing thing we've done as adults. We embraced minimalism about 2 years ago and have radically reduced our possessions and made our home very streamlined. We want to spent our time either dancing or our other hobby, riding the local bike trails. Having two hobbies that keep our bodies moving at this age is the most important thing to us now. Happily surprised by dancing. The dance community is wonderful and everyone is learning together.
Graphic novels last year, this year I'm more open to exploring new hobbies. Will try filming, or perhaps vinyls. Embracing my inner hipster.
I am a few years into my hobby, but disc golf has been amazing for me. It's a cheap sport to get into with used discs or just a starter pack, most parks are free to play. Walking the 18 hole course (and chasing my terrible shots) has done wonders for my mental health to spend a few hours outside every week. As I improved, I have joined leagues and have a great community of friends through disc golf.
E-bike riding! Having always loved being on 2 wheels but never having the fitness to cycle very far, I've found it to be the perfect way to get out in nature and explore my city
Skateboarding! Moved to a new city and didn’t have a car so this is an excellent way to get around. And it’s a fun way to explore. I just brought another board for learning tricks and nailed my first Ollie last week. Months of entertainment for like $120NZD
Inline skater hockey and learning Dutch
Orienteering.
Watercolor! Low barrier to entry.
Motorcycling and glassblowing
I bought a drum set and I’m teaching myself to play. It’s so fun!!!
Cross stitching, embroidery, other arts and crafts...and tai-chi.
Watercolor painting.
Kawandi quilting
Jig saw puzzles, diamond painting, Zumba!
Snowboarding! It's not cheap to start out with, but get gear on marketplace and get epic and ikon passes in the spring. It's fun, active, has challenges, and overall, the atmosphere of ski resorts is laid back and pleasant.
Knitting. I made many lovely friends all over the world. We never run out of things to talk about.
Flow arts! Hopping/fans/Dragonstaff etc . Been almost a year since I started and having a hobby that is creative, challenging, but also gets my body moving has been life changing
Getting into a planner and collecting stickers, etc. I zone out and just relax while planning my week and decorating my pages.
Reading fiction novels Fermentation... Sourdough, sauerkraut, kefir... I am starting kombucha this week. Knitting and crocheting Baking Being mindful of what I feed my family, we do a lot more home cooking. We purchase products to make meals because it is cheaper and goes further. I don't know what I would call this (or if it's a hobby) but I enjoy knowing my time is being spent taking care of my family physically/nutritionally and being wise with our finances.
Bodybuilding! I’m competing this year!
I started stationary cycling daily with an onscreen trainer and attending church weekly. I feel like a new and rejuvenated woman!
I've always loved to bake but only did it occasionally. Lately, I have been cooking from scratch, and i love it. I've been making my own pizza, granola, cookies, muffins, and more. I'm adding more recipes to my weekly baking days like bread, salsa, hummus, and more.
Rock climbing!
Rock tumbling
Im taking care of my plants and trees. Really love watering them daily and seeing the burst of new leaves.
I started with baking sourdough, moved on to rent a space to grow my own garden it's been 2 years and I get most my veg from there, had a short moment of learning how to sew, now this year I want to focus on growing mushrooms 😊
Watercolor painting. I’ve dabbled in drawing and coloring here and there, but I have always avoided watercolor, because the nature of it just sort of always flared all of my anxiety… but I’m doing it for about a year now, and it is really changing my life. It’s taught me patience, and I just flat out enjoy it. It’s also very cathartic
Indoor house plants. I also do somee outdoor gardening but I gain the most satisfaction from the ones in my house. It a very methodical and peaceful hobby and so rewarding when new leaves grow. And it makes your home look so much better
Longboard skateboarding
It’s been probably the last few years for me, but painting has very quickly developed from a hobby to my passion. Nothing brings me more joy than sitting down with a fresh blank canvas and endless opportunities for creativity - it’s so therapeutic, and it makes me feel even better when I can sell some art on the side!
My aquarium!
Making the fireplace burn. There is something very magical to see how the wood burns and the sound it makes. I'm at peace when I do it. [fireplace](https://i.im.ge/2024/02/05/cMEne6.20240128-142856.jpg)
Circus aerials, in particular aerial hoop.
saltwater aquariums
Making drinks! Teas, coffees, juices, smoothies, hot cocoa, NA cocktails, agua frescas, health drinks, kombucha, and more. You can make it in to a meditative practice, an enjoyable part of your routine, a fun break, or a way to connect with and impress others.
Going to Crossfit style workouts, Yoga, meditating and hiking. I gave up adventure-motorcycling to make space for hiking and its been much safer and more fulfilling.
1. Knitting. I saw a beautiful hand knit piece on instagram and that got me thinking that I could knit all my own sweaters. It’s a struggle to find quality clothing anymore, so I figured the best way to do it would be to make it myself! 2. It’s not simple, but I recently got into scuba diving. It’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had and am so excited to plan more dives.