10 Fun Hobbies When You Are Burnt Out This Year
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So often, we put ourselves on the back burner, tending to others’ needs and wants. We forget that we are human beings and need to unwind and have something for ourselves. We get so lost in our everyday roles that we forget who we are and struggle to remember what we like to do, I know I have.
Sometimes, we need a reminder of what is out there to relax, spark creativity, or inspire us to search for our true selves. Burnout is real, and we need to remember there are ways to combat it, even, dare I say, fun and creative ways!
Our mental health is so valuable, so if you are struggling, therapy is always the best option, but these ten fun hobbies to help unwind are helpful side quests for sure!
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What is Burnout?
Human expectations have reached a ridiculous and unattainable point. Society and the media have made us feel like we are never enough and must do more 24/7 365.
Burnout happens when we race through life, doing for others without any thought for ourselves, constantly worrying and struggling to live up to what we think the perfect person looks and acts like. (So that you know, the person looks like you! You are doing fantastic!)
We are left feeling:
- anxious
- depressed
- overwhelmed
- overworked
- fatigued
Why is it important to have hobbies and interests?
The first two things we need to do more are:
- Ask for help, whether we need someone to help us physically or just someone to talk to.
- Let go of being perfect. It does not exist. You are enough!
Now it’s time to find ways to have fun, be yourself, and unwind for a while!
Hobbies and interests can help us by:
- reducing stress
- giving us a sense of control
- taking your mind off worries
- helping prevent bad habits
- teaching patience
10 Fun Hobbies to Help You Relax in 2024
Tip 1: Reading
Letting yourself fall into another world or learn something new is the perfect way to have a little getaway. Escaping into another world can help us combat issues and learn more about ourselves!
Book genres to try and one of my favorites:
- Science Fiction: The Martian by Andy Weir
- Fantasy: The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
- Mystery: The Ruth Galloway Series by Elly Griffiths
- Memoir: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Self-Help: The Witch’s Book of Self-Care by Arin Murphy-Hiscock
- Horror: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
- Romance: King of Wrath by Ana Huang
- Poetry: Go In and In: Poetry From the Heart of Yoga by Danna Faulds
Also, check out my blog post on some cozy winter reads here!
Tip 2: Gaming
Gaming is another excellent way to escape reality if you don’t like reading. Whether you like cozy video games or classic crosswords or want to grab your partner for a board game, there is something for everyone to play.
Types of games:
- videogames
- sudoku
- crosswords
- word finds
- board games – find my blog post on cozy board games!
- puzzles – find my blog post on cozy puzzles
Tip 3: Crafting
There are more crafting ideas than you can shake a stick at now! This can also be a wonderful way to incorporate and master skills your great-grandmothers used to use but with a modern twist. Since grandma-core is a thing now, why not embrace simpler times with hobbies that have been around forever?
Have you tried:
- quilting
- embroidery
- cross stitch
- knitting
- crocheting
- painting
- drawing
- scrapbooking
- soap or candle-making
- pottery and clay
Seriously, this list could go on forever.
Tip 4: Podcasts
Remember being read to as a child. That is what podcasts feel like to me. I love listening to stories and using my imagination. Podcasts are also a wonderful way to lessen screen time! It’s a win-win. You can find a podcast for nearly every subject ever invented!
My favorite Spotify podcasts:
- Crime Junkie– True Crime
- Supernatural– Paranormal
- The Happiness Lab– Self-help & Educational
- The Magic is You– Mindset & Business
- Myths and Legends– History & Educational
- The Midnight Library– Entertainment & Gothy
- Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend– Comedy
- Witch Wednesdays– Educational & Witchcraft
Tip 5: ASMR
This has been one of my favorite ways to relax at the end of the day and often helps me fall asleep. ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, and triggers give your brain a pleasant and tingly feeling. You can find videos on YouTube or even listen to them without screens on Spotify.
Check out my blog post on my very favorite ASMRists of all time!
Tip 6: Yoga Nidra
If you want to work on a more spiritual path for relaxation, this is for you! Yoga Nidra is a technique of spiritual awakening and deep relaxation. It is a type of guided meditation where you lie on your back comfortably and are guided through visualizations and affirmations to bring awareness and healing internally.
Things you will need:
- blankets
- pillows
- eye pillow
- comfortable place to lie down
- Insight Timer is a free meditation app. Search for Yoga Nidra and select the length of your session.
Bonus book suggestion: Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing by Richard Miller, PhD
Tip 7: Luxurious Bath or Shower
This is a beautiful way to relax, rejuvenate, and symbolically wash off the day. Water is a source of calm, and this can be a wonderful time to meditate and treat yourself with oil, bath bombs, herbs, or salts!
Things to make your bath or shower extra:
- Epsom Salts
- Bath & shower bombs
- Bath Teas
- Essential oils
- Special Bath Oils
- Bubble Bath
Tip 8: Journaling
Like crafting, there are a million ways to journal. Journaling is a great de-stressor because it allows you to release everything onto paper instead of screaming into a pillow. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be so freeing; all you need is pen and paper!
Types of journaling:
- Shadow work
- Art Journaling
- Guided Journals
- Non-dominant hand journaling
- bullet journaling
- personal diary
To name a few…
Tip 9: Baking
You may want a cookie or a muffin at the end of a long day. Maybe kneading dough is your way to unwind as you let your hand words and a recipe take you over! Nothing is more cozy than a cookie made from scratch.
Things to bake:
- cookies
- bread
- muffins
- cakes
- pies
- cupcakes
Or even choose random countries and bake its most famous recipe!
Tip 10: Television or Movies
Sometimes, we want to do nothing more than lay down and watch a comforting show or laugh at a comedy when life gets you down. I have many shows or movies that I watch when my anxiety is up, or my depression is getting me down.
My favorites when my anxiety gets too much, or I feel down are Parks and Rec and Nathan for You. They make me laugh and temporarily forget how anxious I am.
Conclusion
In a world where we are constantly told we are not doing enough and need to hustle and keep up, it is time to take control, realize that’s not true, and make time to take care of yourself.
When you take care of yourself, the household thrives, children learn these values from you and don’t become overly stressed adults, and we can get back to taking care of our lives in a positive way that does not have to be the only thing we are. We are so much more, so have fun!
Stay cozy & find something fun to do!
