40 fun and relaxing Hobbies To Try In 2023 That You'll Love

In the fast-paced world we live in, so much of our time is spent focusing on what we don’t have. Instead of constantly worrying about whether we’ll have enough money or time to do everything we want, why not focus on what we have? 

Taking a break from the rat race doesn't mean giving up on the things that bring us joy. In fact, stepping away from the daily grind is an opportunity to discover new hobbies and activities that will leave us feeling rejuvenated and excited to be alive again. 

Whether you're looking for something new or want to boost your leisure time, these 2023 hobbies will leave you smiling. Check them out below!

What Are the Benefits of Having a Hobby?

A hobby is one of the best ways to spend your leisure time. 

Hobbies allow us to explore our interests and passions while also allowing us to take a break from the stresses of everyday life. 

Whether it's painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies can provide us with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. They can also help us develop skills such as problem-solving and creativity that are valuable in the workplace. 

Not only that, but having a hobby can also help reduce stress and anxiety, improve our mental health, and even increase our social circle!

Creative hobbies (Arts, Crafts)

1. Writing

We often take writing so seriously that we forget that it can just be a hobby, something fun. You can go from writing simple poems to short stories or even just write down your thoughts. 

2. Photography

If you love pictures and videos, how they’re taken, what they mean and the stories you can tell through them, a great hobby to take on would be photography. You can start with your mobile phone and view the world through your lens. You can go into polaroid photography, film photography or just taking videos of your friends and places you go to.

3. Drawing

You can learn how to draw no matter what level of skill you have. You can find free tutorials or sign up for a drawing class.  

4. Painting

Painting is a great way to de-stress. You can paint whatever you want, how ever you like it. There are an endless array of painting classes you can try out, from beginner to professional level, both physically and online. The best part about painting classes is that they're an easy hobby to get into. All you need is some paints and a few basic brushes, and you're good to go!

5. Book Club

If you enjoy reading, there’s no better hobby than enjoying literature in your spare time. Reading is free, relaxing, and social, and you can read whatever you like. You can join or start a  reading group where you meet and discuss the books you’ve read or books you’ve been recommended. 

6. Paper crafts/quilling

Quilling is the art of using long thin strips of paper and then, rolling and pinching the pieces into different shapes. Once they are glued, it forms 3D art pieces that can be used in frames, as a gift, etc. Paper crafts can go from very simple to complex and are usually very satisfying to make, they also come out lovely.

7. Origami 

This is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Just by using paper no cutting required), you can make interesting pieces like dragons, flowers, boxes, and so on. 

8. Calligraphy

Have you ever tried to beautify your handwriting maybe for a birthday card or on your notes? If yes, calligraphy would be a great hobby option. You would learn to design lettering in various ways. 

9. Collage making 

All the books, magazines, letters, newspapers, prints, and pictures that just lie around in your home can now become art when you learn collage. You can even opt for digital collages and make beautiful pieces out of random things. 

Games

10. Board games 

 

This hobby is great as it allows you to connect with other people like your loved ones while relaxing and practically training to become a master at board games.

11. Puzzles

Have you watched the new movie, Glass Onion; a knives out mystery? As an invite, the characters got sent a box where they had to complete puzzles before opening. Puzzles like the stereogram, morse code, tic tac toe, sliding puzzle, the Fibonacci spiral, the abacus, and so on. If the box was sent to you, do you think you would solve them? Now’s the great time to pick one or more of these puzzles as a hobby.

12. Jigsaw puzzles

Following the aforementioned puzzles, a special type of puzzle is the jigsaw puzzle where you have to arrange pieces to make a full picture. This can be a very rewarding hobby to take on. 

13. Chess 

You might not be the next Beth Harmon but you can partake in the beautiful, brain-stimulating, and tactical game of chess to wind down in your spare time. 

14. Crossword

In the spirit of intellectual games, crossword puzzles might be the one for you. Imagine sitting on your couch after a long day, a cheap crossword puzzle book (or a crossword puzzle app) in hand, and a cup of tea beside you, what could be better?

15. Video games 

They are thousands of games on our devices and you pick a couple of them as a hobby. From arcade games to character games or first-person shooter games, have fun with these games. 

DIYs/more crafts

16. Baking 

Whether you’re looking for a new cake recipe to try, or just want to spend more time in the kitchen, baking is a great option.

Baking not only is a great way to spend quality time with your family or by yourself, but its rewards are also delicious. 

17. Gardening

If you like the idea of growing your own food, gardening is a great option. Depending on your climate and preferences, there is a wide range of gardening options you can choose from.

There are a number of benefits to growing your own produce, including - Fresh produce - less wastage - Lower cost - Increased nutritional value. 

 18. Indoor planting 

If gardening is not feasible for you but you like the idea of bringing life into your home through plants, then caring for indoor plants is a great option. You can start with low-maintenance plants.  

19. Quilting

This is a sewing method of stitching layers of fabric together to make a thicker and more padded material that can be used for bed coverings, blankets, and even as decorative pieces. 

From traditional designs to modern styles, there is a range of quilting options to suit all preferences and skill levels.

20. Crochet/Knitting

This hobby became popular during the pandemic because of its low entry barrier. A couple of hooks, some yarns, and a youtube tutorial and you’re good to go. You end up producing clothing pieces, accessories like bags and caps, toys, or even decorative pieces. 

21. Embroidery

This is the art of decorating or embellishing fabric or any material like your bag or shirt using needle and thread (or yarn). You can use it to bring life to some of your old pieces or you could even start a project from scratch. 

22. Tailoring/sewing

 

Having tailoring/sewing skills can be very rewarding. From learning to make your own clothes to repairing and upcycling old pieces.

It has many benefits like helping you save money, reducing the impact of throwing away old pieces, making gifts and so on. It’s also relaxing. 

23. Jewelry making 

This is a very fun, creative, and relaxing hobby. You can start with making beaded jewelry or costume jewelry using materials like copper.

With just a few supplies, you can walk around with your creations as accessories and get compliments and you can also gift them out. 

24. Pottery 

Pottery is the art of using clay and other ceramic supplies to make pieces like pots, bowls, vases, or even decorative or home decor pieces.

You can start using the hand-building pottery technique as you gather enough to get a pottery wheel or cast. The hobby can relieve stress and the results are wonderful to see.  

25. Nail art 

Having your nails done completes a look. This hobby can show off your artistic skill while making your fingernails or any of your friends’ your art canvas. 

26. Woodwork

This is one of the most popular DIY hobbies where you use wood to make items from furniture to decor pieces. As long as you have the patience and interest, you can begin with no prior knowledge.

All you need are a few tools, an offline or online class, or a couple of YouTube tutorials. 

Sports and Physical activities

27. Archery 

Archery is a sport using a bow and arrows to shoot a target. This hobby would help you improve focus, patience, and confidence. It’s also great for your physical health. 

28. Roller skating/skateboarding

Apart from the physical health benefits of roller skating or skateboarding like building good muscle definition, it can be therapeutic and a good mood booster. 

29. Martial arts

If you’re hesitant about trying out martial arts because you’re worried about getting hurt, don’t be! Martial arts classes aren’t about practicing martial arts and getting hurt—they’re about learning how to take care of your body and stay injury-free.

No matter what style you choose, martial arts classes are a great way to strengthen your core, improve your balance, and learn how to stay injury-free.

You can take your pick from many different martial arts styles, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, judo, karate, and more. There are online or offline classes you can attend.  

30. Self-defense classes

Self-defense classes teach you how to protect yourself in situations that would normally lead to aggression or violence.

Self-defense classes can be taken at any level and are great for anyone who feels unsafe or uncomfortable around people they don’t know very well.

They are also a great option for people who feel like they don’t have the confidence to talk to others in a non-aggressive way. Under this, you can also take boxing classes for fun. 

31. Yoga 

Yoga is a great 2023 hobby because it’s both relaxing and challenging at the same time. Yoga classes are a great way to de-stress, improve your breathing and concentration, and build muscle strength and flexibility.

32. Dance

Dance is a fun way to get your heart pumping and learn new moves. Whether you want to learn ballroom, swing, salsa, hip-hop, or another type of dance, there are tons of events which you can choose from.

You can also look to community dance groups or open-mic nights to learn new dances.

33. Running

Runners don’t have to be serious athletes. You can start a running hobby today with minimal equipment, run a short distance or a long one, slow or fast and gain the numerous benefits of running. 

Others 

34. Learn to play an instrument

 

If you love music and would love to make some yourself or play your already existing favorite songs then learning an instrument is the perfect hobby for you.

Whether it’s a piano, the flute, the guitar, the ukelele, the drums, or any other instrument, it provides benefits like improved focus and memory, better coordination and discipline, and so on. 

35. Comedy 

If you’re feeling a little bored and want to try out something new and unique, how about learning how to crack jokes better, even dad jokes are allowed. It doesn’t require much experience other than your humor and wit.

You can engage in a variety of comedy or stand-up shows. You can also look to online forums or community events to find improv shows.

36. Fishing 

If you’re looking for a hobby that would take you outside and out in nature, fishing is  a great option. It helps in relieving stress and finding self-fulfillment. 

37. Learn a new language 

Learning a new language can be very exciting and rewarding. It has several befits like improved memory, enhanced problem-solving skills, and the obvious, the ability to speak and understand things said and written in the language of your choice 

38. Learn sign language 

Not only would this be a relaxing hobby, but it’s also a beneficial one to the community and anyone in need of it. It helps promote the awareness of communication among the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

You can also use this language to communicate underwater or in a place where you can’t speak. 

39. Learn magic tricks/illusions

Card tricks, magic tricks, and illusions are a sensation on the internet and in real life. There are only a few things that can captivate people or give a big rush of excitement like magic tricks do.

It improves your creativity, presentation skills(that you might need in other aspects of your life), social skills, and so on. 

40. Learn about niche subjects 

A unique hobby to take on is to learn about niche subjects that are not popular like dinosaurs, places, fantasy novels and movies, trees, birds, and so much more. You name it.

Just pick any quirky interest and learn more about it from social media, the internet, and books. 

 What new hobby are you picking up this year?