Having trouble finding an enjoyable hobby? Let’s fix that!

I’ll admit it—I might just be the queen of inconsistency when it comes to hobbies. One minute I’m baking sourdough like a pro (we’ll pretend like that’s true); the next, I’m elbow-deep in a thrilling novel. My attention seems to shift with the seasons, but lately, I’ve been trying to reorganize my interests to fit my daily needs rather than bouncing from one thing to another.

If you’re also looking to explore some hobbies (or just need inspiration to try something new), here are a few that I personally enjoy or take an interest in myself. Who knows? You might even discover something that goes beyond a hobby and turns into a passion—or even a career!

1. Sourdough Obsession

Let’s start with my current favorite: sourdough baking. A little over a year ago, I decided to try my hand at creating my own starter—and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. Sourdough is more than just bread; it’s a gateway into the wonderful (and sometimes challenging) world of baking.

The first step is mastering a sourdough starter, a living culture of wild yeast and bacteria. Sounds fancy, right? It’s also a bit of a commitment. So far I’ve had two starters meet their untimely demise, but each one taught me something valuable along the way. It can certainly be intimidating starting from scratch right from the get-go, but this piece sounds too overwhelming, you can always purchase a dehydrated starter to give yourself a head start.

I promise, once you get into the rhythm, sourdough baking becomes addictive. There’s nothing quite like slicing into a loaf you made with your own two hands—and sharing it with others. Plus, it tastes amazing and is gut healthy! Matter of fact, I’ve already had people ask to buy my bread! For now, I’m shortchanging myself on profits, but as my skills improve, I’m considering taking this hobby to the next level. Maybe one day, I’ll turn this hobby into a small business. Who knows? You might be able to do the same!

2. Cuddling up with a good book

When I’m not baking, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book (that is if I’m not in a reading slump). Thrillers and horror are my go-to genres, but of course, there’s something out there for everyone to appease their reading apatite. My favorite times to read are either early mornings with a warm blanket and hot coffee in hand or late evenings under the covers with my book light.

Reading is also a great way to unwind—and an excellent excuse to put down your phone (TikTok addicts, I’m looking at you… and myself). I’ve noticed I sleep much better when I read before bed instead of, well, scrolling endlessly for an amount of time I won’t admit to. If you’re not a big reader, consider starting with an audiobook. All it takes is one captivating story to get hooked.

And hey, if you love reading enough, you could even try writing your own book. Every bestselling author had to start somewhere!

3. Cooking with love

Cooking is another hobby that brings me joy—when I’m in the mood for it, of course. Put on some good music, and suddenly, even chopping onions can be enjoyable. I won’t claim to be a master chef, but between my wife and me, we can whip up some pretty tasty meals.

The best part? Cooking allows you to experiment and get creative with your food. The worst part? Dishes. Thankfully, that’s what dishwashers are for. Right?

If you’re passionate about cooking, why not take it a step further? Maybe you could start a food blog, host dinner parties, or even dream up your own recipes to share with the world. You never know—it might just lead to something deliciously life-changing.

4. Writing it all down

Whether it’s blogging, journaling, or storytelling, writing is one of my favorite outlets. It gives me a way to process my thoughts, express myself, and dive into creative projects. Maintaining a blog isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to create something that’s all your own.

If you have a knack for words, why not explore the possibility of turning your writing into a side hustle—or even a full-time gig? From freelance writing to self-publishing, the options are endless.

5. creative arts

Drawing, painting, or even just coloring can be a fantastic way to unwind and channel your emotions into something beautiful. I may not be the next Picasso, but I love creating art that reflects my feelings and sparks joy.

And if art is your true passion? You might just find yourself selling your work, starting an Etsy shop, or even designing for a living. The world of art is full of opportunities waiting to be explored.

6. Gardening goals

I’ll be honest—plants and I don’t always get along. But I love the idea of gardening! Growing your own vegetables or flowers is such a rewarding hobby, and it’s a great excuse to spend time outdoors.

For now, I’m sticking to my adorable lemon cypress tree (aka “grump tree”), a gift from my wife. Fingers crossed I can keep it alive! (RIP to my thyme, basil, and cilantro plants.)

If you have a natural green thumb, gardening could go beyond just being a peaceful pastime. You could start a landscaping business, sell fresh produce, or even teach others how to grow their own gardens. (Please teach me…)

7. exercise & movement

From yoga to cycling, exercise is a great way to blow off steam and stay healthy. I personally love yoga—it helps me relax and reset after a long day or even kick start my day if I can get myself to squeeze in a morning session. Whether you’re into lifting weights, trying a new sport, or just going for a walk, there’s something out there for everyone.

And hey, if fitness becomes your true passion, there’s a whole industry out there for professional athletes, personal trainers, yoga instructors, and even wellness coaches.

8. Gaming adventures

Gaming is another hobby that’s always fun to dive into. Whether it’s video games (horror is my personal favorite), mentally stimulating games, or classic board games, there’s something satisfying about getting lost in a good game. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others—or enjoy some quality solo time.

If you’re really passionate about gaming, who says it has to stop there? From streaming to game design, gaming could lead to a career where you literally get paid to play. (P.S. Why did I not pursue this when I had the chance?)

9. Learning an instrument

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing guitar, piano, or any other instrument, why not give it a try? I’ve dabbled with a couple myself, but haven’t quite mastered anything yet. (Unless singing in the shower counts—I mean, a voice is an instrument, right?) Still, there’s something magical about making music, even if you’re just starting out.

And if music truly strikes a chord with you, there’s no telling where it could take you. Maybe you’ll end up recording your own songs, teaching others to play, or even performing on stage. (Save me a ticket!)

what’s your next hobby?

Hobbies can be so much more than just ways to pass the time—they can spark creativity, ignite new passions, and even open doors to exciting career opportunities. All it takes is giving something new a shot, or revisiting something you once enjoyed. There’s no shortage of hobbies and activities out there. Don’t stop here—keep exploring and find something that truly piques your interest. Take a chance on yourself and watch the passion unfold!

What hobbies do you love—or want to try next? Let me know in the comments!