It’s one of the most daunting questions of all time. You’ve met a new person, you’re getting along, and then they pose it to you: “What do you like to do in your free time?” And that’s when it dawns on you – a lot of your spare time is actually just spent binging reruns on Netflix and doom-scrolling on TikTok. And while we love a scroll as much as the next person, it’s not actually the best use of our time, nor the activity that will make us feel our best. And so, if like us, you’re in search of a new hobby to inject some fun and variety into your life we have 40 new hobby suggestions.
Hobbies aren’t just something to pass the time and to show off about in conversations, no they can actually be extremely beneficial for your mental health. Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor told Cosmopolitan UK, she often discusses with patients the importance of including a hobby as part of a balanced lifestyle.
“Engaging in hobbies can provide structure, routine, and a sense of purpose, which are particularly valuable for those experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood,” she explains. “Even seemingly small, creative pursuits can foster a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction, which is crucial in maintaining self-esteem and overall mental resilience.”
Everyone’s clicking on…
So ready to discover your new favourite hobby? Here’s 40 of our favourites.
40 best hobbies for adults
1. Pizza making
Oh, how I adore this activity! Head to your local supermarket to buy all the ingredients, make the dough, and slap your favourite toppings on to create your ideal pizza. Once you start getting the hang of it, you can start investing in some tools, like a pizza oven you can attach to your grill, or a pizza stone that keeps the crust perfectly crispy every time.
2. Calligraphy
Whether you’re looking to up your stationery game or elevate your note-taking, learning calligraphy will undoubtedly add a lot to your life. Getting the skill down is totally free (there are tons of great resources online) but, beware, the pens may make your credit card a little sad.
3. Gaming
From Animal Crossing to Myst, there’s absolutely something for you in the gaming world. Just be sure to do it right and splurge on a gorgeous gaming setup!
4. Gardening
Okay, this one may sound overwhelming, but you can ease into it! Whether you want to start with some small indoor house plants that are on the low-maintenance side or you have the space to get down and dirty, gardening is a great way to keep yourself busy (and your space really cute).
5. Throwing themed dinner parties
This is a great way to be chic and debrief with your loved ones. As far as theme ideas go, might we suggest 1997 Romeo and Juliet, Studio 54, or La Dolce Vita? Just some starter thoughts!
6. Learning to cook
Don’t feel bad, Kendall Jenner is still navigating the kitchen, too! If you’re looking for ways to make the learning process super fun, I suggest picking a workbook to cook through from top to bottom, or choosing something random to try from your TikTok saves.
7. Nature photography
Seeing life through a lens can make you appreciate it even more, and that’s exactly why I love getting outside and photographing nature. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a DSLR— I’m all about that iPhone camera life!
8. Self-defence
It’s a wild, wild world out there, and knowing how to take someone out at the knees isn’t a bad skill to have in your back pocket. There are several self-defence classes you can take online for free (our favourite is this one from the SEPS Women’s Self-Defence Program) or you can do a quick Google search to see if there are any classes offered near you.
9. Make your own milk alternative
Is this a weird suggestion? Yes. But I promise this hobby will make you an extra unique dinner party guest. Instead of buying your almond and oat milk from the grocery store (which I know is enticingly easy), try making it yourself. Just look up some recipes online, grab your nut milk bag, and get started. Your lattes will thank you! And if you want to be even more adorable, you can start bottling it and gifting it to friends.
10. Puzzling
If you’ve ever placed that final piece into a puzzle, you know that’s a feeling worth repeating regularly. Plus, if you really love one once you’re done, you can frame it for a rustic artwork moment.
11. Learn to read tarot cards
If you’re a big believer in tarot predictions, it could be very worthwhile to delve into the specifics and learn to do it yourself. Lucky for you, we have a comprehensive guide on how to read tarot cards.
12. Pickling
Did you know that you can pickle pretty much any fruit or vegetable? If you pick up a handy fermentation kit—or get some Mason jars, vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to go completely DIY—you can easily transform your produce into the perfect snack or garnish.
13. Candle making
Candles can be expensive as hell. But not if you make them yourself! DIYing them also means you can make your home smell exactly how you want it to, which is kind of amazing.
14. Cake decorating
You reserve the right to make your art and eat it too! Get creative with fondant, icing, candy, sprinkles, and whatever else your hungry heart can dream of, then get decorating! There are plenty of YouTube channels that will teach you the basics (one of our faves is Cake Cake), or you can simply have at it and learn as you go. If you end up finding that you have a knack for it, I’ve got good news: a well-decorated cake can go for £££. Hello, side hustle!
15. Poetry
Hello Tumblr kid, we know you’re in there! Let your thoughts flow and speak your truth through poetry. Whether you choose to rhyme or prefer spitting pure prose, the more you write, the better you’ll get—and the better you’ll feel. Promise!
16. Scrapbooking
Good memories deserve documentation! And scrapbooking is the cutest way to do it. You can design pages with photos, ticket stubs, stickers, playbills, and more. Not only will they be great to look back at when you’re feeling blue, but they’ll also prove to your hypothetical future kids how hot their parent was back in the day.
17. Crocheting
From crop tops to cardigans to blankets and bags, the world is your oyster when you learn to crochet. After you grab your needles and your favourite colours of yarn, you can find tons of (free) easy-to-follow patterns on Love Crafts to get you started.
18. Painting
Painting is not only amazingly therapeutic but a cost-effective way to spruce up your space with a personal touch. If you want to skip the experimental phase and follow the greats, you can watch some Bob Ross reruns on Hulu or browse the plethora of how-tos on YouTube.
19. Punch needling
Adorable, handmade rugs are the perfect home decor addition, and I believe in your ability to make some yourself! You can find all the tools you’ll need in a beginner kit and, after a few attempts, I’m sure you’ll be pumping out rugs in no time.
20. Making playlists
Whether you organise them based on mood, activity, or even location, making playlists can be an awesome, low-stress hobby. Hell, even Obama does it yearly.
21. Songwriting
I mean, Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo write record-breaking hits in their downtime, so who’s to say you can’t become the world’s biggest pop star, too? Just whip out a notebook (and resurface any and all heartbreak) and see what comes of it. Who knows? You could surprise yourself.
22. Learning a new language
If the only thing you can say in another language is “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi,” it’s about time to make some changes, friend. Download a language learning app like Duolingo or Babbel on your phone, take on a tried-and-true Rosetta Stone course, or sign up for an immersive class somewhere near you. Whichever you choose, you’ll be better for it.
23. Wine tasting
At the risk of sounding like a greeting card, we will take any excuse to drink wine, especially if it’s under the guise of learning. Sip enough vino—and accompany it with a wine-appreciation course or book—and soon you’ll actually be reading the wine list at a restaurant instead of simply looking for the cheapest bottle.
24. Meditation
Find your inner peace (yes, it’s in there somewhere) by learning how to meditate. If you have a Netflix subscription or your ex still hasn’t logged you out of their account, we recommend taking the Headspace Guide to Meditation course available for free on the platform, which is perfect for beginners.
25. Pilates
If you’re looking for a more active hobby, here you go! All of our favourite celebs have made it clear that Pilates is the workout-du-jour, so definitely try it out if you’re looking to do something other than running on the treadmill. Check out Move With Nicole on YouTube for some free at-home routines.
26. Mixology
Start by learning the classics, like a perfect cosmopolitan (😉) or an old-fashioned. Then, go off and explore with whatever’s in your pantry. Check out our favourite cocktail recipes, too.
27. Manicuring
Okay, this is a skill that could save you some money. We’re definitely having a nail art renaissance, and learning to do it yourself would be HUGE. If you can get your left hand done without it looking like your right hand’s awkward sister, I’ll be thoroughly impressed.
28. Starting a book club
Reading is fun, kids! But reading with friends is even more fun. Pick a hot new read for you and your friends to check out each month and discuss over wine and cheese. Whether you guys choose a steamy romance or a gripping celeb memoir, it’ll be a quality way to spend your time.
29. Learning a new instrument
Have you ever been at a party, seen someone go ham on a guitar or keyboard, and gained ten times more respect for them? Well, that someone could be you! Besides the public praise that your new musical talent will earn you, it’ll also be so satisfying to master your first track. Secure your instrument of choice, and then check out one of the countless free tutorials online!
30. Joining a sports league
You’d be truly shocked at the amount of organised sports networks that likely exist in your area. Peruse through Facebook and/or Yelp for groups that are looking for new players to join their bowling, football, netball, or even padel league.
31. Taking nature walks
Is there any practice greater than spending a few quiet moments in the great outdoors? Explore your local woodland trails, or just pop your headphones in and wander around your local park. It’s a great way to reset and clear your mind (plus it’s a super healthy habit).
32. Becoming a movie buff
This doesn’t even require a fancy film degree. Just make an account on the movie review app Letterboxd, then try to start regularly watching all of the classic old movies that you’ve never gotten around to. Afterwards, you can post your official review on the app and check out what others thought about the movie too. Motion pictures baby! They’re a hoot.
33. Launching a special-interest IG account
The weirder it is, the better! (Might I remind you of Lorde’s old finsta dedicated to ranking onion rings around the world?) We’re all knowledgeable about a super niche topic whether we like it or not—share your expertise on the World Wide Web for your dear friends to follow along!
34. Soap making
The prairie girl lifestyle is so therapeutic. After you spend one afternoon mixing coconut oil and lye together to make your homemade soap, you’ll surely agree.
35. Joining a run club
Before you start throwing tomatoes, this experience can actually be fun, even if you’re no Sir Mo Farah. You can always find people within larger running groups that are down to match your pace, and it’s a great way to make new friends. Win-win! Just make sure to have some comfy running shoes handy.
36. Thrifting
Turns out that sifting through people’s old stuff can be quite the adventure! Start visiting your nearby secondhand stores for bargain clothing and home decor finds. It’ll be so exciting to tell people how little you copped them for.
37. Podcasting
Okay yes, I know, it feels like we’re experiencing a bit of a podcast overflow right now, but that shouldn’t stop you! You wouldn’t hurt anyone by investing in some equipment and yapping about a topic that matters to you. Who knows, you could even be the next Alex Cooper.
38. Needlepoint
“Grandma hobbies” are all the rage right now, and nothing says I’m wise beyond my years like a good ol’ needlepoint. This is something you can do while watching a show or listening to a podcast, and it’s an easy and cheap way to offer gifts to your loved ones. Win, win!
39. Make cold-pressed juice at home
Similar to making your own milk alternative, making your own juice will have you sounding so interesting, health-forward, and chic. Making cold-pressed within the comfort of your home can get expensive since you need a good juicer, but so does buying bottles from Whole Foods every week! You can find some many fun recipes and you’ll feel so accomplished afterwards.
40. Foraging
Do you like exploring the forests for nuts and berries? Well, if the idea of that even sounds appealing then foraging might be for you. Hit a local trail or woods or even a park and get down and dirty searching for the natural wonders of the land, aka fruits, fungi, and more! Be sure to do some research before you start this hobby, since there are lots of foods in the wild that you should avoid. Alexis Nikole, more famously known as @blackforager on Instagram, is a great person to follow to get started on your foraging journey!
Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
Christen A. Johnson is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers health and wellness, home, money, career, pets, food, travel and more for print and digital. She also dabbles in culture writing, and wrote Cosmo’s first-ever digital cover story. Before joining the magazine, Christen was a lifestyle features reporter at the Chicago Tribune. Several of her health and style stories made the paper’s front page. When Christen isn’t digging through antique stores, she’s likely drooling over home renos on HGTV, sharing her latest therapy revelation, redoing old workouts from her college basketball days, or trying to perfect her homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe. Follow her on Insta for BTS ~ editor life ~ tingz!
Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from , to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating , covering exciting new releases and sharing the latest must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of . After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into journalism, writing for the , before working as Features Editor at , where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on .