"After a long day that’s left me mentally exhausted, it’s hard to muster up the motivation to do anything other than brainlessly scroll through social media—and I know I’m not alone! When I’m feeling low-energy, I typically opt to avoid any activity that isn’t exclusive to moving my thumb. However, I also feel like garbage every time I waste an evening scrolling TikTok’s endless girl lunch ideas and ACOTAR fan casts. This year, I’m making a point to break this problematic cycle, so I did us all a solid in finding some alternative low-energy hobbies to try.
Before you run for the hills (or rather, your couch) thinking these suggestions will require you to exert energy that you just don’t have, let me reassure you: These hobbies are for lazy girls in their most vegged-out states. You won’t find hiking, baking, or learning a language on this list, but you will discover some unique, low-energy hobbies that just might convince you to set aside socials for the evening.
1. Try junk journaling
Sometimes, it feels really good to make things with your own two hands. And if you want to get some creativity out of your system, junk journaling is a fantastic, low-energy hobby to try. Although everyone’s junk journal looks different, the idea is to fill the pages with found or recycled materials that would otherwise be “junk.” This might include old magazines, ticket stubs, receipts, fabric or wrapping paper scraps, and other miscellaneous items. It’s all about making something out of items you already have on hand.
Where to start: All you need for this one is a journal and a few supplies like tape and scissors. After that, everything else is totally up to you. Decorate the pages using pens, markers, stickers, recycled paper, or just about anything! You can use this as an everyday journal or as a way to preserve memories from special events.
2. Paint by number
Painting can be a super relaxing pastime, but deciding what to paint is sometimes so overwhelming that you decide to forgo the activity altogether. Thankfully, paint-by-number kits make it easy to create a work of art with little creativity or artistic skill needed. With the artwork and color scheme already chosen for you, the activity is mindless in the best way. Grab a heated blanket and a steaming beverage of your choice, then settle in at a table to paint away.
Where to start: A quick Google search for “adult paint-by-number kits” will bring up a plethora of options to choose from, whether you prefer to paint a nature scene, a floral design, or a travel-inspired theme. Your local craft stores may also carry adult paint-by-numbers, should you prefer to browse in person.
3. Design digital collages
Everyone loves a good mood board, so why not turn collaging into a hobby? With inspiration everywhere, the possibilities are endless for this one. You can craft collages using specific themes or colors or even create digital vision boards that represent your goals and wishes for the future. And if you want to bring your creations to life, get your collage printed so you can hang it somewhere in your home.
Where to start: The best part about this hobby is that all it requires is a computer or phone. To get started, look into different collage applications and find one you like (I am partial to Canva and Picsart, but you can also create collages directly within the Pinterest app). Then, just gather your photos from social media, free image sites, or elsewhere on the internet and put everything together.
4. Take up crocheting
In addition to being a perfect match for your low-energy mood, crocheting is a fantastic practical skill to learn. While you’ll likely want to start with a basic project like a scarf or potholder, you could eventually work your way up to crocheting socks, hats, mittens, and even handbags and cardigans. Once you’re accustomed to the stitching patterns, the process becomes second nature—which is ideal for days in which your brain power and motivation have been depleted.
Where to start: Crocheting is one of the easiest hobbies to begin because you only need three items, and you likely already have one of them at home. Head to your local craft store to grab a crochet hook, yarn, and scissors. Or, if you’re more of an all-in-one girly, shop online for a crochet kit. Once you have your supplies, you can teach yourself to crochet by following written and/or video tutorials. Start with something small and simple, then work up to larger, more intricate projects over time.
5. Complete crossword puzzles
For a low-energy hobby that still requires some brain power, try completing crossword puzzles! You can pick one up to work on whenever you feel like it, and it’s a fun way to give your mind a little workout. There are also so many different themes and difficulty levels to choose from, meaning you can challenge yourself as much as you want!
Where to start: Depending on whether you’d rather write out your answers with your own hand or just type them in, you can either pick up a physical crossword book or find some online puzzles. Look for physical books at bookstores or on Amazon or do a quick Google search to pull up online options, including those from media companies like The New York Times.
6. Watch and review movies
If you’re a movie lover like myself, you might already be doing this (hello, fellow Letterboxd users). Watching and reviewing movies is a great way to dive deeper into the world of film and to better appreciate the movies that you’re watching. Instead of passively watching, you’ll start to think more critically about how all the elements of the movie work together. Your reviews will also serve as a fun way to look back at what you’ve watched and compare different films to each other.
Where to start: First, you just need to decide if you will write your reviews digitally or by hand in a journal. If you choose the digital route, you can either use your notes app or an app made specifically for movie reviewing (again, I love using Letterboxd for this). After that, just pop your popcorn and get to watching! As you get more into it, expand your repertoire by watching movies across different genres to experience different storytelling techniques and tropes.
7. Play some cozy video games
When I think of video games, my mind immediately goes to the gory fighting or sports games my brother used to play growing up. And those might be fun to you as well! But what I recommend is to dive into the world of cozy games. There are tons of low-stress games out there with a variety of themes—from adventure to makeovers to cooking—so you can easily find one that’s directly aligned with your own interests.
Where to start: Do some research into what games you think you’d like. From there, you can decide what type of gaming system you’ll need. Of course, you can easily find games to download directly on your phone, but for a little more excitement, try other systems like a Nintendo Switch, or even just a tablet, for a bigger screen experience. And if you’re really dedicated to making this your hobby, you can even save up to splurge on a gaming console, such as an Xbox or a PC for even more gaming options.
8. Put together a puzzle
Puzzles are one of the very best things to do when you don’t want to put much energy into an activity but are trying to resist the lure of mindless scrolling. There’s such a wide variety of puzzles to choose from as well, which ensures you won’t fall prey to boredom. Another great thing about puzzles? They’re incredibly accessible as you can find them at drugstores and grocers, retailers like Target and Barnes & Noble, and online.
Where to start: Visit a local store to peruse their puzzle selection, or search around online until you find a few that you like. As soon as you get home or your order arrives on your doorstep, you’ll be ready to sit back with a bevvy and blanket, play some calming music or a podcast, and go to town to put those pieces together.
9. Craft homemade cards
The practice of giving cards has become increasingly rare in the digital age, but it’s always lovely to receive one. Giving hand-signed cards is one of the most thoughtful ways you can let someone know you’re thinking of them, and giving a handmade card is even more touching. Similar to scrapbooking, there are many techniques you can use to create a unique piece of art that the recipient will treasure forever.
Where to start: Like so many hobbies these days, you can opt for a choose-your-own-adventure route or more of a guided journey when it comes to cardmaking. To chart your own course, take a trip to a craft store and peruse the scrapbooking section for quality paper, stamps, paint, ribbon, and any other elements you might want to incorporate. Your selection will determine what tools you’ll need, but it can be as simple as scissors, tape, and glue. If you want more guidance while dipping your toes in the hobby, look for a cardmaking kit that includes all the supplies you’ll need.
10. Try your hand at calligraphy
You know what would be a fabulous addition to your homemade cards? Calligraphy. The beautifully drawn lettering instantly elevates the look of any writing, and there are many different styles you can learn depending on the aesthetic you’re going for. If you’re wary of calligraphy because you have “bad” handwriting, don’t worry! Like drawing and other art forms, calligraphy just takes practice.
Where to start: Established calligraphers will tell you not to worry about buying a bunch of fancy writing utensils from the jump. Rather, they suggest starting with a regular pen or pencil and following a calligraphy workbook. Some calligraphy kits come with writing utensils, but if you already have pens you can use, start with just a workbook.
Alyssa Davis, Contributing Home Writer
Alyssa Davis is a freelance writer specializing in home, lifestyle, beauty, and entertainment content. She studied English at Indiana University and has since produced articles for publications including SheKnows, Architectural Digest, and Well+Good, to name a few.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.