7 Calming Hobbies to Try This Year for Less Stress and More Balance

Making a New Year's resolution to try something new or invite calmer energy into your life is a great way to start the year. Exploring new, calming activities lets you combine both goals.

We asked licensed therapists to share the hobbies they recommend trying this year to de-stress and bring more calm into your day-to-day life. Some of the hobbies on this list you may already be familiar with, while others may surprise you. Ahead, we share soothing hobbies to try this year, from baking sourdough bread to birdwatching, along with what makes a hobby relaxing and how to turn it into a lasting habit within your new routine.

What Makes a Hobby Calming

When choosing a hobby that brings a sense of calm and provides an outlet for stress relief, there are no strict rules. Everyone finds relaxation in different ways, but the key is paying attention to which activities help you feel more present, grounded, and at ease.

"I recommend engaging in hobbies or activities that feel immersive—ones that invite you to place your full attention and awareness into the process," says Emily Davenport, a licensed art therapist and psychotherapist at Davenport Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC. "When you become absorbed in an activity, it gently shifts focus away from stressors and quiets the 'thinking' brain."

Approach new hobbies with curiosity and a willingness to learn, rather than focusing on the outcome or end product. Letting go of the need to "do it right" allows the nervous system to settle. "When we tap into a state of being rather than constant doing or thinking, cortisol levels can decrease, and the nervous system can shift into a slower, more regulated state," Davenport says.

7 Calming Hobbies to Try

Mahjong

"Learning Mahjong can feel overwhelming at first due to the rules, strategy, and pace of play.  There’s often doubt and mental overload in the beginning," says Lara Allen, licensed therapist and co-owner of The Collective Counseling and Consulting, LLC. "However, once you understand the flow, the game becomes deeply immersive. It requires focus, pattern recognition, and presence,  which pulls your attention away from stressors."

Mahjong is also a highly social game, offering opportunities for connection and joy. That combination makes it both grounding and mentally refreshing, Allen says.

Sourdough Baking

We've seen sourdough bread making take the internet by storm, and for good reason. While sourdough has a learning curve—starter maintenance, timing, hydration, and technique—the satisfaction of making a delicious loaf is unmatched. "Once you gain confidence, the process becomes rhythmic and calming. Working with your hands, paying attention to texture and smell, and slowing down to the bread’s natural timing engages the senses and creates a strong sense of accomplishment," Allen says.

Baking bread at home is a practical art form and makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Calligraphy

Practicing hobbies with patience can be calming, and calligraphy offers exactly that. "Calligraphy demands patience and precision, which can feel frustrating while learning. The pressure to 'get it right' often creates early stress," Allen warns. Over time, however, the slow movements and focused attention on each stroke can become a form of meditation. Calligraphy also encourages controlled breathing and mindfulness.

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Needlepoint

"At first, needlepoint can feel tedious and confusing—counting stitches, following patterns, and fixing mistakes requires concentration. Once you’re comfortable, the repetitive motion becomes soothing. The tactile nature of the work and the steady progress provide grounding, while the finished piece offers a strong sense of pride and completion," says Allen.

Painting

Painting allows for free emotional expression through visuals, shifting your focus to colors, shapes, and brushstrokes, and keeping your mind in the present moment, much like meditation. Slow, rhythmic movements can help relax the nervous system and create a sense of calm.

Like the other hobbies we cover, painting lets you create something meaningful that you can display in your own home or gift to friends and family.

Knitting

The rhythmic, repetitive motion of knitting can promote relaxation. It requires enough attention to keep your mind engaged, but not so much that it becomes mentally taxing. Watching your project take shape creates a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can also boost your mood.

Birdwatching

There's nothing more calming than being in nature, and birdwatching lets you explore new sights and walking trails while observing these beautiful creatures in the wild. While you can birdwatch on your own, many birding communities offer opportunities to share the experience with others, adding the joy of social connection to this calming hobby.

Tips for Turning a New Hobby Into a Habit

• Start small: Commit to short, manageable practice sessions for your new hobby. This could mean five to 10 minutes twice a week, rather than setting a goal of an hour every day, Davenport suggests. These small wins help build momentum.
• Keep it lighthearted: Treat your new hobby as time to play, not work. The goal is not perfection; it's relaxation and restoring a sense of calm.
• Let go of expectations: If you miss a few days or take a break, that's okay. "Missing time doesn't mean you've failed; more often it means you were enjoying something else, and that's healthy too," Allen says. "Consistency doesn't have to mean rigidity."
• Combine it with an existing habit: To stay consistent, pair your hobby with an established habit, Davenport says. For example, if you enjoy a cup of tea each night, sip your tea while knitting for 10 minutes. This makes the habit easier to remember and start.
• Create an enjoyable environment: Keep your hobby supplies visible and easy to access. Create a calm, inviting space you look forward to spending time in, whether daily or a few times a week.
• Let it evolve naturally: Let your interest guide how often you practice. If it starts to feel like a chore, take a break, Davenport says. These habits should bring calm and relaxation into your life, not feel punishing.