There’s something quietly powerful happening in the world of wellness—and it’s not a new fitness trend or the latest superfood. It’s the return of what many are lovingly calling “grandma hobbies”: gardening, knitting, birding, baking from scratch, journaling, and all those slow, soulful activities we used to think were old-fashioned. These hobbies are everywhere right now- from the gardening and chicken raising tips on With Love, Meghan to Cordelia Cupp’s obsession with birding on the new Netflix hit The Residence. I personally love plants but I do not have anything close to a green thumb. But I’ve been so inspired by some of the gardens I’ve seen lately that I’m starting a new project- growing herbs and lettuce indoors in a small Auk indoor garden (indoors because I’m just not the kind of person who can deal with the bugs outdoors). Wish me luck.
The truth is these so-called “grandma hobbies” are making a major comeback for good reason. Many of us are feeling stressed right now. And in a world obsessed with hustle culture and screen time, these gentle pastimes offer peace, purpose, and a sense of presence we’re all craving. They’re not just hobbies—they’re healing. If you’re interested in starting a new peaceful hobby, here are three to consider:
1. Gardening: Cultivating More Than Just Plants
Spending time with your hands in the soil is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost your immune system (yes, really—soil contains microbes that increase serotonin levels!). But beyond the wellness benefits, gardening teaches patience, rhythm, and the art of nurturing. Whether you’re growing tomatoes or tending to a balcony full of herbs, it’s a beautiful reminder that good things take time.
Chic Tip: Don’t have a yard or prefer to garden indoors like me? Try container gardening on your patio, a windowsill herb garden in your kitchen, or an indoor hydroponic gardening system like Gardyn, Click and Grow, or Auk.
2. Knitting & Crocheting: Mindfulness in Motion
There’s something deeply meditative about the click of needles and the repetition of each stitch. Knitting and crocheting have been shown to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even improve memory. They’re a hands-on antidote to digital overload—and you get something beautiful and handmade at the end.
Chic Tip: Start with a chunky yarn and a simple scarf pattern. The satisfaction of creating something cozy is unmatched. Youtube is a useful, free tool if you get stuck!
3. Birding: Finding Magic in the Mundane
Birdwatching is more than just binoculars and birdseed—it’s about tuning into the natural world and finding beauty in stillness. Birding can improve focus, encourage mindfulness, and even increase your time outdoors. It trains you to look up, listen closely, and slow down—a much-needed shift in today’s go-go-go lifestyle.
Chic Tip: Download a bird ID app like Merlin, and take a short morning walk—you’ll be surprised at how much wildlife is right outside your door.
The Deeper Beauty of Slow Hobbies
These hobbies aren’t about productivity. They’re about presence. They ask you to pause, create, nurture, and observe—actions that feel almost radical in a world that constantly pushes for “more, faster, better.”
Whether you’re sipping tea in a garden you grew, gifting a hand-knit scarf to a friend, or spotting cardinals on your morning walk, you’re reclaiming something soft, wise, and timeless.
Do you have a favorite “grandma hobby” or one that you’d like to try? Let me know.
Xo,
Courtney
The Real Chic Life 
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