Beat the Winter Blues With These Creative, Offline Hobbies

Both knitting and crocheting are having a big moment online right now, and for good reason; your end product is something you can say you made! Figure out which one seems more your speed, head to the craft store to gather your needles and some brightly-colored yarn and try your hand at a simple winter accessory like a hat, scarf or mittens.

Your mom might be onto something with this one. Puzzles are such a fun way to use those mental muscles with a low-stress, low-stakes activity. Find a box with a picture that you love and get to work; you probably already have one laying around your house!

Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. Adult coloring books have changed the game and rebranded coloring as an activity fit for any age. It’s a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. If intricate designs aren’t your vibe, try looking for a coloring book based on your favorite TV show, book or other interest; there’s something out there for everyone!

So, this one does require leaving your house, but you’ll only have to brave the cold for a short amount of time before entering a heated yoga studio. Yoga has incredible physical and mental health benefits, and you can take a beginner or advanced class depending on your skill level. You’ll leave feeling so sweaty that the winter cold might even feel refreshing. Or, if you’re not feeling up to going to a studio, follow along at home with a YouTube video!

Get some use out of those old magazines you have lying around by taking some scissors to the pages! You can make a 2024 vision board, a piece of art or whatever other unique collage theme your brain desires. These are so fun to gift or use as home decor!

Cold weather outside is the perfect excuse to turn on your oven and whip up something sweet. Experiment with a creative cookie recipe, an elaborate cake design, a simple baked bread or literally anything else your heart desires. The possibilities are truly endless, and this rewarding hobby will even give you a yummy treat to enjoy at the end.

The reading renaissance is upon us and we’re so here for it. Escape the winter weather by immersing yourself in a cozy book. Whether it’s romance, mystery, fantasy, non-fiction, etc… it’s so fun to lose yourself in another world, even if just for a short period of time. You can ease yourself in with a short book or a novella to see how you like it!

If you’re in the mood to get seriously crafty, it might be time to pick up an embroidery hoop and see what you can do. There are plenty of patterns to follow, ranging from simple to crazy complicated, but once you’ve mastered this hobby you can embroider your clothes or make fun decorations to hang in your home. Sounds like a win to us!

If you want to pick up pottery, you’ve got options; you could experiment with the air dry clay craze sweeping TikTok right now, or you could head to your local pottery studio to learn from the pros. Either way, you’ll be sure to have fun and get those creative juices flowing as you work with your hands.