I don’t know about you, but after a long day of work, all I want to do is lie in bed. And mindlessly scroll through social media or binge on a couple of TV shows. But after a while, that routine starts to feel boring and draining, like I’m just “rotting.” I find myself stuck between wanting to do something low effort while still keeping my mind stimulated.
Over the past few months, I’ve been interested in picking up new hobbies. However, I didn’t want anything that required a lot of money or mental/physical effort. I also didn’t want something that takes up too much energy to actually do. So, I’ve put together a list of my favorite hobbies that are perfect for when you want to be engaged in the laziest way possible.
When I say “lazy,” I mean activities that don’t take much effort to start, don’t make a mess, and can be paused and resumed at anytime. So, you won’t find things like hiking, cooking, or dancing on this list. Instead, you’ll discover hobbies that are low energy yet still engaging, striking the perfect balance between relaxing and stimulating.
Lazy Hobbies for Women
Coloring
When I first started looking for low energy hobbies, coloring kept coming up in almost every article that I found, and for good reason. Coloring is such a relaxing, low effort activity that can be easily adapted based on your mood and energy level.
For example, when I’m super tired and have almost no energy, I prefer coloring pages targeted for kids. Those larger, more animated pictures are so much easier to fill in. Compared to the intricate “adult” coloring pages with tiny geometric shapes. The detailed pages can feel overwhelming, and instead of being relaxing, they just make me a little bit more overwhelmed. But with larger pictures, I can take my time, stay within the lines, and actually enjoy the process.
Another reason I love coloring is that it brings back a bit of childhood nostalgia. I know it might sound weird, but I love the smell of Crayola crayons. That’s why I usually reach for crayons instead of colored pencils. Not only are they easier to use, require less effort, but they allow me to scribble freely without taking up too much time to fill in the lines. Something about it just makes my inner child super happy.
If you’re interested in trying out coloring, you don’t even need to buy a coloring book. There are tons of free printable pages online. If you’re looking for kid-friendly designs, the Crayola website has a great selection. You can easily print them out and start coloring whenever you need a low-energy way to unwind.
Sudoku
I was scrolling through TikTok when I came across @MindfulSudoku’s page, where she explains how to play Sudoku. The way she broke down the game and walked through her thought process, made it seem simple and practical. I immediately wanted to try it for myself. I ended up getting a Sudoku book, and now that I understand the basics, I’ve actually been having so much fun with it. Honestly, it makes me feel like I’m in my “grandma era” since I always thought Sudoku was something only older people enjoyed.
But let me tell you…Sudoku is way more than just a “grandma” activity. It’s a fantastic low energy hobby that still keeps your brain engaged. Figuring out where each number goes is like a lazy version of a math exercise, giving your brain a workout without feeling overwhelming. If you’re looking for something simple yet stimulating, Sudoku is definitely worth a try!
Edit Personal Videos
Whenever I’m hanging out with my friends, I always find myself opening up my phone and taking lots of mini videos and pictures. Lately, one of my favorite things to do when I’m bored is to go through my gallery, gather all those clips, and turn them into a longer video, almost like a mini vlog. It’s such a fun way to relive those moments and see the entire day come together in one cohesive video.
it’s so easy to do with apps like CapCut or iMovie, and you’re able to add edits and music that match the vibe. So, if you love capturing moments but don’t know what to do with all your footage, video editing is a fun and low energy hobby to try.
Hobbies for Women
Read Books
Lately, I’ve been really into personal development and nonfiction books, and reading has become one of my favorite low energy hobbies. It’s the perfect way to take a break from screens, especially in the middle of the day when my eyes need a rest.
My local library has basically become my second home since I’ve been visiting so often to check out books and take advantage of all of the free resources. But I also love e-books because they’re so convenient. I can access them anywhere and return them easily when I’m done. If you’re looking for a free way to read more, check out the Libby app to see if your local library offers e-books. It’s an easy (and budget friendly) way to always have something to read.
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Low Energy Exercises
Last but not least, finding a low energy way to move your body can be a great hobby. Especially for those days when you don’t feel like working out but still want to get some movement in. Simple activities like going for a walk in the park, taking a stroll on the beach, or even doing a few gentle stretches at home can make a big difference in how you feel. Swimming is another great option since it’s low impact but still gives your body a nice workout without feeling too intense.
Incorporating light movement into your routine doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be as simple as stretching while watching TV or just stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. These small activities can help keep your body active without requiring too much energy or effort.
RELATED: Fun Ways to Exercise and get Active
