These are great hobbies for introverts (and extroverts too) for stress relief and quieting the mind. The best part is, you can do these anywhere!
I went years without really having any hobbies at all. I dreaded the question, “So, what are your hobbies?”, because I felt like I was somehow violating a code of society to admit that I didn’t have any. I never saw the value, until recently.
But when chosen wisely, hobbies give you a sense of self. They help you stay connected to who you are. Hobbies can also be a stress relief and provide you with mental breaks that leave you feeling refreshed. Even better, they can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
As an introvert, and specifically INTJ, I’m always ‘in my brain’ working out some puzzle. Whether that may be mentally planning family events, figuring out a work challenge, or simply pondering an interesting thought, my brain is constantly buzzing. So I appreciate hobbies that help me quiet my mind and calm my thoughts. These hobbies are perfect for that. I sort of think of them as a way to massage the brain and rest the soul.
Three Hobbies that Quiet the Mind and Soothe the Soul
1. Hand-Lettering
I went to a “Ladies and Letters” class a couple years ago and fell in love with hand lettering. This class was set up just like those “Wine and Canvas” parties, but instead of the painting portion, we learned how to do a few different styles of hand lettering.
Each gal left with a few pieces of hand-lettered art that she created herself. It was a fun way to gather with grown-ups while learning something new.
But you totally don’t have to go to any sort of class to learn how to do this! There are lots of resources for beginners to help you get started. And what’s really great is that it isn’t something that takes a long time to learn. Once you get the basic method down for a certain style, you just get better and better with practice.
Super Simple Hand Lettering | Learn Lettering Printable | Lettering for Beginners
This is a hobby you can do at almost any time and almost any place. I find myself lettering names or quotes in my planner while on the phone or in the waiting room at the doctor. You can just pull out a piece of paper and letter your favorite quote or song lyric any time you have a spare 3 minutes.
And if you get really into it, you can hone your skill enough to be able to create beautiful hand-lettered cards or gifts for loved ones. You could even turn this into a business!
2. Zentangle
I stumbled across Zentangle by total accident. I was looking for unique hand-drawn art on Etsy and some Zentangle pieces came up in my search results.
According to Zentangle.com, “Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns“. Here’s an example from an Etsy shop.
There are tons resources for getting started. You can follow a tutorial, watch a video, or even buy a book with step-by-step instructions and ideas. The great thing is that you don’t have to be great at it to do it, and despite what you might read elsewhere, you DON’T need any fancy or expensive pens or paper.
Like hand lettering, you can do Zentangle just about anytime and anywhere. And remember how I mentioned I discovered this art on Etsy? If you really enjoy Zentangle and become great at it, you could turn it into a business!
Here are some resources to get started.
Joy of Zentangle | One Zentangle a Day | Zentangle Art Therapy | Zentangle Sourcebook
3. Coloring
Adult coloring books are ALL. THE. RAGE. And I’m not normally one to jump on the bandwagon, but this one really struck my fancy because I always loved coloring as a kid (even into my teens, I would draw elaborate scenes and color them with pens or markers).
This is a terrific hobby if the first two felt a little too creativity-intense. You can still be super-creative with coloring, but you don’t have to come up with an actual design. So it’s not nearly as intimidating.
And yes, you can spend lots of money on fancy markers or colored pencils, and you can buy nice coloring books (here are some really cool ones). But you don’t have to.
Printable Coloring Pages
Namaste Coloring Pages | Scripture Coloring Pages | Inspirational Coloring Pages
Complete Coloring Books
Patterns of Nature | Inspirations | Joyful Designs
Unlike the first two, this hobby isn’t quite as mobile. But it is still very easy to work into the small spaces of time you have throughout the day. Sitting in the car line at school, while talking on the phone, or between chores or other tasks.
Another way to enjoy coloring is to use it as a sort of guided meditation. Color in complete silence or while listening to meditation-friendly music (no words, soft, soothing, etc.) and focus only on coloring. Don’t allow your mind to wander, and when it does, simply turn it back to your page and pencils. If you find meditation to be challenging, this is a great way to start.
Hobbies can be an integral part of contentment and happiness, but they can also over-complicate your life. These hobbies are easy to fit in, affordable, and have the added benefit of being great stress relief and quieting your mind.
Have you tried any of these? Which do you love? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Related posts readers enjoy:
- How to Be Happy: Five Things to Stop Doing TODAY!
- How to Tame Mental Clutter
- What to do When You Feel Like an Invisible Mom
- The First Five Things I Did for my Year of Self Care
Jessica [Havok] says
Not gonna lie, me and my mom had a coloring day on Saturday! She has one of those Enchanted Garden type coloring books…and I could never xD I love coloring, but those tiny little spaces are just too, well, tiny! I’m a crayon kind of girl, or even markers, and I like the finished result just as much as getting it done…so being able to actually finish something is important.
If you’re up to it, you should share some of these creations! I would love to see how you’ve been getting on! π
Laura says
Yay! That sounds like fun. The intricate designs aren’t for everyone, but the effect is the same if you love coloring other types of designs! π Just tagged you on Instagram (sharing one of my Zentangles! eek!).
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
I definitely read to soothe my soul. Also, I have just started (as in the last three months) running for relaxation. I never thought I would become a runner, so it was really surprising! But, I find it quite cathartic.
Laura says
Sarah – I LOVE to read too! I am truly a happier person when I am in the middle of a good book. But I don’t find it meditative like these other hobbies can be. Also, I’ve always despised running. But after baby #3 arrives this spring, I’m seriously considering giving it a good and honest try. I love walking because of the quiet and that I don’t have to think about what I’m doing (like you do with a structured exercise). So I think if I looked at running the way you do, I might learn to enjoy it!
Thanks so much for stopping by! π
Kate says
I do Zentangle and color. Haven’t tried lettering yet…plan to look into it! I’m also an intj – rare in women, and yet get it. I’ve come to see needing hobbies that are not intensive like you mention, things I can pick up and drop without consequence. I’ve also tried crochet, learning just a few basic stitches and making things that don’t matter much like wash cloths for my dishes (never good enough for gifts, yet who cares?) and simple scarves. I also do SoulCollage (Google it) and make collages without all the “rules” of SoulCollage per se.
Laura says
I’ve tried crochet too, and I actually do like it but I never stick with it long enough to make something bigger than a washcloth. I have half a blanket I started when I was pregnant with my first baby… almost 5 years ago! Another one I love is embroidery. But like crochet, it takes me a while to complete a project. I’m definitely looking into SoulCollage! Thanks for the suggestion!
PS – *Fist Bump* for female-INTJ solidarity. π
Eliza says
Great post!! I had fun reading it ? I’m right there with you on the coloring books, as well as coloring in my bullet journal! I also love doing yoga as a hobby. It’s such a flexible practice that I can do yoga for 5 minutes or 50, and I always feel better afterwards. Plus then I get to wear comfy clothes and credit them “because I did yoga this morning” ?
Laura says
Yes! Yoga is an awesome hobby. <3
Linda fox says
I paint it’s peaceful to me and I found I’m good I have Eve sold. Them but I had sage4 breast cancecit event ot my brain have bad used aches now making it a lot harder to it , make me sad but wen I can I will try again I do love it but it’s just a hobby. I enjoyed read what you wrote made me think.
Laura Bailey says
Oh Linda, I hope you can get back to painting soon! <3