One of my goals for 2025 was to try and reduce my screen time. I want to enhance my creativity, and I also want to reconnect with myself through hobbies I have never tried before. 

During yesterday’s short-lived TikTok ban in the U.S. , I realized how addicted I was to scrolling on the app and using it as a form of escapism. This got me curious about ways in which I can scroll less and find ways to disconnect from social media and my phone in general. 

After doing some research, I compiled a list of 50 creative, intellectual, and wellness-focused hobbies that I’m excited to try this year and I want to share with you. 

With hobbies, remember that it is a learning process. Perfection is not the goal. They should be for fun and to help you de-stress and increase your creativity and wellness. I often feel pressure to turn hobbies into a source of income. However, it’s important to have activities that are purely for relaxation and personal fulfillment.

I hope you discover a hobby from this list that brings you joy, helps you relax, and encourages you to take a break from screen time.

Creative Hobbies

• Scrapbooking: Print out photos from your camera roll and create unique scrapbooks to preserve your memories in a fun and personal way.
• Jewelry Making: Design bracelets, rings, and earrings that make perfect handmade gifts for friends and family.
• Embroidery: I have seen a lot of embroidery starting kits in craft stores that allow you to learn from scratch. 
• Air Dry Clay: Explore beginner-friendly air dry clay ideas on Pinterest to inspire your first creative design.
• Fashion Collages: I love cutting out random pieces of fashion magazines and turning it into a collage.
• Junk Journaling: Junk journaling is satisfying and a way to keep all of your memories in one place. 
• Crocheting: This is such a fun hobby to get into so that you can make your own scarves, hats, gloves, or trendy clothing.
• Painting: Use painting as a therapeutic outlet to express yourself and pass the time creatively.
• Photography: You can do this with your phone’s camera to capture creative shots using household items or outdoor scenery.
• Baking: The more you bake, the better you will get! 
• Making Keychains: Craft customized keychains for a personalized and practical accessory.
• Writing Songs: This is a way to get your emotions out in a creative way. 
• Start an Etsy Digital Print Shop: Learn how to create digital prints and start selling them on Etsy. 
• Make Bread from Scratch: Making bread is challenging, but it is a useful hobby to practice and get better at. 
• Candle Making: Create personalized scents with candle-making kits. 
• Coloring Books: There are so many adult coloring books these days that you can choose from for a stress-free activity. 
• Create a Memory Box: Store sentimental items in a box and decorate it to be unique to you. 
• Take a Pottery Class: See if there is a pottery class near you and give it a try! Not everyone can say they know how to make pottery. 
• Charm Necklace: Go to your local craft store and buy a chain and some charms that you can use to make a personalized necklace. 
• Bead Art: This is super fun for people looking for an easy craft to get into.

Intellectual Hobbies

• Read a Book: I love using the app Goodreads to decide what book I should read next. Set a realistic goal for yourself about how many books you want to read in a certain time and you can keep track of this on the app as well. 
• Learn a Language: Studying a new language is always useful. You can find free courses online for multiple languages or use Duolingo. 
• Learn About Other Cultures: Read articles, books, or watch documentaries to learn unique aspects of other cultures.  
• Blogging: Pick a niche and start writing a blog for it! 
• Listen to Podcasts: Search which podcasts are best for your particular interests. I have learned so much from listening to podcasts. Check out this article for some podcasts you can listen to. 
• Volunteer: Check online for ways you can give back to your community.
• Do a Puzzle: Find a puzzle that matches your interests and try it out.
• Learn About Investing: Build financial literacy with investing books, podcasts, and YouTube videos.
• Take an Online Course: Pick up a new skill with an online course. I usually use CourseEra.com. 
• Wine Tasting: Discover new flavors and pairings on your own or at a professional wine tasting. 
• Crossword Puzzles: Test your vocabulary and critical thinking.
• Learn About Art: Study famous works and techniques from famous artists around the world. 
• Visit a Museum: If you have a museum around you that you have never been to, give it a try! 
• Learn Local History: Research the local history of your area.
• Create a Life Bucket List: Write down things you want to do and places you want to go to in your life! 
• Watch a Documentary: Even though watching a documentary is still considered using a screen, it is informative because you are learning new information and putting your brain to work.

Wellness Hobbies

• Creative Writing: Create a fiction story or write a poem to enhance your creative writing skills 
• Journaling: Reflect on your day, set intentions, or track progress on any goals you might have. 
• Stargazing: Relax under the stars. 
• Meditation: Practice mindfulness to achieve clarity and inner peace.
• Gardening: Grow plants, flowers, or even your own food for a fulfilling pastime.
• Make a List of Life Goals: Write down a list of some realistic goals you can accomplish in the near future or future. 
• Declutter Your Space: Refresh your space by organizing and tidying up.
• Make DIY Face Masks: Pamper your skin naturally with homemade diy face masks. 
• Exercise with YouTube Dance Videos: Have fun with your exercise routine by putting on a YouTube dance video.  
• Sell Clothes: Declutter your wardrobe and earn extra cash by selling items you no longer wear on Vinted or Poshmark. 
• Walking: Explore your neighborhood with a walk and listen to a podcast during your walk. 
• Learn How to Make Different Types of Coffee: Become your own barista and learn how to make lattes, flavored iced coffee, and cappuccinos.
• Make Jam: Preserve seasonal fruits and enjoy delicious homemade spreads.
• Organize a Community Clean-Up: Make a positive impact in your community by getting a hold of local officials and organizing a city-wide cleanup.

In our digitally-obsessed world, finding time for ourselves and engaging in offline hobbies can feel like a challenge. However, unplugging from technology is essential for maintaining both our mental and physical well-being. Taking intentional breaks not only helps reduce stress and anxiety but also allows us to reconnect with our creativity, focus, and sense of purpose.

While technology offers countless benefits, it also comes with its drawbacks. Increased screen time can contribute to heightened stress levels, a diminished attention span, and a sense of disconnection from the present moment. By exploring the 50 creative, intellectual, and wellness hobbies listed above, you can break free from the cycle of endless scrolling and create a more balanced, fulfilling life. Start small, try a few, and discover the joy of being fully present in the moment.