The Best 30 Low-Energy Hobbies For Adults To Restore Energy
Embrace Low-Energy Hobbies
March 13, 2024
By Haley Holt
Image by Camille Brodard
We refuse to endure another unfulfilled evening, feeling like life is passing us by - so we did everyone a solid coming up with a trove of low-energy hobbies for adults to actually restore our energy.
The notion of carving out time for oneself can often feel exhausting after a full day of work prepending with the chaos of daily influence. Finding the motivation to do anything besides mindlessly scrolling through social media can be an effort in itself. When the energy is low, we often find ourselves avoiding anything that requires more than just thumb movement.
It's safe to affirm that we're exhausted from the experience of feeling like life is slipping away from us after spending a significant amount of time social scrolling.
Enter 30 low-energy hobbies into the room: the breath of fresh air that offers a sanctuary for the body, mind, and hands.
But before we delve into the array of relaxing hobbies awaiting your exploration, let's first unravel the essence of what we mean by a low-energy hobby, understand why these pastimes hold profound significance, and uncover the health benefits they devote.
So, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite nook, and let's embark on a journey to rejuvenate the fun and rediscover the joy of leisure because having hobbies makes you cool.
Image by Alex jiang
What is a low-energy hobby?
In the realm of leisure, low-energy hobbies offer a haven for those seeking relaxation without the need for high levels of physical or mental exertion. These hobbies cater to the most relaxed states of lazy individuals in their vegged-out state.
From cozying up with a good book to indulging in the therapeutic art of knitting or exploring the meditative world of acupressure, low-energy hobbies provide a gentle escape while dishing out some self-discovery fun back into life.
Why hobbies matter
For us adults seeking low-energy hobbies, understanding why having hobbies matters can highlight the significance of embracing some of these leisure activities into your daily life.
Slowing it down matters.
Image by Marek Rucinski
Hobbies provide a much-needed break from the monotony of routine, offering opportunities for relaxation, creativity, and personal fulfillment. They allow us to explore new interests, cultivate new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over leisure, embracing hobbies reminds us to slow down, enjoy the present moment, and prioritize self-care.
So, whether it's a hobby for the body, mind, or hands, finding joy in a simple hobby is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, even for the couch potatoes among us.
Embrace the benefits of low-energy hobbies
Building hobbies into your life isn't just about passing the time.
Image by Maureen De Wit
Science-backed research found that engaging in hobbies can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
Stress reduction -
Engaging in hobbies can help lower stress levels by providing a distraction from daily pressures and promoting a state of calm relaxation; we like to call it our zen state.
Improved mental health -
Hobbies have been shown to significantly boost mood, increase feelings of happiness, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Slow clap for appreciation.
Enhanced cognitive function -
Participating in mentally stimulating hobbies, such as puzzles or DIY crafts, can help maintain or build cognitive function and may lower the risk of cognitive decline as we age.
Increased physical activity -
While low-energy hobbies may not be physically demanding, they still encourage movement and can contribute to a more active lifestyle, participating in the choice of action over mood.
Social engagement -
Many hobbies offer opportunities for social interaction with individuals of similar interests, whether it's joining a book club, attending a knitting circle, or taking a cooking class. Building social connections can improve a sense of belonging and overall wellness.
*Quick tip - It’s okay to be a hobby hopper!
Meaning, it’s perfectly fine to explore various hobbies; as you evolve, your interests may naturally shift. This journey allows you to discover more about yourself, refining your preferences and bolstering confidence in your chosen pursuits.
Image by Pauline Loroy
Low-energy hobbies for low-impact physical exercise
1. Take a Nature Walk
There is an abundance of motivational methods that might bid to persuade you off the couch - nevertheless, the idea is to never let your mood determine your actions, as it takes action to change your mood. This method is an aphorism we live by and embarking on a nature walk is one way of putting it into practice.
Embracing the simplicity of a nature walk offers a tranquil escape from life's stress or provoking anxiety.
It’s a low-energy hobby that lets adults not only take a breath to breathe in some fresh air but also reconnect with the natural world - enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the serene surroundings.
*Side note - If you're not drawn to the nature benefits, consider embracing a walk for the fashionable trend of the summer, the tennis skirts, for a look-good, feel-good vibe.
Image by Joshua Koblin
The four must-have pieces you'll find us living in all summer long -
The pleated tennis skirt dress
The pleated linerless tennis skirt dress
2. Walking Pad (or under the desk) Treadmill
When someone once said to us, “You have the time, just use it wisely”, this is exactly what we are thinking about …
The walking pad comes to the rescue as the reputable life-changing solution for an upgrade to everyday wellness.
A walking pad treadmill provides an effortless way to stay active without leaving the comfort of your home.
It's an ideal low-effort hobby for adults seeking to boost their physical health with minimal impact on joints, while also offering the convenience of multitasking—watching your favorite show, working from home, or listening to a podcast; all while getting in your steps - call it productive if you will.
Image by Lena Moore
3. Yoga
Practicing the art of yoga offers a harmonious blend of relaxation and rejuvenation for both body and mind, fucking genius. Yoga is a gentle and calming hobby that promotes flexibility, strength, and inner peace through mindful movements and controlled breathing.
It's a perfect method to start your morning routine or wind down after a long day, especially for those seeking relaxation and improving overall well-being.
All you need is a yoga mat and your breath -
Aurorae Classic Thick Yoga & Pilates Mat is our top recommendation for high quality, support, and performance.
The Balanced Body and Retroscpec Solana mats are a perfect option as well for Pilates beginners.
The Solana has a wide variety of colors to choose from as well as being a reputable option.
4. Pilates
The Pilates workout, simply put, is a full-body enhancement routine with low impact and high results. The low-energy exercise focuses on strengthening muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility, think mind-body connection.
This practice strengthens, tones, and stabilizes your core body, which is known as the body's foundation.
What we love most is that, unlike many other forms of exercise, Pilates is truly for everyone. Our friends at Healthline dive into why Pilates is great for beginners.
We even provide an Easy Guide to Pilates for Beginners to comfortably get started.
You got this.
Image by SALAH PICTURES
5. Acupressure
Exploring the ancient healing art of acupressure can provide a profound relaxation state along with holistic wellness benefits.
Acupressure gives gentle pressure applied to specific points on the body, shown to improve overall health without requiring significant physical exertion.
Whether through traditional sessions or at-home kits, acupressure benefits are achieved by alleviating tension and stress, promoting circulation, and restoring balance to the body's energy pathways, fostering a sense of rejuvenation and vitality.
Low-energy hobbies for a physical glow-up
6. Learn to Do Your Nails
To be frank, nail salons can be pricey and time-consuming. The thought of all the productive things we could be doing with that time, not to mention the money spent, is pretty unbearable.
Learning to do your own nails and the desired design offers a creative outlet and pampering experience for a low-energy hobby at home. It hands over the opportunity to showcase individual styles, explore various colors and designs, and pamper ourselves, all while acquiring new skills and economizing time and money.
This gel nail kit hosts all the essential manicure tools, popular solid colors, a nail lamp, and more, elevating the pleasure of indulging in gel manicures from the comfort of your home.
If press-on nails are more of an interest, let's explore some alternatives -
Our top press-on nail recommendations:
Static Nails - for everyday use, reusable, press-on for over 14 days
Chill Tips - for everyday use and design, press on for over 21 days
Paint Lab - for design, reusable, press-on for over 14 days
Image by Julee Juu
7. Lymphatic Drainage
Partaking in lymphatic drainage techniques offers a gentle yet effective way to support the body's natural detoxification process.
Through gentle massage and manipulation of lymph nodes, this relaxing hobby can help reduce swelling, boost immune function, and define structure, making it an excellent choice for adults seeking to enhance their health with minimal effort.
We practice this reputable hobby each evening before bed to calm and relax the body.
For beginners, we reccomend to start with The Stainless Steel Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. A gua sha tool designed to have a contouring, firming, and lifting effect on the skin. The stainless steel version gives an overall more secure and solid feel, especially for travel.
While staying consistent with the motions, tools, and breathwork - you’ll start to quickly appreciate the addiction.
8. Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers a pleasant and rejuvenating way to promote overall wellness and skincare. With the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, red light therapy stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation and dark circles all while requiring minimal effort.
This calming hobby is the perfect way to enhance skin health, reduce inflammation, and boost mood and energy levels without the need for strenuous activity.
We're all about multitasking once the red light mask is on, not just feeling revitalized but also productive. Jackpot.
Image by Fleur Kaan
*Quick tip - When choosing a red light LED face mask, prioritizing FDA approval ensures that the product has undergone rigorous testing and is actually proven to work.
It’s important to look for masks that feature both red light and near-infrared light, as they penetrate different layers of the skin, boost circulation, improve blood flow, promote oxygen to the skin cells, and can even aid in wound healing and muscle relaxation.
Optimal wavelengths for red light range between 630 and 670 nanometers, while near-infrared light should be at least 800 nanometers. Additionally, it’s super important to consider the Irradiance, popularly known as the power of the lights, (typically measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (mw/cm²), aiming for a range between 30 and 150 mw/cm² for best results.
Our top recommendation: The Dennis Gross Red Light Face Mask is the best choice, as it hits all of the sweet spots and meets the criteria for effective and safe usage.
9. Focus on Hair Growth with a Scalp Massager & Rosemary Oil
Using a scalp massager to focus on hair growth is a soothing and therapeutic activity that can improve the health of your hair and scalp.
By stimulating blood flow to the follicles and exfoliating the scalp, this gentle massage technique can help promote new hair growth, reduce dandruff, and enhance overall scalp health, providing a relaxing way to nurture your locks.
Rosemary Conditioning Hair Oil is made to nourish, strengthen, and grow your hair from the roots. Research indicates that rosemary oil has the potential to stimulate hair growth by promoting increased activity of hair follicles.
Image by lexie janney
10. Focus on Healthy Skin with Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a simple yet effective hobby that works to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
By gently exfoliating the body with a dry brush before your body shower routine, this technique can help remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, and reduce the appearance of cellulite, leaving the skin smooth, radiant, and revitalized.
Low-energy hobbies for mental health (mindfulness)
11. Reading
Immerse yourself in the world of literature as a serene and enriching low-energy hobby for the mind. Whether diving into captivating stories or exploring informative non-fiction, reading offers a peaceful escape and mental stimulation, making it an ideal pastime for individuals seeking relaxation and intellectual growth.
Three noteworthy recommendations to date:
Fourth Wing - 4.8/5, Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from bestselling author, Rebecca Yarros.
The Nightingale - 4.6/5, The book tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II and their struggle to survive by bestselling author, Kristin Hannah.
The Housemaid - 4.7/5, Written by Freida McFadden, this book is an addictive psychological thriller about a couple who hired a housemaid with an incredible twist.
Image by Blaz Photo
12. Journaling
Reflect on your thoughts and experiences through the art of journaling. This can be as simple as writing down five things you are grateful for at the present moment.
Research indicates that practicing gratitude can lead to a more optimistic outlook, reduced symptoms of depression, and improved mental health.
By putting pen to paper for 5 - 10 minutes each day, you can clarify your emotions, set intentions, and cultivate self-awareness, fostering personal growth and emotional balance.
13. Meditation
Practicing mindfulness meditation and deep breathing exercises in the morning can reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall well-being.
By calming the nervous system, meditation and deep breathing, promote a sense of inner peace and resilience in the face of daily challenges. Authentically quieting the mind (reducing brain power) and focusing on the present moment.
Spending just 10-15 minutes meditating is a good hobby that can set a positive tone for the day, promoting emotional awareness and focus.
Image by Polina Kuzovkova
14. Affirmations
This researched-backed mindset transformation can help you challenge and overcome negative thoughts or feelings. When you consistently repeat positive affirmations, you start to believe in them and grow towards positive organic changes.
The billionaires, empirical research, and complied evidence acknowledge - there is no denying the remarkable benefits of setting intentions and positive morning affirmations. Affirmations are the best hobbies for busy people, you can literally practice this from anywhere.
By repeating uplifting statements, you can reprogram your subconscious mind, boost self-confidence, and cultivate a positive mindset, fostering resilience and inner strength in the face of challenges.
If you can, write them down or say them out loud.
15. Puzzles
Connect your mind and unwind with a puzzle, this simple hobby can be fun and mentally stimulating. There is such a wide variety to choose from whether you are solving crosswords, Sudoku, or jigsaw puzzles.
Puzzling offers a relaxing way to sharpen cognitive skills, improve concentration, and indulge in leisurely mental exercises that resist the lure of social scrolling.
Our favorites include -
Image by Bianca Ackermann
16. Listening to Audiobooks
Whether enjoying fiction or non-fiction titles, listening to audiobooks offers a relaxing way to expand your knowledge, ignite your imagination, and escape into captivating narratives - especially on those hot girl walks.
17. Create a New Music Playlist for an Upcoming Event
Did you know that music can boost your mood and lower stress hormones like cortisol? Curate the perfect soundtrack for your next gathering or occasion as a fun and creative low-energy pursuit.
Challenge yourself to explore new artists and share their music, providing an instant mood boost.
Creative low-energy hobbies
Image by Elena Mozhvilo
18. Create a Vision Board
Fostering a vision board is a reflective and inspiring hobby that allows you to visualize your goals and aspirations (and honestly super fun).
By collaging images and words that represent your future self, dreams, desires, and intentions, individuals can manifest positive outcomes and cultivate a sense of motivation and purpose in their lives.
There’s something incredibly powerful about having your dreams, wishes, and goals laid out visually before you. It makes them feel tangible and achievable.
It’s never too late to create a vision board, Elizabeth will walk you through a step-by-step guide on making a vision board.
19. Re-Style Your Home
Refreshing the decor of your home is a fulfilling and creative way to promote a sense of comfort and personal expression.
Whether rearranging furniture, adding decorative accents, or repurposing existing items, re-styling your home allows you to create a space that reflects your unique style and nurtures a sense of sanctuary and belonging.
We have been absolutely adoring these simple additions to contribute to this cool hobby-
The CozeCub soft throw along with the All Shapes of Beauty throw, the must-have addition to any couch.
Gold arched mirror above any fireplace or home entry
Image by Lesya Rud
20. Scrapbooking
Let out your creative side by preserving memories and capturing moments through scrapbooking, so nostalgic.
By arranging photos, mementos, and embellishments in a personalized album, individuals can celebrate cherished memories, express their creativity, and relive special moments, contributing a sense of gratitude and connection.
For us, it’s the aesthetic stickers we appreciate the most.
21. Candle Making
Candle-making provides a sensory and calming pastime where one can enjoy crafting exquisite, aromatic candles. Through exploration with various waxes, scents, and molds, individuals can fashion one-of-a-kind candles that elevate the atmosphere of their living space and foster feelings of peace and contentment.
This hobby often proves to be a cost-effective option as well.
Image by Kati Hoehl
22. Watercolor Painting
You don’t need to be the next Pablo Picasso to explore watercolor painting. Watercolor encourages self-expression and wonder with its gentle and fluid techniques, this implies that even if you're messy, the outcome will still be beautiful.
This type of painting allows individuals to experiment with color, texture, and composition, fostering a sense of playfulness and artistic fulfillment.
The Folk Art kit makes for an easy introduction to the joy of watercolor painting.
The Vigorfun Larger kit includes a variety of colors and a convenient tabletop easel, perfect for those looking to dive into their artistic journey.
23. Paint by Numbers
Indulging in the popular hobby known as painting can be an incredibly soothing activity, yet the daunting task of choosing what to paint can often deter us from starting altogether.
Enter paint-by-number kits - offering a simple solution to create a masterpiece without the need for artistic inspiration or any skill. With the artwork and color scheme pre-selected, this activity offers a blissfully mindless way to unwind and paint at your leisure a gorgeous masterpiece.
There is an ocean of options to start with, The Birth Month Flower Paint-by-Number Kit and Galison Snowy City are our two favorites guided more towards painting beginners and over-thinkers.
Image by Matthieu Jungfer
24. Make Mosaic Coasters
Mosaics have the potential to become intricate endeavors, but beginners don’t need to feel intimidated.
Mosaic art involves arranging small pieces of materials like glass, ceramic, or stone to form patterns, images, or abstract designs. These pieces are then secured in place with grout and sealant, ensuring the durability of the artwork.
As you immerse yourself in arranging your mosaic, you'll enter a tranquil state of creativity, resulting in a unique handmade piece of art for home decor or a gift to share.
Keep it simple yet stunning with the Mosaic Coaster Kit & Mosaic Tray kit.
25. Knitting and Crocheting
Delving into knitting and crocheting is the perfect match for a low-energy mood, especially for those who prefer to stay cozily on the couch.
With its repetitive motions and rhythmic patterns, knitting and crocheting is a fantastic practical skill to learn. They enable you to create an abundance of beautiful decor, scarves, or blankets all while relaxing at home with enhanced focus and new motivation.
You'll soon discover that beginning knitting and crocheting is remarkably straightforward. It requires only three items to start, and you probably already own one of them in your home; scissors, yarn, and either a crochet hook or knitting needles.
We love beginning with the Knit Thoughtful Stitch, Crochet Kit, and of course, Vogue’s Ultimate Knitting Book to make things quick and easy.
Image by mohadese marvi
26. Embroidery & Cross Stitch
Engaging in embroidery and cross stitch is a timeless and contemplative low-energy hobby that encourages creativity and craftsmanship. You have the ability to utilize a vast variety of materials, including pearls, quills, sequins, and beads.
By stitching intricate designs onto fabric, go ahead and express the artistic side while creating heirloom-quality pieces to cherish for years.
Low-energy hobbies in the kitchen
27. Gardening at Home
Hear us out - tending to a home garden is seen as such a relaxing way to nurture both the mind and soul. It might not be what you're expecting, but we're referring to the concept of indoor gardening.
What a bizarre concept being able to grow your salad from a highrise apartment, but talk about fucking cool. Imagine having the most convenient kitchen garden—one that handles all the hard work for you.
These Multi-Herb Grow lights are specifically crafted to promote rapid growth and superb flavor, effortlessly simulating the natural daylight cycle. Within four weeks, you'll be able to start harvesting and proudly embrace the title of farmer you've always dreamed of.
We also find the idea of growing your own lemons from the convenience of your kitchen to be truly remarkable.
Lastly, with up to 36 varieties of vegetables, fruits, greens, herbs, and flowers - all growing sustainably indoors from your kitchen with The Farmstand. A healthy transition to growing your own produce, a transformation achievable in under two weeks.
Let's just say the amount of pocket change spent on questionable produce guided a decision to make an environmental and health-conscious switch.
And we are never going back, chef’s kiss.
Image by Ellie Ellien
28. Cooking
Cooking is said to be one of the most creative, calming, and rewarding ways to nourish ourselves and others.
With a focus on flavor, technique, and experimentation, cooking allows individuals to show off their culinary creativity, savor new tastes and aromas, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for food and its cultural significance.
We've also discovered that cooking can significantly alleviate anxiety during stressful days. Somedays all you need is to blast your favorite music and embrace the kitchen after a long day to find your enjoyment.
If you do not have your hands on these yet, we highly recommend picking up -
Joshua Weissman’s An Unapologetic Cookbook for a little entertainment with your incredible meal &
Erin Clarke’s Well Plated for the healthier yet delicious side of the table.
29. Baking
The notion of baking a cake when feeling down may initially seem melancholic, but it's actually quite ingenious.
Whether whipping up decadent desserts or crafting artisanal bread, baking offers a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as individuals create homemade treats for a binge Netflix night-in or to share with your loved ones.
If you're new to this fun hobby, these baking essentials are a perfect way to start -
Taste of Home Ultimate Baking Cookbook & Mind Over Batter Cookbook because let’s be honest, reading recipes online can be challenging.
Image by Franzi Meyer
*Bonus
30. Learn About Your Astrology Birth Chart
While many are acquainted with their zodiac sign, are you familiar with your birth chart?
Exploring your astrology birth chart is a pretty fascinating and introspective hobby that offers insights into your personality, strengths, and potential life path.
By delving into the positions of the planets at the time of your birth, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their life's purpose, fostering self-awareness, personal growth, and a sense of cosmic connection.
So, if you want to learn how to read your birth chart, the Everygirl guides you to find out the basic elements of a chart and how to interpret them.
We leave you with this ...
Again for the people in the back - We can't take another unfulfilled evening of feeling like life is passing us by. So, it's time to pick a low-energy hobby to start restoring our energy. Overall, it's such a powerful way to nurture every aspect of our being—our health, body, mind, and hands.
As we've explored the plethora of options available, from soothing activities like meditation and journaling to creative pursuits like knitting and baking, it becomes evident that these cool hobbies offer far more than just relaxation. They provide an opportunity for self-discovery, creativity, and personal growth, all while offering a much-needed breather.
So, whether it's indulging in the routine of affirmations or losing yourself in the pages of a good book, embrace the transformative power of low-energy hobbies and savor the simple pleasures they bring back to our lives.
Thoughts? Comment below!
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