Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that even rest feels like one more thing on your to-do list? You’re not alone, cozy friend. Life gets heavy sometimes, and it can be so hard to prioritize self-love and self-care. But this is the best time to reach for those slower moments that bring us a little bit of peace. It’s time to reach for cozy hobbies.
I find that cozy hobbies can help a great deal with this. And before you think “oh no, not another thing to do!” let me ask you to take a breath with me.
Cozy hobbies are not about productivity. They’re not about perfection or some huge commitment. No friend, this is about bringing things back down to the basics. Think of the things you used to love to do as a child. Things that brought you inner peace and joy. That’s what I’m talking about.
In this post, I’m sharing 15 cozy hobby ideas you can try even when your energy is low — whether you have a few minutes or a slow weekend to yourself. These are simple, calming ways to bring joy back into your everyday.
So take a deep breath. You don’t have to do it all. Just pick one cozy thing — and let that be enough.
What Makes a Hobby “Cozy”?
Okay, so if you’re new to this whole cozy hobby thing, you might be wondering “what is this all about? I don’t really want to add a new project to my to do list.”
Don’t worry, I hear you. Like I said, we’re prioritizing joy and dashing away a little bit of that overwhelm. Adding a new project to your list simply doesn’t do that! That’s the wonderful thing about cozy hobbies though. They encourage you to slow down and dive into comfort. There’s no deadline, no outcome required.
Isn’t that wonderful?
The only “goal” with cozy hobbies is to give yourself a little bit of self-care. Help yourself begin to feel like you again with the craziness of the world we live in. They help us find gentle moments to enjoy.
And if you’re unsure where to start? That’s okay too! This blog post will probably give you a lot of new ideas to try. But I also have a Cozy Hobby Kickstarter for you. It will help you pick a hobby and ease into it in the gentlest, most you, way possible. You can grab it below, and it’ll be waiting for you in your inbox the moment you finish reading this post.
15 Cozy Hobbies to Try When You’re Overwhelmed
So, now that you know what cozy hobbies can do for you, let’s dive in to the actual list! Not all hobbies require energy or structure; some are simply soft ways to help you come back to yourself without all the pressure. Here are 15 cozy hobbies to try when you’re feeling overstimulated, burned out, or just need a little joy in your day. (And remember! It’s okay to do these for as little time as you can manage. There’s no ticking timeclock.)
🌿 Calm & Grounding
- Journaling – You don’t need a five-step routine or perfect handwriting — just a quiet moment to write what’s on your mind. Try a brain dump, a gratitude list, or even just a few words to describe your day. You can even just doodle if that’s what you enjoy.
- Reading (especially re-reads or comfort fiction) – There’s something deeply comforting about returning to a familiar story. Grab a favorite book you’ve already read, or choose something soft and slow — think cozy mysteries, slice-of-life novels, or gentle fantasy. (The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is one of my favorites.)
- Puzzles – Whether it’s a physical jigsaw puzzle or a simple puzzle game app, this hobby calms the mind by giving it just enough to focus on — no pressure, no deadline.
- Slow walks with music or silence – No step goals. No podcasts. Just a quiet walk with nature or your own thoughts. You can even bring a warm drink and wander your neighborhood like it’s a tiny adventure.
🎨 Creative but Low-Pressure
- Watercolor painting – Watercolors are forgiving, flowy, and a great way to express emotion without words. There’s no wrong way to make a wash of color feel good. (I highly recommend this kit for beginners!)
- Embroidery – Repetitive and meditative, stitching lets you keep your hands busy while your mind gently unwinds. Bonus: it’s easy to put down and pick back up again.
- DIY collaging – Cut up magazines, print out photos, or gather scraps and stickers. You’re not trying to make art — you’re collecting cozy feelings in paper form. (This one can actually go really well with journaling!)
- Hand lettering – Practicing pretty letters or writing gentle affirmations can feel oddly soothing. You don’t need fancy supplies — just a pen and paper and a few minutes of play.
☕ Nostalgic & Soothing
- Playing cozy video games – Games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, or Unpacking are calm, non-competitive, and full of soft colors and satisfying routines. They’re a great way to disconnect and unwind. (My current favorite is Disney Dreamlight Valley!)
- Watching a favorite childhood show – Turn on an old cartoon or sitcom that used to make you feel safe. Let your inner child know they’re still allowed to feel comforted.
- Scrapbooking memories – Create a little book of photo prints, ticket stubs, or notes to your future self. This isn’t about making a Pinterest-perfect album — just saving soft moments. It doesn’t even have to be anything life-changing. It can just be little, lovely moments from your day.
- Listening to an old favorite album while doing “nothing” – Close your eyes, lie down, and play an album you used to love. Let the music hold you for a while.
🪴 Sensory & Tactile
- Baking something simple – Make a loaf of banana bread, a single cookie, or your favorite childhood treat. Let the process — measuring, mixing, smelling — be the whole point. (I highly recommend this mug cake!)
- Repotting a plant or indoor gardening – Water your houseplants. Repot one with love. Wipe their leaves. You’re tending to something alive — including yourself.
- Making a cup of tea or coffee slowly, as a ritual – Turn your drink into a ritual. Heat the water with intention. Pick your mug. Sip slowly. A tiny act of mindfulness can change your whole afternoon.
Want to explore more cozy hobbies? Check out my Cozy Hobby of the Month series.
How to Start a Cozy Hobby When You’re Already Drained
Of course, even cozy hobbies can feel like a lot when you’re already running on empty. So if you’re thinking, “These sound lovely, but where do I even begin?”, just know this is common. But it’s not at all impossible to overcome.
Here’s some things you can try to ease into cozy hobbies when your energy is low and your plate feels full.
You Deserve a Soft Place to Land
Cozy hobbies aren’t about doing more — they’re about doing differently. They’re here to remind you that even in a world that asks so much, you are allowed to choose softness. You’re allowed to pause. You’re allowed to create just for the joy of it.
So if any of these hobbies caught your eye, try one. Just one. Let it be light. Let it be yours.
And if you want to keep exploring cozy hobbies with me, I’d love to have you along for the journey. I’ll be back next week with more ideas to help you slow down and reconnect.
What’s one cozy hobby you’ve tried — or want to try? Let me know in the comments! I’d truly love to hear.
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