Shorter days during the latter half of the year can cause seasonal depression due to the lack of sunlight. If you experience seasonal affective disorder, consider taking up one of these new hobbies to keep your mind occupied and stay out of a rut.

1. Write Creatively

Whether you want to journal your thoughts every day or write a series of short stories, putting your pen to paper or fingers on the keyboard could help you out. Many people channel their emotions through their writing, and it could help you constructively work through yours. Not everything has to be good — some people just enjoy getting their thoughts and stories out.

Writing fiction is an excellent way to escape reality for a moment and craft a world of your design. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short, challenges participants to write a whole novel during the busy month of November. Because the event encourages you to leave your self-criticism in October, you can freely write without issue. It might take some getting used to, but if you’re up for a challenge that will keep your late fall exciting, NaNoWriMo is the way to go.

2. Take A Class

Learning something might be just what you need to keep your brain active through the fog of depression. New challenges train your brain to do or look at something in a new way. Whether you choose to learn about the history of your state or the different kinds of birds that live around you, you’ll be challenging your mind and keeping it busy during tough times.

3. Play On A Sports Team

Sports aren’t prevalent in the winter. Still, you can find a local league to participate in. Building social connections through sports can help lessen the symptoms of depression. Getting some extra exercise can also boost your mood and leave you feeling happier. You’ll make new friends and indulge in a hobby you love — and maybe learn something new at the same time.

4. Volunteer Somewhere

Volunteering allows you to give back to your community. The feeling of doing something good for others can make a difference in your life, whether you spend your time at a soup kitchen or animal shelter.

Some days, depression will leave you feeling like you can’t climb out of bed. If you often feel that way, you can volunteer through your phone. Some apps allow you to give back to your community and assist others over the Internet.

5. Learn New Recipes

Seasonal affective disorder is most prevalent in fall and winter, which is also a perfect time to practice your baking skills. You can learn to fix an array of desserts that will impress your friends and family over the holidays, or you can teach yourself how to make healthier meals with the root vegetables available this time of year.

You might find it more fun to take a cooking class with someone you know. If you learn better independently, consider trying the recipe on your own first, then teaching it to a friend or family member to foster a bond and keep you social. Food unites people, and once you have a few recipes under your belt, others will want to learn from you.

Keep Your Spirits Up However You Can

Depression isn’t easy to battle through. As the months go on and the skies get darker, it can be challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just remember that seasonal depression doesn’t last forever. You can lessen some of the symptoms you feel by trying a new hobby that will make the dark days a bit brighter.

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The moment you say something like, “I don’t have any hobbies,” you can see it in their faces: pity… skepticism… disbelief.

Suddenly, you’re just not that interesting. 

But, really, how important is it even to have hobbies?

Other people’s hobbies sound dull, exhausting, or both. Who needs that? 

And yet, if you’re thinking, “Nothing interests me enough that I’d want to make a hobby of it,” you might be wrong about that. 

Curious?

Read on. 

Is It OK Not to Have Hobbies? 

“But what interests do you have?” they ask because there must be something. 

“I have no interests,” you answer. The thing is, it’s not that you have no interest in anything beyond basic human needs. You’re just tired of people assuming you need a fascinating hobby to hold their interest. 

What you do in your free time doesn’t have to meet someone else’s metric for worthiness. It just has to benefit you in some way by: 

• Helping you relax—or get psyched up for something;
• Giving you a chance to be alone with your thoughts;
• Giving you something to laugh about;
• Giving you permission to chill in your own way; 
• Creating a time and space that’s just… for… you. 

It’s not productivity or intellectual stimulation that makes something a hobby. In fact, look up the word “hobby,” and the main requirement is relaxation. 

Food for thought.

Why You Are Struggling to Find a Hobby 

What’s really stopping you from trying new things? Or what’s making it harder for you to feel interested in anything beyond basic human functioning? 

You’re not alone in this, after all. And any of the following could be getting in the way: 

• Untreated Depression—making it harder to feel interested in anything 
• Unprocessed Trauma—wanting to avoid triggering situations
• Fatigue or Low Energy—due to chronic illness or inadequate sleep
• Social Anxiety or Being Asocial—makes it harder to do things with other people
• Lacking Time for Personal Pursuits—too busy with work or other things
• Lacking Money—which often means sacrificing leisure time for more money

You might be dealing with a combination of these, which makes it extra hard to not only find a hobby but spend any amount of regular time on it. 

It doesn’t make you any less interesting or less worthy of someone’s attention. It could mean, though, that it’s time to address the things that are making life such a slog. 

Not so you can win a “most interesting person” award but because you deserve it. 

I Have No Hobbies: 9 Ways to Stretch Yourself and Find a Hobby You Love 

Read through the hobby ideas below and list any that come to mind. It doesn’t have to appeal to anyone else. Be honest about what you like to do, even if it’s not productive or trendy. 

Make a note of any points that stand out as a hobby you should try.

1. Take a closer look at an old or casual interest. 

Maybe you have an old dollhouse you used to enjoy decorating—until someone implied it was “time you grew up and got a real house.” 

Try making a list of all the things you’ve ever had a strong interest in, even if those things don’t sound productive. The following activities totally count: 

• Watching movies in a theater; 
• Planning road trips;
• Shopping online. 

You can also take a look at things you still enjoy now and then (even if only rarely): 

• Riding roller coasters; 
• Browsing used bookstores; 
• Bargain hunting at garage sales and flea markets. 

2. Actively pursue new experiences that sound “worth a try.” 

Are you considering an invitation to do something that might possibly be enjoyable? Maybe you’re debating whether to try it because “It’s not like I could do this regularly.” 

It’s actually fine if you can’t. Just having that experience once, if it appeals to you at all, is worth the trepidation that goes with stepping outside your comfort zone. 

You don’t even have to be passionate about it. You could try it and think, “Nope. That’s it for me, thanks.” Or it could become something you look forward to doing again. 

Who knows what it could lead to—and how that one experience could change your life? 

3. Give someone else’s hobby a chance. 

If you draw a blank whenever someone asks, “So, what are your hobbies?” think about things you enjoy doing with your friends or family members. The shortest distance between you and a hobby you love could be someone you know. 

I mean, what greater compliment could you give someone than to adopt one of their hobbies because you enjoy it so much. They got you hooked! 

That said, don’t feel as if you’re locked into a hobby you picked up from someone else–simply because you want to hurt their feelings by putting it aside and choosing Netflix instead. 

You can just agree to try it — no commitment required. 

4. Check out your local community calendar. 

Libraries often have these available for patrons and anyone new to the area. Pick one up and leaf through it for activities you might enjoy: 

• Cultural festivals
• Readings from local authors
• Grand openings of new local businesses
• Discounts on admission to local attractions (museums, guided tours, etc.)
• Local theatrical productions (school or community theater)
• Volunteer opportunities
• Townhall meetings or other civic gatherings

Get better acquainted with your community. You might make some new friends or learn something new about yourself. If it scares you a little, it’s probably worth a try. 

5. Pay attention to the things you buy as “guilty pleasures.” 

Maybe you’re the one that nearly cleans out your local Aldi of its 40-pc boxes of European chocolates every holiday season. 

Because “this would make a great gift,” and you know, even as you tell yourself that, at least one of those boxes is going straight to your secret stash (you’ve been very good this year!).

Or maybe you splurge once a week on a trip to a shop full of interesting treasures. You always find something there that makes you smile. And lately, you’ve needed that. 

Whether it’s clothing, books, home decor, or retro anything, what you’ve got there is an actual hobby.  It’s something you enjoy. It lifts you up. 

You’re thinking of it, now, aren’t you?

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6. Try something related to work you enjoy. 

If you enjoy your work and would actually spend some of your free time doing work-adjacent stuff, you could call that—or at least some of what you do — a hobby. 

For example, if you’re a programmer and you work on debugging software and writing documentation for it, you might also enjoy creating mobile apps in your free time. 

Or maybe you sell RVs for a living, and you spend some of your free time converting an old van into a mobile home for road trips. 

Think of something you could do that relates to your job or the job you want to have. In pursuing this hobby, you may develop skills that make it easier for you to get a job you enjoy. 

7. Give yourself credit for mundane interests (they totally count). 

You can’t say you’re a woman or man with no hobbies if you can think of any activities you enjoy. 

If thinking about what to do when nothing interests you just feels like work, think about what you’re inclined to do when you get home from work. Or what would you do if you had the weekend all to yourself? 

Don’t be embarrassed if you’re thinking, “I just want to crash on the couch and binge-watch Fringe all over again. Or if you want to go to a theater alone and tune out the world, do that. Maybe you just need to catch up on sleep. 

As long as you enjoy it, it doesn’t have to impress anyone else. 

8. Give yourself permission to be terrible at something.  

Maybe it’s tougher to be interested in something you’re not good at (yet), but that doesn’t mean you have no interest in anything. 

For example, let’s say you have a tin whistle, and you’d love to play it like those folks on YouTube who are so good people actually watch their tutorials as entertainment. 

But alas, when you try following along, the result makes your head hurt. Still… when you keep at it and can actually play an entire song without making too many mistakes, you feel something you’d like to feel more often. 

Give yourself permission to do something badly. Everyone starts as a beginner. 

9. Find a cheaper way to enjoy an expensive hobby. 

Sometimes, the thing standing in your way is a lack of money to buy the thing you need to get started on something that interests you—like learning to play the clarinet or fixing up a classic racecar. 

You can’t buy either one, so you’re thinking, “Well, that’s it. I’m too poor to have a hobby.” 

Hold up, though. Maybe you can find the car parts you need on craigslist — or from someone you meet on an online forum. Or maybe you can rent a clarinet from a music store. 

Buying new stuff isn’t the only way to try something new. 

Now that you know how to find a hobby when nothing interests you (except something probably does–at least a little), what hobby should you try? 

What comes to mind when you just need to relax or do something that lifts you up and helps you keep going? What are you doing when you feel most alive? 

And what will you do differently today? 

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“You have zero chill. You need a hobby.”

If you’ve heard this before (or some variation thereof), you’re in the right place.

Everyone needs stress-relieving hobbies to counterbalance the anxieties of work and life.

That said, what’s calming for one person can be nerve-wracking or dull to someone else. 

In the list below, we describe 21 hobbies that are good for anxiety.

Some will stand out for you (in a good way) more than others.

There’s a reason. 

21 Relaxing Hobbies to Help You Chill 

Look through the following list of calming activities for adults and make your own shorter list of the ones that appeal to you most. Then choose one to start this week. 

1. Reading 

Just the thought of curling up in a comfy chair with a book is enough (for many of us) to elicit a deep sigh of contented relief, especially when that book is a favorite or one you bought recently and are keen to start. 

If your eyes need a break, listening to an audiobook totally counts. 

2. Writing / Journaling

Whether you prefer creative writing or journaling, putting your thoughts and ideas into written words can be both cathartic and calming.

Give yourself that outlet to work through something or take a story or character idea and take the time to flesh it out. 

Jotting out a list of things that are on your mind is a great start.  

3. Learning a New Language

You can sign up for a language course (local or online) or download an app like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise. Spend some time with it every day to build a streak and learn new words and phrases. Share your progress with others to create accountability. 

Before long, you might be planning a trip to put your learning into practice. 

4. Knitting or Crocheting 

Ever wanted to surprise your friends and family with hand-knitted or hand-crocheted hats, scarves, and blankets?

This is an easy hobby to learn, and you spend only as much time on it as you have. Plus, you have an excuse to try some fun, new yarns. 

Think of the gifting possibilities! And don’t forget to make something good for yourself. 

5. Embroidery & Cross Stitch

Maybe a gift of an embroidered handkerchief from someone you admire has got you thinking of picking up that hobby yourself. Or perhaps you’ve seen cross-stitch wall art and want to create some of your own. So many possibilities! 

Start with something that excites you and is beginner-friendly.  

6. DIY Projects

Ever wanted to build your own bookcase or coffee table? Or maybe you’ve admired someone’s hand-carved chess pieces and want to make your own. Whatever crafty DIY skills you’re eager to learn, there’s a way to learn them. 

The tricky part might be deciding on what to make first. 

7. Baking or Cooking

The art of making food isn’t everyone’s favorite thing, but it might be calling your name. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make your favorite meals or baked treats, you can take a class or learn by trial and error with online videos. 

Start with what you know and build on it. 

8. Drawing or Painting

Whether you’re new to this or you’ve enjoyed drawing or painting in the past, both provide outlets for your ideas — or a way to capture images you love. 

Take a class or learn from online videos to develop your skills, whether you’re drawn to animation, abstract art, or creating keepsake portraits. Let your gut lead on this one. 

9. Going on Walks / Hiking

Weather permitting, one of the best ways to refresh your mind and body is by getting outside and going for a walk. For best results, choose a safe path that gives you at least some exposure to the natural world. 

As often as you like (and are able), stop for a refreshing drink on the way back. 

10. Swimming 

If you have access to a pool and love swimming, take advantage of the opportunity to use it regularly. If swim times are limited, sign up for the best available weekly time slots, and commit to showing up for some relaxing self-care.

Celebrate your new hobby with a swimsuit you love.

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11. Scrapbooking

If you have boxes of loose photos just waiting to be sorted, scrapbooking can help you create keepsake albums you’ll be proud to show off. Anyone can slip photos into plastic sleeves, but scrapbooks are a work of art and a labor of love. 

Create something that makes the most of your favorite photographed memories. 

12. Gardening

Whether you choose outdoor gardening or you’re limited to a few containers on your balcony — or an herb garden in your kitchen window — gardening gives you a chance to grow veggies, fruits, herbs, or flowers to harvest, enjoy, and share with others. 

You can start small with a few container plants and add more as your confidence grows.

13. Puzzles

You have plenty to choose from, whether you prefer jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, crosswords, or something else. Set aside some regular “puzzle time” to refresh your mind and keep it sharp. Maybe pick up a new puzzle (or puzzle book) to mix it up a bit. 

14. Making Music

Learn to make music of your own, either with your voice or with a musical instrument — one you’re familiar with or one you’ve always wanted to try. Find a local instructor or learn from online videos and make time for daily or weekly practice. 

You can also create playlists with your favorite music and share them with others. 

15. Video Games

Try a new video game that interests you, or reacquaint yourself with a favorite you haven’t played in years. Play alone or with a gaming partner. The important thing is to enjoy it. 

If playing makes you more tense and anxious than before you started, try a less high-stakes game or set this hobby aside in favor of something more relaxing. 

16. Exercise

Whether you’re planning on training for a marathon or you just want to add an exercise mini-habit to your daily routine, this hobby will benefit you in more ways than one. 

Start with something you already enjoy or try something new that interests you, whether that’s yoga, biking, dance, or learning a martial art like Judo or Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense. 

17. Collecting

Start a new collection or add to one you already have. Or, if you inherit a collection that interests you, consider adding to it with your own unique finds. 

A quick internet search can get you started on your search for specific items or sets, as well as information on the best sources for quality collectibles.  

18. Tidying and Organizing

Yes, this can be a hobby. And the work can be as restorative as the results.

Whether you like Marie Kondo’s approach (keeping what sparks joy) or have another in mind, purging your space of all that doesn’t need to be there is a life-changing and necessary first step.

19. Blogging

Blogging can be fun. And whether you stick with a free blog or invest some money in web-hosting, having an active online presence makes it easier to share news, artwork, stories, life hacks, or whatever you’d like to put out into the world. 

You can even limit its exposure to a select few by making it password-protected. 

20. Coloring

With the variety of adult coloring books out there right now, it’d be a shame to never even try one, especially since it gives you a great excuse to pick up a set of dual tip brush pens — in as many colors as you like. 

Who knows? You might even be tempted to frame some of your finished pages. 

21. Watching Documentaries

YouTube is a goldmine of quality documentaries catering to a variety of interests. Add some scientific or historical documentaries to your weekly viewing list for your continuing education and enjoyment. Watch alone or with an equally curious companion. 

Now that you’ve looked through the whole list of 21 calming hobbies, which ones stood out for you? And which will you try first?

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Are you searching for some hobbies for women that you can enjoy?

If so, you’re doing your mental and physical health a big favor.

We spend an average of about 23 hours a week on email, texting and social media.

That’s a full day on your digital devices doing things that are often mindless or mind-numbing — not to mention the sedentary nature of using these devices.

What if you spent your free time pursuing your favorite hobbies rather than surfing the net?

There are so many benefits to having an actual, real-world hobby.

Obviously, any physical or athletic hobby is going to make you stronger, more fit, and healthier in general.

But hobbies have many mental and emotional benefits as well.

When you perform your hobby, you’re in that state of “flow” when time disappears, and you’re completely present with the activity.

This flow state has been shown to reduce stress and provide a sense of well-being and happiness.

Also, any hobby that involves some level of challenge or concentration will improve your mental strength.

This is particularly important as we age, because the more mentally active we remain, the less prone we are to mental decline and dementia.

That’s why we’ve included many hobbies for women over 50.

If you don’t have a hobby now, or if you haven’t practiced it in a long time, this list of ideas for fun and engaging hobbies will help you choose the ones that suit you best.

We updated this list of 60 hobbies for women.

Fun Hobbies for Women

1. Traveling to New Places

Just behind reading, traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. I LOVE visiting new places (3 weeks in Colorado in 2017) and having adventures that are memorable and fun. Travel doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

You can visit state parks with inexpensive cabins, do a house swap with someone, or just go on a road trip to visit friends and family.

Getting out of your day-to-day environment and seeing new people and sites is enlightening, exciting, and loads of fun.

2. Adult Coloring

Adult coloring books have made a huge break-out in recent years, because, let’s face it — coloring is fun. And it’s a mindfulness activity that reduces stress and stimulates creativity.

We knew that when we were kids, and adult coloring books allow us to remember the joy with a book designed just for us.

There are so many styles of adult coloring books — from complicated mandalas to animals and florals.

3. Going to the Movies

With so many streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon, you might find yourself watching movies at home rather than going to the theater.

But remember how fun it is to go to the movies, sit in a darkened theater with your popcorn and drink, and watch a movie on a giant screen.

Create a movie group or club with other women, and plan to see a new flick every month. Then you can discuss the movie afterward and share your impressions.

Grab a Fandango gift card so you are inspired to go out to the movies rather than staying home.

4. Watching Interesting Documentaries

Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu and so many more providers offer outstanding documentaries that are educational, entertaining, funny, and even scary.

Research a list of your favorite genres and where to watch them. Then invite a friend or two over for a documentary-watching binge.

Add a glass or two of wine, and call it the most fun hobby of the week!

5. Playing Board Games

Remember doing this on rainy days or when you were bored as a kid? Once you started the game, it was so much fun you didn’t want to stop.

Board games have always been fun and are a great way to spend time with friends and family.

If the game is slightly challenging, it keeps your brain active as well.

6. Listening to Music

Hobby ideas for women don’t have to involve a hands-on activity. Most of us have a few different genres of music we listen to, but we rarely venture out to explore other types of music.

There are so many types of music and so many new musicians offering a huge variety of styles that could appeal to you more than you might guess.

Make it a hobby to check out a new artist or music genre every week, and focus on listening to a variety of songs within that genre.

One of the best places to find new music is on Spotify, and if you want to enjoy your tunes on some amazing speakers, you might try the Echo Plus smart home speakers.

7. Re-Selling Your Stuff

Do you have stuff around your house you don’t use or need? Can you find items at a store that are deeply discounted that you could re-sell?

Have you created something that others might want to buy? You can make some great extra cash on the side by selling your own stuff or things you make or buy and re-sell at a mark-up.

Sites like Amazon’s FBA Program, Etsy, and eBay are great places to promote and sell your stuff with very little effort.

8. Learning Magic Tricks

Entertain yourself and your friends by learning how to perform magic tricks. 

From sleight of hand card tricks to spoon bending, these tricks will engage your brain as you practice them and impress those around you.

9. Putting Together Puzzles

Like board games, puzzles are activities we don’t prioritize anymore because we have so many distractions.

But jigsaw puzzles help cognitive processes, improving your memory, creativity, and focus.

You can work on a puzzle by yourself or enjoy it as a group activity.

Interesting Hobbies for Women

10. Recording Audio Books

With more and more people listening to audiobooks, the demand for voice talent to record the books is growing.

Why not turn this demand into a fun and potentially lucrative hobby for yourself? If you have a nice speaking voice and enjoy books, this could be a perfect opportunity for you.

Or you could volunteer to read books for the hearing impaired. Organizations that need your help include:

11. Researching Your Genealogy

Tracing your family roots is a deeply satisfying hobby that will serve not only you and your immediate family, but also your future relatives for years to come.

It involves organizational skills, research, and curiosity, and leads to more understanding of who you are and where you came from.

12. Creating YouTube Videos

Are you an expert on something — like makeup, cooking, decorating, knitting, or some other interest where you can teach or help other people?

Why not try “vlogging” or video blogging? You can become the next YouTube sensation by sharing your interest or expertise.

It doesn’t take much to enjoy this fun hobby — just your own personality, some useful tips for viewers, and a decent video camera.

If you have a good camera on your smartphone, you can start with that. 

13. Playing Card Games

Years ago, my older sister taught me how to play bridge, and we’d sit at the beach in the evenings and play for hours after dinner.

But there are dozens of fun card games that are easy to learn and engaging.

It’s so much fun to have some friends over and just play card games. It doesn’t require too much concentration, and you can enjoy a fun social evening with a bit of friendly competition.

14. Acting in Local Theater Groups

You don’t have to be a professional thespian to take up acting. You might want to start with 

Nearly every community has a local theater group or acting school. If not, create your own group.

Acting helps you communicate better, feel more confident in your speaking skills, and lets you meet new, interesting people. A good place to begin connecting with fellow actors is Meetup.com.

15. Butterfly Gardening

Don’t you love seeing beautiful butterflies fluttering around flowers and gardens? You may not have considered butterfly gardening as a hobby, but why not create a unique garden that attracts various species of butterflies?

You’ll need to learn the types of butterflies in your area, and a butterfly guide can help you identify them. Then learn the plant species native to your area that attract local butterflies. You can ask at your local garden supply store.

After that, choose a place for your butterfly garden that gets plenty of sun, shelter, and water. Then enjoy watching and tracking the butterflies that swarm your new garden.

16. Practicing Brain Training

We all want to keep our brains sharp and our minds working at an optimal level. Especially as we age, women need to work on training their brains to prevent memory loss and concentration issues.

If you begin the hobby of brain training now, you are protecting your brain and ensuring you stay mentally agile well into old age.

Begin your new hobby with one of the hundreds of free brain training apps on your smartphone. A few good ones include:

17. Doing Crossword Puzzles

If you love words and a little bit of a challenge, crossword puzzles could be the perfect hobby for you.

Solving crossword puzzles has been proven to have plenty of mental benefits, can cut dementia risks, and improve your vocabulary.

Crossword puzzles force you to engage and focus, putting you in a state of flow that is deeply relaxing and satisfying.

You can find large print puzzles from Brain Games, with puzzles that get progressively more challenging as you work through the book.

18. Collecting Your Favorite Things

Collecting is one of the best hobbies for girls and women. In fact, it can be a perfect mother-daughter activity and a fun pastime for relaxation and bonding.

It’s a way of enjoying the aesthetic of whatever you’re collecting, as well as learning to appreciate history or antiques.

Simply the hunt for something — old books, rare stamps, figurines or beautiful art — is exciting and an interesting hobby.

19. Journaling Your Thoughts

Journaling is a wonderful hobby for women as it allows you to chronicle your daily activities, thoughts, and feelings.

It’s a good way to improve your mental health, your writing skills, and your self-awareness.

There are so many different types of journals — from one-line-a-day journals, journals with writing prompts, or completely blank journals that are unstructured.

You might enjoy mindfulness journaling which helps you become more centered, calm, and present in your daily thoughts and activities.

20. Couponing to Save Money

Couponing is a hobby that’s fun and that saves you a ton of money! If you’re someone who enjoys finding deals, this is the hobby for you.

It involves the use of coupons to purchase items at low prices by knowing how much an item normally costs, what price is the best deal, and how much to buy to last until the next sales cycle.

You can use coupons to save money by buying a stockpile of items so you don’t have to pay full price when you run out of something.

If you don’t know how to coupon like a pro, Ann Eckhart’s book called The Beginner’s Guide to Couponing is exactly what you need.

21. Museum Hopping

When you’re searching for good hobbies for women to do together, museum hopping is an excellent option. Do you live in a city with a variety of museums? Why not make a habit of visiting one museum a month?

Learn about art, history, culture, science, fashion, nature, and so much more through various exhibitions and displays.

Grab a friend and make a day of it with a nice lunch and a walk around a beautiful building looking at the exhibits.

Outdoor Hobbies for Women

22. Tent Camping in Nature

You don’t have to be Wilderness Woman to enjoy camping. There are so many beautiful national and state parks in the U.S. that have well-equipped, safe, and affordable campsites.

Imagine a beautiful fall or spring weekend when the weather is temperate, sleeping in a tent near a stream or in the woods, cooking over a campfire, and just enjoying the peace of nature. Bliss.

23. Enjoying Birdwatching

An estimated 85 million Americans enjoy feeding, observing or photographing wild birds. Only one other hobby, gardening, has more fans.

All you need is a decent pair of Bird Watching Binoculars and a National Geographic bird field guide to get started. Or you can use a birdwatching app on your phone if you prefer.

You can enjoy it anywhere, at any time. And you can meet other bird enthusiasts in groups and meet-ups.

24. Inline Skating

Inline skating (also called Rollerblading) is a great way to get exercise and enjoy time outdoors. It improves core strength, balance, and coordination.

It’s a low impact exercise that helps you lose weight and build confidence while having a great time.

There are many types of inline skating, but if you’re just getting started, you’ll enjoy just cruising along at your own pace (special tricks not included).

If you have paved trails or parks nearby, grab a pair on inline skates, a helmet, and some pads, and enjoy cruising through the great outdoors.

25. Biking for Fun and Exercise

Biking is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s great exercise, easy on your joints, and tons of fun. If you live in a community with some great trails, you might consider mountain biking.

There are plenty of easy trails that are simply beautiful all over the U.S. Try a good entry-level women’s mountain bike or a women’s hybrid bike for road or trail cycling.

26. Horseback Riding

Imagine sitting astride a beautiful horse, riding through a woodland trail or some other jaw-dropping landscape.

Riding a horse gets you outdoors and gives you that sense of freedom and adventure. It’s also good exercise as it tones your body and can help you lose weight.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can enjoy guided trail rides that are safe and slow.

27. Vegetable or Flower Gardening

Gardening also has emotional and mental health benefits — along with the physical benefits involved in digging around in your yard.

Gardening helps you connect with nature and the cycles of growth and decay.

Whether you plant flowers, trees, or vegetables, you’ll get great satisfaction in seeing the fruits of your labor and enjoying sharing your bounty with others.

If you have a small yard as we do, you’ll enjoy this gardening book.

28. Dog Walking

If you love animals and the outdoors, then dog walking is the perfect hobby for you.

Many animal shelters need dog walkers to volunteer and give their furry friends some outdoor adventure time.

If you don’t want to own a dog but want the pleasure of spending time with one, you’ll feel so gratified helping out a shelter and receiving the love and gratitude from a happy pooch.

You could also start a dog-walking business and provide your services for working or vacationing pet owners.

Arts and Crafts Hobbies for Women

29. Floral Arranging

Studies show that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and emotional health.

So why not spend some time around flowers and create a beautiful arrangement at the same time?

Flower arrangements are wonderful gifts or great for decorating your own home.

30. Pressed Flower Crafting

Flower pressing involves drying flower petals and leaves that you find outside in a flower press.

Pressing flowers flattens them and can also change the flower colors, ranging from faded colors to a greater intensity of vibrant colors. It has long been practiced as an art form in China and in Japan.

The pressed flowers and leaves can be used in a variety of craft projects. They can be mounted on special paper, fabrics, or even wood furnishings.

An inexpensive flower press is a great tool to help you get started with this artistic hobby.

31. Writing in Calligraphy

Did you know that Steve Jobs based his first computer typography on the calligraphy skills he learned in college?

Calligraphy was regarded by Confucius as one of the “six arts,” and is considered a way to refine one’s temperament.

You can learn calligraphy for fun or to begin a small business designing cards and invitations.

32. Embroidery or Cross-Stitch

When you think about embroidery, you might imagine characters from a Jane Austin novel sitting around the fire while the menfolk are smoking cigars.

But embroidery continues to grow in popularity, and you can join an embroidery group to make it a social event.

It is a great hobby for dexterity, mental acuity, and creativity. Needlepoint is a wonderful way to relax and create something beautiful at the same time — whether it’s a pillow, hanging art, a handbag, or a Christmas stocking.

Cross-stitch is a type of hand embroidery in which the only stitch used is an x-shaped stitch or a cross-stitch.

33. Jewelry Making

My youngest daughter took up jewelry making in her teens, and I was surprised at the beautiful things she was able to create with some simple tools.

Just about any craft store has a variety of beads and wires for making jewelry, and you might enjoy going to specialty stores that have a bigger selection of interesting and more precious stones and beads.

This is a great hobby for creativity, and a great way to make your own gifts for people you care about.

34. Knitting or Crocheting

Like jewelry making, knitting and crocheting are creative crafts that are relaxing and fun. There are so many beautiful things you can make, even from the most basic stitches.

Both crocheting and knitting are mind-stimulating activities that are known to alleviate symptoms of depression and to help improve motor functions.

Both activities have a calming effect and give you a sense of pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment.

35. Designing and Creating Mosaic Art

I have a friend who creates the most beautiful mosaic art from sea glass, tiles, and bits of broken ceramics.

It’s a great way to make use of materials that might otherwise be thrown away and allows for a very unique kind of creative expression.

You can make garden art, wall hangings, tile inlays, decorative platters, jewelry, or just about anything you can imagine.

36. Greeting Card Making

Remember when sending cards was something everyone did to mark an occasion or express your feelings? Now must of us use text or email.

Why not bring back the art of sending cards by making your own hand-crafted cards that are a real gift for those you care about?

Pinterest has hundreds of beautiful ideas to help you get started with this new hobby. But you can make these ideas your own by selecting your own supplies, decorations, and colors.

37. Painting and Drawing

When I turned 40, I discovered I had an ability to draw that I never knew I had.

You may think you don’t have the creativity to paint or draw, but everyone is capable of improving their drawing abilities and becoming proficient as an amateur artist — or maybe even a professional.

38. Creating Ceramic Pottery

One of my blogging buddies learned to create ceramic pottery when she was in midlife. Now she is truly an artist, creating the most stunning pieces that she sells all over the world.

Start by taking a pottery class at a local art center before investing in the materials and equipment to make sure you enjoy it.

If you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty with modeling clay, this might be the perfect hobby for you.

39. Practicing Photography

Photography is one of those hobbies that has gotten so much easier with the growth of technology.

You can take some stunning photographs just with your smartphone.

But if you want to get more serious about it, consider taking photography lessons and getting yourself a really good camera.

40. Quilting

Quilting was a very common social activity of the past. Quilts were once essential household objects, and women enjoyed the break from demanding physical work to sew quilts.

Quilting is still fun, gratifying, and creative. From choosing the pattern to selecting the fabrics, there are many aspects of quilting that make it uniquely enjoyable.

You’ll also need some basic quilting supplies, fabric and a quilt sewing machine to complete your project.

41. Interior Design

Do you have an eye for decorating and creating beautiful spaces? If so, why not make a hobby of it?

You can learn more about design by taking a free online design class or joining a local community program.

Use your skills to redecorate your own home or help friends and family create their dream rooms.

Active Hobbies for Women

42. Running or Jogging

This is one of the easiest, least expensive, and healthiest hobbies for women. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and a place to run.

You can enjoy the great outdoors while listening to music or just enjoying the sounds of nature. Or you can join a running club if you want motivation and socialization as you run.

If you’re new to running or haven’t run in a while, there are plenty of free running apps to help you start slowly and safely so you can build up to your desired amount of running.

43. Practicing Yoga

Yoga is an ancient system of philosophies, principles, and practices derived from the Vedic tradition of India and the Himalayas, more than 2500 years ago.

Today it’s practiced as a form of meditation, relaxation, and clarity of mind. It includes physical poses and stretches that strengthen and invigorate the body and help all physical systems to work properly.

44. Bowling with Friends

Bowling seems like such a throwback to the ’50s and ’60s, but it is actually an extremely popular hobby. If you haven’t bowled since you were a teenager, give it a try again.

It’s a really fun group hobby, it’s affordable, and anyone can do it. OK, so the shoes are ugly, but that’s part of the fun too! You may want to brush up your bowling skills with a book on the fundamentals.

45. Dancing in a Class or Club

Whether you join a ballroom class, practice ballet, or simply go to a club dancing, you’ll find so much joy and fun from moving your body to great music.

Dancing is not only a great form of exercise, but also it improves coordination, memory, and flexibility. You don’t have to be Ginger Rogers to enjoy dancing. Just get out there and move to the beat!

46. Hiking in Nature

Hiking is great exercise, it reduces stress, and allows you to connect with nature. You’ll encounter a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals along the way, and it’s a great activity to enjoy alone or with other people.

You may want to check out The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide so you’re fully prepared for your next hike. You can visit Trails.com to find local U.S. trails to hike.

47. Playing Tennis

I tool up tennis as a young adult, and even though I was never great at it, it was one of the most enjoyable hobbies I’ve ever had.

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Not only is it good exercise (especially playing singles), but it’s a great way to socialize, improve hand/eye coordination, and wear cute outfits!

Even if you’re not a natural athlete (like I wasn’t), don’t be intimidated by the game. Just go out and have fun.

48. Rebounding on a Mini Trampoline

Rebounding is one of the most fun, least painful exercises out there — especially for the benefits you get from it. It involves jumping, running, or dancing on a strong mini trampoline for a period of time.

Not only does it improve your fitness level, but also it is great for your lymphatic system. It’s inexpensive, portable, and easy.

49. Self-Defense Class

A self-defense class is lots of fun and great exercise — and it can help you protect yourself if you’re ever approached by a questionable stranger.

You’ll learn how to spot a potential attacker, how to defuse a dangerous situation, and some kicking and punching moves to fight off an attacker.

50. Indoor Herb Growing

If you enjoy cooking and creating unique and delicious meals all year round, then pick up the hobby of indoor herb growing.

You can learn about a variety of herbs and how they are used to season your meals while enjoying the satisfaction of watching your plants grow in the comfort of your home.

Once the weather is warm, you can transplant your herbs to a window box or outdoor garden. A LED grow-light kit is a great way to get started without too much time and effort.

51. Canning Fruits or Vegetables

Think about all of the fruits and veggies you end up throwing away because you forget about them or don’t eat them for some reason.

Canning stops the natural spoilage and allows you to keep and foods much longer. It’s easy, inexpensive, and so rewarding to see your pantry lined up with delicious items you’ve canned yourself.

52. Bread Making from Scratch

Ahh, the smell of fresh, warm bread. Your family will love you all the more if you take up the hobby of bread making.

Sure, you can easily buy bread from the supermarket, but why not spice up your bread with a dose of love and homemade joy by making it yourself.

You can find hundreds of tutorials online to help you learn the skills of making any kind of bread that suits you.

53. Baking Homemade Treats

Everyone loves home-baked treats as well as the social aspect of eating beautifully and lovingly prepared cakes, pies, cupcakes, tarts, and other sweet and savory treats.

Baking is satisfying, and relaxing and involves a bit of creativity and personal flair. If you’ve ever watched The Great British Baking Show, you know there are as many styles of baking as there are bakers!

There’s nothing like hearing the “oohs” and “ahhs” from people savoring the treats you just prepared. Invite your friends and family over for a dessert party and share your new hobby with those who appreciate your efforts.

54. Wine Tasting

If you enjoy good wines, there are so many opportunities to learn about different varieties of wine.

Your local wine store probably offers wine tastings, or you could host your own wine tasting and asks guests to bring a different bottle.

There are wine classes you can take, local wine events, and even wine tasting cruises.

Hobbies for Women Over 50

55. Organizing and Decluttering

If you’re a naturally organized person, or you’d like to be, why not put your abilities to good use?

Use your hobby time to get your home or someone else’s in tip-top shape by clearing out clutter, streamlining your stuff, and neatly organizing what’s left.

You might start with the international bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo for detailed instructions on decluttering and organizing every room of your house.

56. Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Mindful meditation is more than a hobby — it’s a practice. And the practice of meditation is deeply satisfying and calming.

Mindful meditation has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve depression, and help prevent a variety of diseases.

It gives you a respite from the demands of your day and helps you focus better throughout your day. You can read more about mindfulness in my Wall Street Journal Bestselling book: 10-Minute Mindfulness.

57. Making Vision Boards

If you want to improve any area of your life, one of the best places to start is by visualizing the outcome you want to achieve. A tangible tool to help you do that is a vision board.

A vision board can be made online, or you can craft one using poster board, images and words (from magazines or elsewhere), and other decor. You can make a unique vision board for your career goals, travel dreams, relationship needs, or any other self-improvement goal.

Once you know how to make a vision board, you can dedicate a month to a particular theme and focus on that theme as you’re working toward the goal.

Or you can have a vision board party and get your friends involved in your new hobby.

58. Managing Your Money

We all have to pay the bills and balance our checkbooks. But have you considered making a hobby of managing your money and preparing for retirement?

Paying more attention to where your money goes, where you are overspending, how you are saving, and what you are investing in can be rewarding and profitable.

Learn to develop financial goals, set up a budget, and become debt-free by setting aside time each week to work on managing your money. There are plenty of blogs and books online that can get you started.

59. Writing Your Legacy

Writing, whether it’s a novel or just in your journal, is an amazing hobby that is so good for you.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a wonderful way to relieve stress and worry. Writing also stimulates creativity, imagination, and focus.

Through writing, you can improve your vocabulary, clarify your ideas, and improve your general communication skills.

You don’t have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to start writing. Just write and enjoy the process.

60. Taking Online Courses

You can take a course on just about anything these days through online learning platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera.

There are dozens of self-improvement courses on building confidence, improving your relationships, money management, brain training, meditation, and so much more.

Develop a hobby around learning something new every month and expanding yourself and your abilities.

Did you find any hobbies that you liked?

I hope you found several ideas in this list of hobbies for women that appeal to you and inspire you to commit to a new hobby.

You might feel resistant to learning something new, but push yourself out of your comfort zone and away from your digital devices and enjoy the thrill of accomplishment and novelty. These female hobbies will broaden your horizons and make you a more interesting person.

You have nothing to prove but so much to gain by stretching yourself and exploring new interests. You’ll discover that you have far more abilities than you ever gave yourself credit for.

May your creativity and motivation inspire everything you do today and every day.

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