After a summer full of basking outdoors, it seems only natural we'll all be ready to spend some time inside once winter arrives. There's something deliciously extravagant about leaning into being lazy and wearing three blankets on top of a sweatshirt while sipping hot chocolate. But after a while (i.e. as soon as the holidays are over and we realize spring is still many weeks away) we get bored being stuck indoors. But what can we do to stay busy after we've emptied out the Netflix queue?
We could shop away our savings online or waste the evenings scrolling through Instagram. Or we could put this hibernation time to good use by starting up a fun new hobby. Learning a new craft or skill is a great way to bust up the mid-winter blahs and cure cabin fever.
Plus trying something different is good for our brains. Once we graduate, the same old same routines at home and at work aren't giving our gray matter much of a challenge. Taking up a new hobby gives us something different to focus on, and proves that wisdom for sure comes with age.
For those with wellness on the brain, try starting a regular meditation practice or studying healing crystals and their uses. People who loved art class as kids might find they're secret masters at knitting or hand stamping jewelry. And if having fun as a group is the goal, getting together for a palm reading session is better than going out to any bar.
Check out this list of exciting indoor hobbies for adults, and start learning something new today.
Hand Lettering
We're all mesmerized by those hand letting videos on Facebook, so why not join the trend? Head to the craft store for a calligraphy workbook and brush pens. After some practice, penning a letter will seem so much more fun than sending an email.
Tarot Cards
Those who've always felt in touch with the other realm will love spending chilly nights learning to read tarot cards. Grab a deck and a handy tutorial like this one from Biddy Tarot and get ready to learn what the future has in store.
Study Sign Language
Winter is a great time to explore a new language. Learning the ASL alphabet and some basic signs is totally doable before spring.
Embroidery
From delicate flowers to fierce feminist sayings, embroidery has changed since our grandmas used to do it. Grab some thread and a hoop and sit down with a basic tutorial to get started.
Mixology
No one wants to venture out to the bar when it's below freezing. Grab the gals and some snacks and learn how to mix up the squad's favorite drinks right in the living room with some basic mixology videos.
Soapmaking
Whether to goal is to go more natural with bath products or create some beautiful handmade gifts for friends and family, soapmaking is a hobby that's both pretty and useful.
Yoga
One part exercise, one part meditation, those tight hips will be forever grateful for starting a regular yoga practice. Grab a mat or a towel, and start with an easy beginner sequence.
Sourdough Bread
Anyone can follow a cake recipe. But nurturing a sourdough mother and creating that perfectly crisp crust takes practice. Luckily we have all winter to get it right!
Crystal Healing
Get in on the crystal healing craze and learn what stones could help to balance the day's energy.
Knitting
Scarves, ear warmers, adorable teddy bear hats for the kids — with some time and dedication (and helpful videos) friends and family will be requesting knitted things in no time.
Metal Stamping
As kids, we made woven friendship bracelets. As adults, there's metal stamping, a cool way to create handmade jewelry for gifts or one's own collection.
Magic Tricks
Winter is the perfect time to achieve that lifelong goal of learning magic. Practice a few simple tricks to astonish the kids and impress the spouse.
Beer Brewing
Grab a home brewing kit and spend the winter crafting the perfect IPA.
Origami
Origami is a hobby that offers immediate satisfaction. Plus it's sure to win points with the kiddos.
DIY Pickles
Fermenting cucumber into pickles takes time. Start learning how now to be ready to crunch out once the warm weather arrives.
Ukulele
If a full-sized guitar is intimidating, start the music career out slowly with a ukulele and some beginner's lessons. It's the best time of year to stay in and practice.
Meditation
Making meditation part of the regular routine doesn't have to mean special clothes or an ocean to gaze out on. Grab a free meditation app like Insight Timer and pick a quiet spot for a daily check-in.
Palm Reading
Everyone needs a fun parlor trick. Brush up on some palm reading techniques for a fun new hobby that's a hit at parties.
Start a Podcast
Addicted to podcasts? Why not learn how to start one. Who knows, it could be the next Serial.
Feng Shui
Thanks to Marie Kondo, all of our clutter is gone. Learn how to properly arrange what's left by brushing up on some feng shui basics. Don't be surprised when friends start asking for their place to be next.
