Struggling with boredom and the winter blues ❄️ during the cold, long nights? Stuck inside with nothing to do but scroll on social media? Try these relaxing activities and cozy hobbies to make your days a bit more magical and mindful!
Truthfully, I use to despise the winters here too in Vermont. It's dark by 4 pm and too cold for my favorite hobby of gardening. But my wife & I still have 26 years left on our mortgage so I decided to embrace this chilly season by learning some new hobbies to enjoy inside such as crocheting, baking sourdough, playing relaxing video games, and SO MANY MORE.
So make yourself a warm beverage, grab your favorite blanket, get comfy, and let's dive into 10 Cozy Hobbies for you to try this winter! ↓
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Cozy Hobby # 1: Crocheting or Knitting
I promise this is easier than you think and the possibilities are ENDLESS with what you can create! Last year I taught myself how to crochet 🧶 just through free YouTube videos and now I can't stop! Every night I cozy up on the couch with my warm cacao and basket of yarn to create cute little amigurumi creatures, scarves for Christmas gifts, ornaments for our tree, and even home decor.
Once you learn a few basic stitches you can craft just about anything! And luckily, if you make a mistake you just pull out the yarn and try again. But I have a few tips to make your first attempt a success and get you started on the right hook (see what I did there lol)
Don't start with a project! Just make a few swatches (literally squares) to get use to using the hook, holding the yarn, and practicing easy stitches such as chains and single crochets. This video is a GREAT demonstration of how to get started for absolute beginners!
Opt for a bigger hook and yarn to make seeing what you are doing easier. I'd recommend a bulky weight yarn (5 or 6) and a hook size 6-8mm to get started before using smaller yarns like a worsted or DK weight.
Once comfortable, start with a simple pattern of repeating stitches such as a scarf or pot holder. I found that I learn best by doing so instead of trying to learn all the stitches in the beginning, I'd master each as they came up in various projects I wanted to make. You can see all the patterns I have saved on this Pinterest board.
Cozy Hobby # 2: Reading (or listening on Audible)
Before you roll your eyes at me and click to the next blog, I use to HATE reading too. Every novel and book 📚 on our school reading list bored me to sleep. Truthfully though I just didn't find the right book yet! Since discovering personal development, spirituality, and psychology books I LOVE reading. (Check out my favorites here!) And I bet there's a genre out there waiting for you to become obsessed with it! So grab a library card to get all the free books and magazines that interest you to see what genre is your favorite.
OR download Audible and start listening to books! It adds a whole new level of depth and connection especially when the author reads their own words to you. And this way you can listen while you drive, shower, do chores, go for a walk, etc.
Pro Tip: if you pay for Spotify Premium you get most books on Audible for free!
Cozy Hobby #3: Relaxing Video Games
Who says video games 👾 are just for kids? There’s a whole world of cozy, feel-good games out there that are perfect for unwinding on a chilly winter evening. My absolute favorite is Wylde Flowers, a magical life-sim where you can tend to your farm, befriend villagers, get married (to other LGBTQ+ characters) and embrace your witchy side—talk about cozy!
If farming isn’t your thing, consider classics like Mario or Kirby games for fun, lighthearted adventures that are perfect for all ages. For a slower pace, try Cozy Grove or Spiritfarer or the dozens of other my friend Kennedy shares on her YouTube channel full of cozy game content and recommendations!
ps. I shared how to use video games and even books & movies to manifest in this blog and my own stories of using different media types to manifest my dream proposal & garden!
Cozy Hobby #4: Puzzles or Legos
There’s something deeply satisfying about finding the right puzzle piece 🧩 or snapping together Lego bricks to create something magical. Puzzling and building are perfect for winter weekends when you want to relax with a cozy cup of cocoa!
To make this hobby a bit easier, get a puzzle board like this one to keep everything organized (and off the dining table!). Or try a holiday-themed Advent Puzzle Calendar that organizes the pieces by days so you count down to the holidays. Prefer building over puzzling? Lego has sets for all ages, from whimsical Disney castles to delicate flowers. These creative challenges are a fun way to spend a snowy day indoors!
Cozy Hobby #5: Baking Sourdough Bread & Treats
Is there anything cozier than the smell of freshly baked bread 🥖 wafting through your home? If you haven’t tried baking sourdough yet, winter is the perfect time to start! Cultivating a sourdough starter is like having a little science project in your kitchen—it’s alive and needs your care. Plus, the reward? The crunchiest crust and softest bread you'll ever taste!
Start simple with a basic sourdough loaf, then branch out into sourdough pizza 🍕 dough, cinnamon rolls, or even pancakes. And if bread isn’t your thing, baking cookies 🍪, brownies, or cakes can be just as therapeutic. (Psst: Here's my go-to recipe for sourdough bread!)
Cozy Hobby #6: Barre & Yoga Classes (Online)
Winter might make us want to hibernate, but moving your body can do wonders for your mood by releasing serotonin and dopamine. I love ending my work day with a gentle yoga flow 🧘♀️ or a quick barre class. Both workouts are low-impact yet effective, and they leave you feeling strong and grounded.
You don’t even have to leave your house to get a good workout! There are tons of amazing online barre and yoga classes, and most only require a mat and a small space. My favorite platform that I have been using for 7 years now offers everything from calming yoga to energizing cardio barre—you can check it out here. Bonus: lighting a candle and playing classical music makes it feel like you are Barbie in the nutcracker! 🩰
Cozy Hobby #7: Candle Making
Speaking of candles 🕯, why not try making your own? This one has been on my list to try because candle making looks like a soothing hobby to get into and are so useful around to the house or even as gifts! It could be so fun to create custom scents and experiment with different waxes and molds.
If you’re just starting out, grab a candle-making kit that includes everything you need. It’s surprisingly easy, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of lighting a candle you made yourself. Plus, your home will smell amazing!
Cozy Hobby #8: Bird Watching
Winter is a fantastic time to try bird 🦆 watching from the comfort of your own home. Set up a bird feeder outside a window, make a warm drink, and cozy up with a good pair of binoculars. Watching these feathered friends flit about is both relaxing and surprisingly entertaining. Studies even show it can improve our mood for hours afterwards!
Want to take it up a notch? Use a trail cam to capture wildlife footage overnight or invest in some bird identification pamphlets to learn more about and track your visitors. It’s a wonderful way to feel connected to nature, even in the depths of winter.
Cozy Hobby #9: Indoor Gardening
Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean you can’t grow something green indoors! Indoor gardening is a great way to bring life and color into your home during winter. Start with easy-to-care-for plants like pothos or snake plants, or try growing herbs like basil and mint on your windowsill.
If you struggle with natural light, consider investing in light-up pots or grow lights to keep your plants happy and healthy all season long. It always puts a smile on my face to be able to use fresh herbs in my meals even when there's a foot of snow outside!
ps. You can see more things I grow inside like mushrooms 🍄 and sprouts 🌱 in this Youtube Video!
Cozy Hobby #10: Coloring or Painting
Tap into your inner artist with some coloring 🖍 or painting 🎨! Adult coloring books are a fantastic way to de-stress and there are so many beautiful designs to choose from. Grab some colored pencils or markers, and let your creativity flow. Check out some of my favorites here!
Feeling more adventurous? Try your hand at painting! Watercolors are beginner-friendly and create stunning results with minimal effort. There are even books to teach you how to get started as a complete beginner! For a truly cozy experience, set up your supplies by a window with a view of the snowy outdoors, put on some calming music, and let the creativity flow.
Which cozy hobby are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see them! As for me, there's a crochet project and a cuddly pup waiting for me!
Stay warm and creative this winter 💛
magically,
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