10 Cozy Hobbies to Beat Boredom & Winter Blues ❄️
- Tara Simone
- Dec 2, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
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! ↓
disclaimer: this blog contains affiliate posts meaning I receive a small commission if you click and purchase from the links at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting my small business in this way!
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.
Cozy Hobby #11: Watercolor Painting
Watercolor painting 🎨 is one of the most forgiving and soothing creative hobbies you can try. It has also become one of my favorites this past year! The beauty of watercolors is that they don’t have to be perfect or even realistic. The soft edges, blended colors, and happy little accidents are part of the charm. It feels less like “making art” and more like letting your hands move while your mind unwinds.
All you really need to start is a basic watercolor palette, a few brushes, and some paper. There are so many beginner-friendly tutorials online as well as books that guide you through simple florals, landscapes, or abstract washes. Light a candle, put on a cozy playlist, and let the paint flow!
Cozy Hobby #12: Flower Pressing
If you love nature, but miss gardening in the winter like I do, flower pressing 🌸 is a beautiful way to stay connected to the outdoors. You can press flowers from past seasons, grocery store bouquets, or even winter greenery like ferns and leaves. It’s slow, intentional, and deeply calming while also teaching you patience. Flowers take a while to dry so the process of pressing them isn't exactly the fun part, it's what you do with them after!
Once pressed, you can use your flowers to decorate journals, frame botanical art, make bookmarks, add a personal touch to handmade cards, or embellish your scrapbook. I've also seen people decoupage vases, candles, and even light switches to add some whimsy around the house with pressed flowers!
Cozy Hobby #13: Scrapbooking or Junk Journaling
Scrapbooking ✂️ is where nostalgia meets creativity, and winter is the perfect time to revisit memories you’ve been meaning to finally organize. (I say while side eyeing the +10k photos on my phone). Whether you’re documenting travels, everyday moments, or a specific season of life, scrapbooking turns photos and mementos into something tangible, meaningful, and beautiful!
You can go all out with stickers, washi tape, and embellishments (maybe those pressed flowers?!) or go the junk journaling route by turning old receipts, tickets, and labels into art. There are no rules here. It’s about telling your story in a way that feels cozy, personal, and grounding to you!
Cozy Hobby # 14: Calligraphy or Hand Lettering
There’s something incredibly soothing about slowing down and focusing on creating beautiful letters vs rushing through writing. Calligraphy and hand lettering encourage patience and a lot of repetition to get it right. It’s a great hobby if you enjoy structure, but still want to be creative.
I started my hand lettering journey in college with just some crayola markers and YouTube videos. It's a very low cost, easy hobby to begin for anyone! Or you can get fancy with a brush pen and handbooks to practice basic strokes before moving on to words and phrases. You can use your new skills to create journal headers, affirmations, gift tags, wall art, snail mail, or scrapbooks! Plus, it pairs perfectly with a warm drink, scented candle, and a quiet evening in.
Cozy Hobby # 15: Learning a Language or Instrument
Winter is a great time to learn something new 🧠, especially something that gently challenges your brain. Whether it’s practicing a new language on an app or learning a song on the guitar, this hobby gives your evenings a sense of progress without pressure.
You don’t need to master anything, just learn a new word or chord every day adds up over time. Play softly, practice imperfectly, and enjoy the process of being a beginner again. It’s surprisingly cozy to sit by the window, snow falling outside, while you practice something just for you and just for fun!
Cozy Hobby #16: Embroidery
Embroidery 🪡 is slow crafting at its finest. With just a needle, thread, and fabric, you can create delicate florals, words, or simple designs that feel both old-fashioned and timeless. It’s portable, quiet, and perfect for evenings cuddled up on the couch.
Begin with a simple kit or pattern to learn basic stitches, then branch out into your own designs. Many people find embroidery incredibly grounding plus it keeps your hands busy so less doomscrolling and more relaxing before bed!
Plus look how cute these garden overalls I embroidered came out!
Cozy Hobby #17: Sewing
Sewing 🧵 can be as simple or advanced as you want it to be. You don’t have to make a full wardrobe, you could start with simple pillow covers, tote bags, or curtains. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something useful with your own hands or even your own clothes (aka my goal by the end of this year).
If you’re new, a basic sewing machine or even hand sewing is more than enough to begin. And your local library or art studio may have classes or a machine you can borrow to make this hobby cheap to start before investing in a machine.
Cozy Hobby #18: Needle Felting
Needle felting is one of the cutest cozy hobbies out there 🐑. Using wool and a special needle, you can sculpt tiny animals, mushrooms, ornaments, or whimsical characters. It’s playful, tactile, and surprisingly relaxing once you get into the rhythm.
Begin with a beginner kit like this one I got from JoyPok (ps. code MAGICALLY_TARASIMONE saves you 15% off any of their kits) to learn the basics and avoid poking yourself too much. This hobby is perfect if you love making small, magical things that feel straight out of a fairytale or if you need to get some anger out by stabbing something a million times.
(ps. code MAGICALLY_TARASIMONE saves you 15% off any of their kits! Thanks for using my link and supporting my small business & theirs as well!)
Cozy Hobby #19: Clay or Pottery
Working with clay 🤲 is incredibly grounding and relaxing. Plus a great way to connect with nature even in the dead of winter. Whether you’re hand-building small bowls, mugs, or decorative pieces, clay invites you to slow down and create without overthinking.
Luckily, you don’t need a wheel or kiln to start! Air-dry or oven-bake clay works beautifully for beginners. Or take a class with your partner for a romantic night out.There’s something special about sipping tea from a mug you made yourself or displaying a handmade piece in your home all winter long.
Cozy Hobby #20: Miniatures
If you love tiny details, building legos, or interior design, miniatures 🏡 might be your perfect winter hobby. From dollhouses to tiny rooms and kits, creating miniature worlds is both immersive and oddly calming. Hours can pass without you even noticing as you escape into your cozy world.
Miniature kits come with everything you need and guide you step by step, making them great for beginners. It’s like crafting, puzzling, and storytelling all wrapped into one cozy pastime! Plus if you're low on craft supply space this is a great cozy option!
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,
