Hobbies for Adulthood

With the fast pace of modern life and the excessive time spent in front of screens, finding a hobby can be a powerful way to relieve stress, stimulate creativity and strengthen social connections. However, many popular hobbies, such as video games and social media, are still tied to the digital world. I like to keep hobbies that are away from screens and that can have mental health benefits. That's why I've put together a short list of hobbies, from the most common to the most unusual.

1. Book Club with Neighbors

Reading is already a wonderful pastime, but making it a social experience can transform it even more. Starting a book club with neighbors helps build community bonds, encourages critical thinking and provides a sense of belonging.

Benefits: reduces stress by transporting the mind to other realities, stimulates empathy by understanding different points of view, helps combat loneliness by promoting regular get-togethers.

How to get started: invite some neighbors who like to read and suggest a monthly book. Set up face-to-face meetings in cafes, parks or even at someone's house. The important thing is to create a light and welcoming environment for discussions.

2. Paper Embroidery

Traditional embroidery is already known for its therapeutic benefits, but paper embroidery brings a different and artistic touch. This technique consists of perforating thick paper and embroidering on it, creating patterns, illustrations or even typography.

Benefits: stimulates patience and mindfulness, develops fine motor coordination, generates a state of relaxation similar to meditation.

How to get started: buy heavy-weight paper, embroidery thread and fine needles. Start with simple designs and gradually create more complex pieces. It is a great way to personalize cards and frames.

3. Urban Falconry (Bird of Prey Watching)

Watching birds of prey in urban environments can be fascinating. Some cities are home to species such as hawks and owls, which hunt and fly freely. This activity is an alternative for those who enjoy contact with nature, but do not have easy access to large green areas.

Benefits: encourages connection with nature, reducing anxiety, stimulates patience and observation skills, generates a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.

How to get started: research which birds of prey are common in your city and the best times to observe them. Binoculars and a notebook can help you record sightings.

4. Cyanotype (Alternative Photography with Sunlight)

Cyanotype is a 19th-century photographic technique that creates bluish prints using sunlight. This process can be used to create botanical images, illustrations and even fabric prints.

Benefits: stimulates creativity without the need for screens, it promotes a slower, more meditative work pace, it generates satisfaction when producing unique and artistic pieces.

How to get started: get a cyanotype kit, sheets of paper or fabric and choose natural elements (such as leaves and flowers) to create compositions. Exposure to the sun does the rest of the work.

Taylor Deas Melesh from Unsplash

5. Metal Forging (Artisanal Metallurgy)

Creating small objects in metal, such as jewelry or handmade knives, may seem like an unusual hobby, but it is extremely satisfying. This type of manual work connects the person to the creative process in a profound way.

Benefits: it helps develop patience and attention to detail, it provides a sense of achievement when transforming raw materials, working with your hands can relieve anxiety.

How to get started: there are workshops to help you get started in artisanal metallurgy. Starting with simple techniques, such as stamping or cold cutting, can be a good way to enter this world.

6. Urban Beekeeping

Keeping bees in the city may seem challenging, but it is a sustainable and rewarding practice. Urban beekeeping helps pollinate local plants and allows you to produce homemade honey.

Benefits: encourages connection with nature and environmental responsibility, reduces stress by promoting closer contact with natural cycles, creates a sense of community by sharing honey with neighbors.

How to get started: it is important to check local regulations and look for urban beekeeping courses. Some cities encourage this practice and even provide support for beginners.

7. Soap Carving

Carving soap sculptures is an accessible and relaxing art form. Unlike wood or stone carving, this technique allows you to create detailed shapes without the need for advanced tools.

Benefits: stimulates creativity and motor coordination, promotes concentration and relaxation, produces useful and fragrant pieces for everyday use.

How to get started: bars of glycerin soap are easy to work with. Small knives and craft knives can help with the process of carving delicate shapes.

8. Fire Drawing (Pyrography)

Pyrography is the art of burning wood to create decorative designs and patterns. This hobby requires patience and precision, resulting in unique and rustic pieces.

Benefits: improves concentration and coordination, provides a sense of accomplishment when viewing the finished piece, helps you slow down and practice mindfulness.

How to get started: get a basic pyrograph and try it on soft woods. There are tutorials online to learn techniques and patterns.

9. Gardening

Gardening is a therapeutic hobby that involves growing plants, herbs, flowers, and even vegetables. Being in the soil helps reduce stress, improves mood, and increases the sense of accomplishment when watching plants grow.

Benefits: Reduces anxiety, increases concentration, and connects with nature.

How to get started: Start with small, easy-to-care-for plants, such as succulents or herbs, and gradually expand your green space.

10. Pottery or Clay Modeling

Working with clay is a relaxing, sensory activity that stimulates creativity. Creating pieces with your own hands brings a sense of accomplishment and can even become a source of income.

Benefits: Helps relieve tension, improves motor coordination, and encourages patience.

How to get started: Look for local workshops or beginner pottery kits. You can start by modeling at home and then take it to a studio to burn it.

11. Experimental Cooking

Cooking goes beyond preparing meals; it can be a creative and fun hobby. Testing new recipes, spices and cooking techniques can turn the kitchen into a space for experimentation.

Benefits: Reduced stress, skill development and healthier eating.

How to get started: Choose simple recipes and explore new ingredients and preparation methods.

12. Carpentry and Woodwork

Creating wooden objects or furniture can be a rewarding hobby. In addition to developing manual skills, woodworking is a great way to relieve stress.

Benefits: Improves focus, increases self-esteem and develops motor skills.

How to get started: Start with small projects, such as simple cutting boards or shelves, and gradually progress to more complex pieces.

13. Hiking

Exploring trails and hiking outdoors is a great way to connect with nature, get some exercise, and clear your mind.

Benefits: Reduces anxiety, improves mood, and strengthens your body.

How to get started: Look for nearby trails and start on easy paths. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and always bring water.

14. Meditation and Reflective Writing

Meditation combined with reflective writing can be a powerful practice for organizing your thoughts and clearing your mind.

Benefits: Reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and improves self-awareness.

How to get started: Set aside a few minutes each day to meditate, then write down your reflections in a journal or notebook.

I've always had many hobbies. From childhood until I was a teenager, I did crafts, painting, drawing, making paper boxes, making birthday cards, painting furniture, photography, writing, among many others.

And as I reached adulthood, it seems that I forgot how pleasurable and therapeutic it is to have a hobby, something that you do for yourself, without pressure, without the need to please someone, without thinking that it needs to be good, because it's not your job, it's just a moment to relax.

Well, I've been slowly getting back into having hobbies and I've also been researching some that I didn't know about so that I can start with you. Tell me, which of these did you want to start right now?

Beijim 💋