Progressing on your journey for less can be fun, who knew? When you get creative with your minimalist goals you create a unique and invigorating experience. Shifting into minimalism is a great phase in which to indulge in something you love to do or find out what that something is.
Some hobbies come with a lot of gadgets and gear. Minimalists generally stick to hobbies that don’t require a lot of things. That shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams—if you love to do it then invest in whatever equipment you need to get it done! But there are also plenty of minimalist-friendly activities that are fun, mindful, and simple.
10 Most Popular Minimalist Hobbies
There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re making the most of some down time or pining for an adventure. Though in some cases people do occasionally regret minimalism, a huge benefit to living and spending minimally is that you’re more likely to have the extra funds to engage in your passions.
For instance, there’s a special subset of minimalists who love to travel: Traveling Minimalists (ta-da!). Their downsized living gives them the flexibility and savings to travel often.
Just like taking trips to experience the world, minimalism can help you pursue activities of all kinds. If you’re not sure just how to bide your time, you’re in luck!
We’re going to see exactly what minimalists are getting into by gliding through this top 10 list of the most popular minimalist hobbies.
1. Reading
It can be done everywhere, everyday, all the time! Well most of the time. The reality is that most of us spend almost all day reading. For work, school, on social media, etc. but that’s not the kind of reading we’re talking about here.
This kind of reading is getting lost in a good book (or Ebook), magazine, blog, comic—whatever stimulates your mind. You can read to relax, to pass time, or just because you really want to know how chapter 8 ends.
The optimal way to satisfy your book cravings is by getting a card from your local library. Not only do you have access to a cornucopia of different books that you can swap out at any time, but you don’t keep them. You know what that means: no spending and no extra clutter! Music to a minimalist’s ear.
2. Sewing
It’s a skill really. It’s not just relaxing and artful, it’s also functional. Knowing how to mend, make, and transform your clothes makes your closet virtually endless! Even better than that it saves you lots of money on your wardrobe.
Can you imagine not having to toss your favorite shirt after some seams come undone? Or not having to return that gorgeous dress because it’s a little too long? Ah, must be wonderful!
3. Knitting/Crocheting
More DIY activities for you! Being able to make your own shirts, socks, blankets, and pillowcases is surely great news for your wallet. It’s pretty repetitive and keeps your hands busy so if you’re a fidgety individual this would be a great skill to learn!
You can do it absentmindedly, or challenge yourself to make something special. Stitch together a cute reusable tote bag after you’ve left yours at your best friend’s house, or whip up some potholders because the ones you bought are very much still burnt from lasagna night a week ago.
You can even create handmade gifts for friends and family. Knitting and crocheting tools are also more portable than a sewing machine. Go to your favorite park or get comfy on your mom’s couch and create something beautiful (and fluffy!).
4. Writing
Journaling is one of the most cathartic hobbies you could take up. It’s also a great step towards mindfulness. Writing down your thoughts and feelings allows you to explore the minute details and crevices of those thoughts and feelings.
Writing also gives you that fourth wall—being able to be uncensored with your feelings without fear of shame or judgement from others.
Once you write things down, they become more objective. Looking at the situation on a page allows you to see it from almost a third person perspective, making it easier to digest and reflect on.
We all have our moments when we feel like we can’t talk to anybody. Try making journaling a habit. Write about your day, what’s been on your mind, last night’s dream, your aspirations. It helps to have reminders of goals that you can refer back to.
Aside from journaling, writing could also mean writing a book, story, or blog. We have some amazing ideas and a lot to say, and lots of room for the flow of creative energy without a bunch of stuff sitting around. Start writing and see where your mind goes. It all starts with one sentence, any sentence.
5. Photography
One of the great things about minimalism is that it enhances our view of the world and our appreciation for all it has to offer. When you’re able to see over the wall of “stuff”, you take notice of the little (and huge) things that make our world such an enchanting place. And such a keen eye can make for a great photo shoot.
Urban and landscape photography gives you a medium to present your surroundings from your unique angle. If you’re not much of a writer, a picture is worth a thousand words. Photography is a therapeutic mode of self expression, and it doesn’t require that you purchase special equipment.
Smartphones have developed some very impressive cameras. Familiarize yourself with the settings, then you can snap a perfect shot anywhere you go!
6. Gardening/Floristry
Cultivating life from the earth is a pretty special thing, and, even in urban areas, people find fulfillment from tending a garden or raising plants in their homes. Gardening is also a nice light exercise and can be used as time to organize your thoughts and decompress.
Or put in some headphones and do your trademark weed-pulling dance. However you do it, you can look forward to enjoying some delicious, straight-off-the-vine fruits and veggies, or taking in those compliments from your neighbors about your beautiful DIY landscaping.
For those who live in cities, apartments, or just prefer to do their planting inside, having greens around make your home a healthier and happier place to be. It’s no secret that plants purify the atmosphere by purging toxins and replenishing oxygen. But did you know that they boost your mood and productivity as well?
They contribute to the ebb and flow of energy in your space, and all that extra oxygen increases, among other things, brain and lung operation. Accordingly, you’ll see an increase in stamina and focus. And if there’s one thing minimalists love, it’s getting closer to their goals!
7. Dancing
It just feels good! And it requires absolutely nothing but you. It’s a great upper (who can dance and stay mad?). It’s an expressive way to expel pent up energy. We dance to celebrate, we dance for fun, we dance because we’re happy. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s a natural expression of positivity.
While we’re talking good news, it’s also an effective workout! Zumba has become a household name in recent years using dance as a workout method that engages the whole body and promotes body positivity.
8. Hiking/Walking
Hikes are good for the body and mind. Being close to nature is holistically healing. Connecting with the earth is great for grounding yourself and stabilizing your thoughts. There’s no greater reminder of Earth’s majesty than a scenic, fruitful landscape sitting backed by nature’s songs.
Use this time to sort through your thoughts, breathe in fresh air, and release your fears and anxiety. After such a mentally cleansing journey, you can return home and approach your work or challenges with a clear head.
Going for walks are just as effective at bringing peace of mind and igniting ideas. Walk around your block and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Appreciate all the lovely things about your neighborhood. Gratefulness and good health are key parts of a fulfilling minimalist experience.
9. Spirituality & Mindfulness
It’s true for many that mindfulness and minimalism go hand in hand.
Detaching yourself from your Earthly conveniences and comforts is a perfect time to get in tune with your spiritual and mental awareness. Activities such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, tea time, and manifestation exercises feed the soul and the mind.
Spiritual people work to keep there energies/chakras aligning in order to keep themselves running at their full potential. Some achieve this through the use of candles, crystals, oils, and charms—these are things you might find in a spiritual minimalist’s home.
Yes, spiritual minimalists prioritize maintaining an environment that’s conducive to positivity. If you’re going to throw away anything, why not throw away the things that don’t make you feel good? That’s a great place to start if you don’t know how.
10. Cooking
You have to do it, so why not be an artiste about it. Besides, let’s not pretend that eating isn’t the second greatest thing in the world after sleeping. You have the pots and pans, you have the dishes, and you have the food.
If you’re more of an aesthetic eater, perfect your plating and food decoration. Polish your method of making a juicy, tender steak. Discover which cheese goes best with caesar dressing.
There are plenty of ways to get creative with dishes. Scan your leftovers from the week and see what you can put together. Research some minimalist meals, or meals that are hearty but consist of only a few core ingredients.
There are apps where you can input what food you have in your kitchen and it’ll show you recipes you can make from those ingredients.
Or you can tune into your inner 5-star Michelin chef and navigate the kitchen on your own! Being in control of your diet is healthy, mindful, and absolutely delicious.
Wrap Up
If you want to truly live in the minimalist spirit, stick to simple activities that involve no more than one piece of equipment.
Even better is a functional hobby, or a hobby that actually serves a real-life purpose (other than good vibes). We named a few here but there’s a world of enjoyable activities that also make your minimalist life easier.
There’s no better time than now to find what you love to do. Try out different things that catch your attention. Use your sharpened minimalist detachment skills to know when something isn’t for you, and move on to the next thing.
Minimalism is living with less, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery. And you deserve to find something that’s fun and fulfilling for you. Once you find your hobby, pursue it freely but In moderation (unless you plan to profit from it)!
