Need To Relax? Try One Of These Low Stress Hobbies To Help You Feel Happier!
Some days, it feels like stress is squeezing all the joy out of our lives. Hobbies that we used to enjoy might take too much time, or we have simply lost interest in them. Autumn is a great time to seek out new experiences and challenges. As women become more intentional about stress management and self-care, developing new hobbies can add a spark of excitement to your regular, ordinary routines. Most of these trending activities don’t require a huge investment of money and can be enjoyed year-round. Check out some of the hottest hobbies for women right now!
Gardening
Gardening is a popular hobby among women as it allows them to connect with nature and stay physically active. It also provides a sense of accomplishment watching their plants grow and thrive. It is such a thrill to see your hard work produce stunning flowers and delicious vegetables! Gardening has the distinct advantage of being both a form of leisure and play. The U.S. has approximately 200 million active gardeners of all skills and levels.
Wine Tasting
For those who enjoy a good glass of wine, wine tasting can be a fun and educational hobby. It allows for exploring different types and flavors while also socializing with friends. Some recent research indicates that sparkling wine is poised to replace beer as America’s drink of choice! Consider keeping a journal of your favorites during your tasting sessions to help you shape your tasting palate.
Birdwatching
Another hobby that connects with nature, birdwatching can be a relaxing and educational activity for women. It’s a great way to spend more time outdoors in any season. For extra birdwatching resources, consider downloading apps designed to identify bird calls and appearances. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approximately 45 million Americans participate in bird watching at some level.
Dancing
Many women are finding joy in dance classes, from ballroom to salsa to line dancing. Not only is it a fun way to stay active, but it also helps improve balance and coordination. Don’t be afraid to start solo; you can easily become experienced without having a partner lined up!
Knitting/Crocheting
Traditional hobbies are making a comeback with women. They provide a creative outlet and can also be a great way to socialize with others who share the same interests. Recent studies state that 45 million Americans know how to knit or crochet and a third of them buy supplies every month. Knitting is not just for your Grandma anymore!
Jewelry Making
This creative hobby encourages women to make unique pieces of jewelry for themselves or to give as gifts. It can also be a fun way to repurpose old or unused jewelry, supporting sustainability and reducing old items sent to landfills. There are many styles of jewelry making, ranging from natural materials to synthetic sources. Look for basic techniques on YouTube and other online sources for instructional help.
Genealogy
With a growing interest in our families, researching old photos and documents might help us get answers about our ancestors. Many women are delving into their family histories and tracing their roots back multiple generations. It can be a fascinating hobby that connects you to your history and helps you explore elements of your family identity. The National Archives (U.S.) website is a great place to further your ancestral research.
Pottery
Working with clay can be a therapeutic and creative hobby for women. It’s a great sense of accomplishment to create a functional piece of pottery to enjoy in your home. You can start a pottery hobby with hand-building techniques that require very little equipment. Throwing pottery is a great way to increase mindfulness while developing new skills. Believe it or not, many pottery stores offer wine, music, and painting to help create a fun, light-hearted atmosphere. Who knows? You might just create a piece of pottery that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Board Games
Board games are not just for kids; many women are rediscovering the joy of playing classic games like chess, Scrabble, or Monopoly. It’s a fun way to exercise the mind and connect with others. According to recent research, 41% of board game players are between the ages of 35-54. Lately, local coffee shops and breweries have been pairing board games with beverages to create an interactive experience for customers.
Truthfully, there are many low-cost, high-enjoyment hobbies for women to explore and enjoy. From physical activities to creative outlets to social hobbies, there is something for everyone’s interests and abilities. So don’t be afraid to try something new or revisit an old hobby – you never know where it might lead you!
Melane Ann is a writer, blogger, and life coach. In 2020, she turned her experience in midlife divorce and creating a new life for herself into midlifeismagical. With a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, Melane focuses on helping women over 50 navigate their relationships and commit to healthy aging. She and her new husband share 7 children between them. Melane jokes that she has a black belt in blended families! In addition to her writing, Melane works virtually with her coaching clients from her home office.
