I love my hobbies. I don’t ever find myself to be bored—and if I do, I always pick up one of my many hobbies.

I get it—believe me, I do. Sometimes, all I want to do after work is to lay on my couch and scroll through TikTok until dinner, and then after dinner, scroll through Instagram. Scrolling isn’t a hobby. It’s not sustainable or healthy. Hobbies are cool. Hobbies allow you to express creativity and unlock passions within you that you may have never known existed. Here are a handful of low-stress hobbies to start—any time, anywhere, that require little to no skill. 

Embroidery 

More specifically: cross stitching. I may be biased because I learned how to cross stitch in my teens, but cross stitching is one of the easiest stitches to learn. You only have one stitch to learn! There are many cross stitch patterns and kits to choose from. Kits are easy because you follow a pattern and an amount of threads to use for that pattern. Anyone can find a cross stitch pattern on Etsy! I’ve been stitching Taylor Swift albums; small albums that take up to two days to do. If you’re not into cross stitch, you can pick up embroidery or needlepoint patterns. This is a good low-stress hobby that you can pick up while you’re watching your favorite comfort show on a weeknight. 

Journaling 

Journaling may be great for your mental health, but it can also be a fun creative hobby! I’ve started expanding my journal to be more fun and creative, including writing about my favorite albums, artists, movies, TV shows, and more. I rank my favorite Taylor Swift albums or the latest Olivia Rodrigo album. I write (make lists) about what TV shows I’m watching. And overall, I illustrate on the page as well. All you need is a journal (literally $10 at Target), some markers, and fun pens! 

Coloring 

I think this is the easiest, lowest stress hobby. Adult coloring books dominated everyone’s life in the past few years—especially during the pandemic! The great thing about coloring books is that you can pull one out on a five-minute break from work. Instead of reaching for your phone while taking a work break, reach for your markers or colored pencils and a coloring book! 

Puzzles 

No, this isn’t just a hobby for your grandma. Literally anyone can start doing this. Do you have a coffee table, dining room table, or even a desk? You can start a puzzle. They make them in all sizes. Heck—they even have a puzzle sorter and a puzzle desk that you can store away when you’re not using it. The best part is: you can resume the puzzle anytime you want! 

Reading 

Reading will forever be my #1 hobby. I always come back to reading. While #booktok and #bookstagram may intimidate some people, especially with the many recommendations, go to your local bookstore or library and browse around. Don’t worry about what the popular books are. Don’t worry about picking up books that make you smarter. Pick up the books that interest you.

Chess 

I am not a chess girlie, but many people are! Did you become obsessed with The Queen’s Gambit? Do you love being a mastermind? Try learning chess. Even if you don’t know how to play—it can be a fun way to shut off your mind from things that you’re worrying about and be able to focus on one thing.

Painting 

If you’re a creative girlie and want to use your hands, pick up a paint-by-number set or watercolor set! There are kits on Amazon that you can check out or visit your local craft store (or Michael’s). 

Baking 

Bake fun treats. Get creative! Instead of making ordinary cupcakes (which are still good!), experiment with different cupcake decorating tools. Make a different flavor cookie each weekend. Bake these fun treats to give away to friends or your coworkers!