11 Relaxing Cozy Hobbies to Add to Your Self Care Routine
Cozy hobbies are a great way to bring a little extra peace to your life and help you feel more fulfilled. Having a personal project that you can focus on when going through a tough time or when you simply want some “me time” can be life-changing.
I am so guilty of solely focusing on diet and exercise when thinking about health and wellness but your self-care routine is so much more than that.
Having a way to relax, get creative, and invest in yourself is so important for your overall well-being.
This list includes creative, active, and leisurely ideas if you are on the search for a new hobby. Some of the cozy hobby ideas on this list will be cliche but I will offer ways to reimagine these classic hobbies in a way that they feel fresh and new! That way you walk away feeling inspired and ready to embark on a new cozy hobby!
This post was all about the best cozy hobbies to spend quality time with yourself.
How do I find the right hobby for me?
You are already on the right track since you are taking the time to do some research.
This list is of course focused on cozy hobbies so mostly indoor hobbies, creative hobbies, and hobbies for homebodies.
But just use this list as a spring board and inspiration on your journey!
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a new hobby:
- Think about what you enjoyed doing as a kid
- Choose a category: creative, active, new skill, makes money, etc.
- What budget do you have to spend on your hobby?
- How much free time do you have in your schedule to enjoy your new hobby? Is this something you want to do in your leisure time or do you want to add it to your calendar?
- Does the time of year impact the new hobby you want to try?
The Best Cozy Hobbies For Your Self Care Routine
1. Get nostalgic with scrapbooking
Design an adorable keepsake to hold all of your favorite memories rather than storing them in your phone!
All you need is some printed photos, craft supplies, and a notebook with large enough pages for your creations. Creative projects are incredibly relaxing because you have to stay present and open to wherever your creativity takes you.
Here are some other supplies you may want for scrapbooking:
- Markers and glitter pens to doodle and write memories
- Washi tape to secure photos
- A thrifted scrapbook (cheap and easy to find!)
- Stickers
- Fun paper with cute patterns
2. Build a new skill by learning to upcycle clothes
Envision your current wardrobe with a bit of upcycling magic. This is a wonderful way to take clothing that may have been trendy in the past and truly make it your own to fit your current sense of style.
Here are a few clothing upcycling project ideas to get you started:
- Visible mending
- Patches on backpacks, denim jackets, or tote bags
- Using different fruits/vegetables to dye clothing
- Thrift flips to enhance second-hand clothing and give it a new life
- Simply mending holes you have been meaning to fix up
3. Spa day at home for the ultimate relaxing hobby
Pamper yourself with a little skin rejuvenation me time. Other than your day to day skincare routine, consider making time for your very own spa day at home.
It is so easy to save the nice smelling perfume or expensive bath bomb for the “perfect” moment so why not set aside time each week to invest in yourself.
pampering yourself can totally be a hobby! Here are some other great ideas:
- DIY body care products like sugar scrubs
- Ice bath
- Relaxing bath with bath bomb or bath salts
- Deep conditioner for your hair
- Foot soak
- Dry brushing and self massage
{RECOMMENDED POST: 9 Relaxing Eco Friendly Self Care Practices To Feel Your Best}
4. DIY terrarium for plant lovers
Spend time creating a mini garden that can also act as home decor.
This peaceful hobby is perfect for you if you are wanting a beginner friendly way to enter into the world of house plants. Thrift a unique glass container, some cute succulents and even some other trinkets if you want a fairy garden vibe to it.
5. Coloring sheets or make your own coloring book
Coloring isn’t just for kids! It’s an incredible way to practice mindfulness since all you are focused on is the colors appearing on your page.
We have plenty of free coloring pages you can download and print off right at home!
6. Journaling about the little things
The best journaling session is accompanied by a warm beverage like tea or coffee, gentle candles, soft blankets, and maybe a cozy playlist. Be intentional with this time and do what you can to feel relaxed.
The more relaxed you feel the easier it will be to let your thoughts flow onto paper.
If you struggle to know “what to say” when journaling consider buying a guided journal or look up journal prompts.
If creative writing is really not your style, start a bullet journal. These are great because you can use a combination of art and trackers to remember things like your mood, goals, books you have read and more!
7. DIY home decor as a creative outlet
Rather than going out and buying new home decor consider making some of your own. There are tons and tons of different crafts and diy project you can choose from. Even if you don’t consider yourself the most crafty person there are plenty of free youtube videos and tutorials for beginner friendly DIY crafts.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Cross stitch pillows
- Air-dry clay projects like coasters, fridge magnets, ring holders etc.
- Candle making
- Wall art
I love to make my own wall art using Canva. If you want to check it out for a bit of inspiration you can find it here!
{RECOMMENDED POST: How To Realistically Show Up For Yourself + Show Up For Yourself Quotes}
8. Reading books from the library
There’s nothing like cozying up with a warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a good book. The outside world slows down and the only one that matters is the one in the one between the pages.
Rather than buying brand new books, consider heading to your local library to pick up your new fave. If you don’t have the time to head to the library consider downloading the app Libby which is a free app that allows you to borrow digital books from your local library.
If books are not for you, consider magazines, blogs or browsing recipe books for your next creation!
9. Designing snail mail and sending it to your loved ones
Why send a letter when you can just send a text? There is just something so special about receiving a handwritten card from someone updating you on their life or a funny shared memory.
Even better if the card involves doodles, stickers or another artistic flair. Spend some time making a list of people that you haven’t chatted with in a while, get your art supplies ready and craft beautiful homemade cards to your loved ones. If writing a card is too much you can always decorate postcards!
10. Yoga for mental health benefits
I think for most people the first thing that comes to mind when they hear the word yoga is relax! It is an incredible way to tune into your own individual needs, learn how to better notice your body’s sensations and the power of your breath.
If you have done yoga before but want something a little different, consider trying a somatic yoga class. Somatic yoga classes encourage yogis to really tap into any intuitive movements that arise in their bodies. Get to know yourself in a deeper way on your mat as this practice can help you in countless ways off you mat!
Check out our free somatic yoga class!
11. Putter around and do nothing, sometimes just this is perfect.
Remember when you were a kid and the day would just fall into place as it went. If you are type A or simply a busy person, it can be nice to purposefully set some time aside in your schedule to freely let hobbies or curiosities find you.
Maybe that means something on this list or maybe that means just existing in your space: resting, lounging, napping, staring out the window etc.
Have any cozy hobbies you love to do? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well!
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about the best cozy hobbies to care for your mental health.
Other posts you may like:
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Self Care For Kids: 5 Simple Self Care Routines And Activities To Help Your Kids Thrive
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