31 Hobbies to enjoy in your 20s
When the pandemic hit, suddenly there was free time we never thought we would have. We were stuck inside and had to find ways to pass the time. The first week was a blast, no class, no homework, and jobs were canceled. Then, it was 2 weeks in, 3 weeks, and then we were measuring in months.
While I had just ended my junior year of college I started noticing all of my friends throwing out questions like “What do you do when you’re in quarantine?” and “Do you have any Hobbies?” And I realized that hobbies in your 20s are almost unheard of. We are always working toward a goal, graduation, promotion, marriage/kids, always something.
It’s important to take the time to step back and figure out what you like to do when you are not being productive / being burnt out and watching 15 hours of Netflix on your day off. Having your own likes and hobbies will help you be able to differentiate yourself from your partner in relationships, and allow you to enjoy your days off, more than just a day to sit around doing nothing it will be more refreshing to do something you enjoy.
However, finding hobbies to even look into enjoying can be daunting in itself. Here is a list of 31 hobbies that are perfect for your 20’s.
1. Fashion
Fashion can be a hobby. Start figuring out what outfits in the closet you’ve never put together, and watch some youtube videos about the latest fashion trends and shows. You can even start making your own clothes, (also thousands of youtube videos about this)
2. Start Running / Working Out
Starting to run can be a slow effort, but once you get into it you can’t go a day without it. With the hundreds of studies that demonstrate how running elevates your mood and overall happiness, it's simply a good hobby to have. You don’t just have to run through, the biggest fad now a day is lifting heavy things, getting into the best shape of your life, and having something that you love doing in your free time. It’s such a good feeling to start beating your own PRs and getting stronger
3. Collector's items
This can mean something different to anyone. Maybe you already have a collection of things that you forgot about, time to get back into it. People collect things from Pokemon cards, vintage clothing, cool coins, hats, elephant statues, first edition books, and toy cars, the list is endless. Find what you like and show off your collection.
4. Get Cooking / Make a Cookbook
Like many on this list, cooking can be altered to your preferences. Do you love to bake? Figure out how to make the best pastries and share them with your friends. Are you a health nut? Make swaps of “junk food” made with healthier ingredients. Maybe you’re a master at making meals for a big family on a budget, start creating a cookbook to share with fellow moms.
5. Get good at Drawing / Art
If you’ve ever read Mindsets by Carol Dewek (like you should) you know that for the most part, things are learned not just known (growth mindset). People think that being a good drawer or artist is all about having natural talent, though when you ask artists how long they have been creating their answer is almost always “since I was a kid”, they’ve had years of practice already. So, If you’ve always wanted to be good at art…. Go learn how to do it, you can do it!
6. Thrifting
A classic one for younger adults. Thrifting is amazing for so many reasons, it's good for the environment, you can find cool clothes for cheaper prices, you can spend your days with friends going around town to different thrift shops or do it solo and you can make some unique outfits that no one else has. Not to mention, there's no hurting in any overseas factories.
7. Writing literally anything
Always liked sci-fi? Write a comic book or even a novel. Start creating your own world in full depth like Harry Potter, have fun with creating it. Then hell you could even get it published. Are you really good in your bio class? Start writing fun guides to help other students memorize the material better. Do you love to share your daily life with people? Create a lifestyle blog, or create literally any other type of blog. I write this blog when I feel like writing, it's not a chore or a task its simply fun.
8. Create a cool Instagram / Tiktok page
Having fun on social media these days doesn’t always seem to be fun. But imagine a cool new page that you start from fresh. You can revamp the one you already have or you can create a whole new one. It can be dedicated to you, a fandom you are a part of or even fashion. Imagine a secret fashion account that no one know is yours?? That would be so fun!
9. Become a coffee connoisseur
Love creating new Starbucks drinks? Try figuring out how to make them at home! Hate Starbucks but love small coffee shops? Try all of the coffee shops in your area and create a ranking of the best drinks! You could even create a cool social media following trying out all of the coffee flavors and combinations, just don’t forget your hobbies should be fun, not a chore.
10. Make a podcast about something you’re passionate about
If you’re like me, you love to talk. If you walk around all day talking to yourself, maybe a podcast is good for you. What are your interest? Create a podcast about your favorite books, interview your favorite people in your life, or create a motivational podcast as a way to motivate yourself and others to reach their goals!
11. Make Music
There are dozens of free apps that allow you to create music just from your phone. While you might need to invest a bit more, later on, try just having fun on your own with a few tools. Maybe people will enjoy your music just as much as your shower head does.
12. Find new Music
Do you know those people that are always listening to cool new music? You could be that person. All you have to do is search for it, go through people playlists that they make. Look for locally released artists, find any live music playing near you. If you enjoy music, but always find yourself listening to the same things over and over again, maybe it's time to explore.
13. Create cool playlists for every event
Similar to finding new music, creating cool playlists is just as exciting. Take the guesswork out of what you want to listen to in certain moods and just hit shuffle. You can create ones based on moods (happy, sad, chill) or events (long car rides, coffee shop jams, studying instrumentals, party hits, the best throwbacks). You can even share them with your friends, it's always nice to incorporate your friends into your Hobbes.
14. Get into Yoga
Also, one that you can predominantly do on youtube. A saying I picked up on a few years back was “Test before you Invest”. If you want to get into yoga, try doing it in your room or your backyard with a youtube video. My favorite type of yoga is vinyasa, though I’m not very advanced in it. I just look up “30 minute Vinyasa Yoga” and tons of options come up, and I’m sore for days, work your way up!
15. Try every restaurant in your city (or the next town over)
Who doesn’t love to eat? This one can get pricy if you’re going out to eat every night, but this doesn’t mean going to every 5 restaurants around (though that would be great), start with your local food trucks and small hole-in-the-wall places, they usually have the best food anyway! You’re also supporting local businesses too.
16. Become a Mixologist
While I can’t seem to make a good drink to save my life, I have friends that create masterpieces in the comfort of their own homes. There are blogs and social media that are dedicated to creating cool alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You could even throw a party where you have rounds of the cool drinks you’ve learned, or have a date night with your partner where you both make the best drinks.
17. Find out what type of books you like to read
I say find what types of books you like to read and not “see if you like to read” because everyone would enjoy reading if they found the right books. I adore fantasy smut, yes the xxx-rated kind. Though I also really enjoy self-development books (hence the writing). There are so many types of fiction and nonfiction books, long and short, small or big, there is a type of book out there you like. If you’ve convinced yourself you don’t like to read, try something you never would have thought of (like romance novels 🙂 )
18. Become a Swiftie (or another fandom)
Am I biased in this suggestion? Yes. But if you know anything about being a swift you know it can feel like a full-time job, from putting together the Easter eggs, guessing the vault songs, keeping up with the drama, or creating conspiracies, there's always something happening. And if you don’t sigh like blondie, check out the other fandoms of some of your favorite artists. Whether there be millions like Swifties or a small crowd of love for an indie artist, it's always fun being a fan.
19. Make an App
Have a cool app idea that you wish was created? Try creating it! You might need to learn some coding or use some software, but if tech is your thing creating an app could be a fun hobby to get into!
20. Become a movie buff
Spending your time in front of the screen doesn’t have to feel guilty. If you love movies, watch movies! If you love TV shows, watch them! It’s only a problem if you still feel drained after your day “off” because you felt like you didn’t take advantage of your time. If watching movies relaxes you and brings you joy, watch them!
21. Find the best places to hike
Everywhere has places to walk or hike, find the best ones around you. If you don’t like to hike in the woods, find some cool bike or rollerblading trails. Finding new areas to explore is always exciting.
22. Learn how to dance
Coming from someone who has absolutely no rhythm, you can learn how to dance. Again, Youtube videos, there really is a video for everything. You could learn hip-hop, jazz, basic ballet, and even Zumba classes are a great way to learn how to move your body. If you like to go outwit your friends but are embarrassed to dance on the dance floor, gain some confidence by practicing at home! (No one has to know)
23. Start volunteering in your neighborhood
A great activity to get involved in is volunteering in your neighborhood. It can be hard in your 20s to donate money to your favorite charities, but that is not the only way to volunteer. Whether it's dropping off some canned goods or creating a team to go clean up the city, there is always something you can do to help those less fortunate, plus it makes you feel great! Check out your community websites and Facebook pages for some volunteering opportunities.
24. Find online groups that like the somethings as you
Already interested in things but you want to do them with people? Go find some people that would want to do them with you. There is a Facebook page or a Reddit post out there for everything, search something in the Facebook search and I promise something will come up for your interests!
25. Create a group online about things you like and find people who like them too
Are you more of a leader than a joiner? Then don’t join a group about things you’re interested in, create one! A fun way I’ve noticed people getting in touch with like-minded individuals is through discord groups. There have been tiptoes made where they state their favorite activities and then people join the group if they are interested as well!
26. Become a health freak (in a healthy way)
Being really into nutrition can be a fun hobby. You can come up with cool new healthy recipes, you can share your favorite workouts on social media, and you can help your friends train to get their dream bodies. As long as you are being kind to yourself and are doing it for an overall healthy reason, become a health freak!
27. Plan a date night once a week
Having a job, school, friends, and relationships and still wanting hobbies can be a lot. A great way to juggle is to incorporate your loved ones into your hobbies, planning a date night once a week is a hobby in itself. It’s time that you and your partner are taking every week to relax and enjoy each other's company, undistracted. Try switching weeks when it comes to planning and don’t forget to enjoy each other!
28. Get into investing
Contrary to how many people view hobbies, they do not need to be motorized. However, it’s always a bonus if they are right? The only requirement of a hobby is that you enjoy, so if you’re obsessed with numbers and always wanted to get into the stock market but never knew where to get started, start now. Find some highly-rated books on amazon and start diving in! One of the most highly rated investing for beginners books is A Walk Down Wall Street — Burton Malkiel, linked here.
29. Plan a big trip
It can take months to plan a trip, from road trips around your state to journeys overseas, taking your time to really plan out a trip can take all the stress out of it later. Having one big trip a year or every six months is a great way to feel like you’re working towards something when you start to feel bored with your habits and routines. Take the next few months to plan an unforgettable trip in your spare time.
30. Redecorate / Revamp your place
Obsessed with HGTV? Get decorating! Start small and work your way up to that project you’ve always wanted to do. Even if you’re renting you can find good blogs and videos on renter-friendly renovations all over the internet. Pinterest is a great place to start if you want to figure out your aesthetic and get going!
31. Join an Organization
The weird part about graduating from school and jumping into the workforce is the lack of community. In school, we had clubs, sports, organizations, and our friends just a block or two away. Growing up can be isolating, joining a club in your neighborhood can be a great way to get that sense of community back, it can be a sports league, a book club, a Taylor Swift fan club, anything really.
Hobbies can feel like something that everyone should have and yet no one has time for. Try to not make your hobbies feel like a chore, you should be partaking in your hobby to enjoy your time. It’s nice to have things to do on your day off that will help you unwind.
xx Kaitlyn