Low-cost relaxing hobbies to take up this winter

When the days get colder and the nights get darker, motivating ourselves can be difficult.

Summer nights in beer gardens, BBQs and sunset walks along the beach are a distant memory, and we need new activities to help us get through the tougher months.

‘Hobbies are important for maintaining our mental health and wellbeing, and so is having things in the diary to look forward to,’ says Jo Jessop-Maloney, a wellbeing advocate, content creator and coach. 

‘Having a regular hobby ensures we have some time scheduled for things we enjoy. But in winter, when it’s cold outside, and our budgets are tighter than ever, it can be hard to commit.’

So, with lots of people staying in rather than going out to save money, we’ve gathered some low-cost yet relaxing hobbies to take up this winter:

Art classes

‘Arts and crafts are the perfect type of hobbies to do during winter,’ Jo tells Metro.co.uk.

‘I took up painting during lockdown, and it has been fabulous as it allows me to practice mindfulness.’

Jo also suggests taking classes to learn a new skill as well as to make new friends.

‘There are also many get-togethers – a knit and natter class, life drawing classes, watercolour classes, woodwork classes, clay painting.

‘These classes not only allow you time to explore a new craft but also give you time to connect with others. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression and help us regulate our emotions.’

Punch needle

You could channel your inner Tom Daley and teach yourself how to knit.

Not only is it a relaxing hobby that really engages your brain and hands, but it’s also super practical – if you become good enough, you can knit or crochet Christmas presents for your loved ones.

However, knitting isn’t for everyone.

Natalie Arney, an SEO consultant, struggles with knitting and crochet, despite being taught. Instead she took up punch needle – a form of embroidery that’s also related to rug hooking.

‘It’s very relaxing, but it can also be a great stress relief after an intense day, and my deigns make great gifts and home decor,’ she adds.

Paint-by-numbers and embroidery kits are also easy but calming options.

Cross stitch

Cross stitch is a form of sewing and counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to create a design.

‘My cross stitching really became a big thing in lockdown, and it’s grown from there,’ says Metro.co.uk’s senior lifestyle reporter, Lizzie Thomson.

‘I enjoy finding patterns on Pinterest and copying them or making them my own. It’s a great way to spend winter evenings at home, and I’ve found it really helps for mindfulness as you focus solely on your pattern for a few hours. 

‘It’s also a cheaper hobby – you just need cross stich fabric, or any fabric, then some coloured threads and a hoop. 

‘You can buy lots in bulk from Amazon/Hobbycraft and, once you have a set going, you’ll be set for a while.

‘It’s also a great low-cost gift idea for friends and family.’

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Cosy gaming

‘There’s a big trend at the moment for “cosy” games since it exploded on TikTok,’ Natalie explains.

The trend involves people playing comforting games, typically on their Nintendo Switch, while being wrapped up and cosy in the comfort of their bedroom.

‘I love snuggling up with a blanket, a cup of tea, some snacks and my Switch. Of course, Animal Crossing is a good cosy game, but I also love Kirby and the Forgotten Land,’ Natalie adds.

‘I also love a good puzzle, and there are some great designs. My favourites are from Aldi and Big Potato Games.’

Set up a book club

Winter is the perfect time to settle down with a nice book and a warm drink.

‘My friends and I also swap books (an informal book club if you like), and there is no better feeling than cosying up reading a book, with a hot drink and candle burning while it’s raining outside,’ Jo says. 

‘You could also visit your local library and explore what books they have on offer. 

‘If you’re not a reader, maybe take time this winter to find a podcast that you enjoy – there’s so many out there with different genres from comedy to crime investigations.’

Seasonal baking

With Halloween, Bonfire Night, Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start making some sweet treats.

‘Although I have been living in London for over 15 years, as a Brazilian, winters are particularly challenging,’ Marcio Delgado, a 41-year-old London-based Brazilian journalist, tells Metro.co.uk. 

‘But over time, I realised that the best and most relaxing thing to do when the weather outside isn’t so friendly is to bake cakes and bread. 

‘It is a perfect excuse to invite people over to share it with. Besides, baking keeps the house warm, and it also gets rid of the damp smell that comes with the winter months.’

It’s a win-win.

Have a movie marathon

When the weather is not good, and you don’t want to go outside, it’s the perfect time to catch up on shows or movies you may have missed over the summer. 

If you don’t like watching new shows or films, then it’s just a great excuse to re-watch all your favourites.

Out the house

Outdoor swimming

It’s not for everyone.

‘I love swimming outside in the colder months, sometimes in the sea, otherwise there’s an outdoor pool at my gym which I joined for that very reason,’ says Natalie Trice from Devon Trice Public Relations.

‘While it’s a bit brisk getting in, I love swimming outdoors and letting the water take away my stress and worry, plus I often swim alone as not that many people swim outside if the weather isn’t preferable.’

Or if you are like transformation and success coach Meera Shah, you could swim in a heated pool instead.

‘It’s the most incredible winter hobby,’ she says. ‘It gets your body warm and relaxed, and in winter, when most of us have constricted bodies due to the cold, this just opens up everything and calms you.’

Choir 

‘I joined a choir in January and love it,’ says Natalie. ‘It has helped my confidence, is a great stress relief and gives me something to look forward to each week.’

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