"There is no quote I relate to more than Sylvia Plath’s fig tree passage from The Bell Jar. It’s long, so I’ll paraphrase: The main character, Esther, imagines sitting under a fig tree, with each fruit representing a different future she could live. In one, she’s married to a husband; in another, she’s an Olympic crew champion. But because of her indecisiveness, her imagined self just sits under the tree, starving, unable to choose. This is exactly how I feel when I try to pick up a new hobby. I want to try so many that I become completely paralyzed by the options. I’ll buy a guitar and vow to sign up for lessons, only to let it collect dust after watching one YouTube tutorial. I’ll purchase a tennis racket and an adorable court-approved outfit to match, just to hit balls once and realize I really don’t have the hand-eye coordination to make it work.
Despite my lack of follow-through, dabbling in different hobbies can actually be a good thing. It creates variety in your life, helps prevent burnout, and is just more fun than doing the same thing over and over. So my problem isn’t wanting to try different things—it’s that the hobbies I choose often have large barriers to entry or require specialized skills. So, instead of attempting to soft-launch a music career, I’m turning to these easy hobbies to pick up that are perfect for dabbling.
1. Take up watercoloring
Trust me, I’ve bought the canvases and oil paint sets from Michaels, and not only is it expensive, but I never actually get around to creating my masterpiece. Watercolor takes up less space in your craft cabinet, is cheaper, and makes less of a mess. Plus, it’s pretty much impossible to mess up.
2. Try writing
If you’re not a journaler, the idea of writing can sound a little intimidating. But you don’t have to write the next great American novel (although, who knows—maybe you will!). You can start by making a bullet-point list of things you’re grateful for, jotting down a stream-of-consciousness brain dump, or using a creative journal prompt. Once you get into a routine, you’ll start looking forward to your daily journal sessions. You probably already have a notebook lying around unused, or you can just use the notes app on your phone. And if you get bored a few weeks in, no sweat.
3. Read a new book
If there is one constant hobby in my life, it’s reading. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a book out there for you. When the feminine urge to try everything hits especially hard, you can just read a book about the life you’re daydreaming about. If you struggle to get through physical books, audiobooks are a great alternative.
4. Play pickleball
I know real athletes love to hate on pickleball, but while they may think it’s inferior because it’s easier, that’s exactly why it’s perfect for a serial hobbyist. Compared to tennis, it’s far more manageable for us less-coordinated folks and overall a lot more casual. It can be as social or as competitive as you want, so you can switch up the experience depending on your mood.
5. Learn calligraphy
Handwritten cards are a lost art, and whenever I mail one, I’m appalled at the chicken scratch I call handwriting. So one of my most recent purchases is a calligraphy workbook. You can sit down and practice while watching TV or listening to a podcast, making it an easy skill to learn without requiring hours of undivided focus.
6. Try a YouTube workout video
One of my biggest qualms with workout studios is that after a few months of classes in strictly one format, I usually get bored and want to try something new. This is exactly why I love YouTube workout videos. There are millions of different classes, you don’t need a ton of equipment, and you won’t get charged a late cancellation fee if you aren’t feeling it. It’s the ultimate secret to becoming a Pilates princess without breaking the bank.
7. Complete a puzzle
The great thing about puzzles is that they have a clear beginning and end, which is perfect if you’re juggling a ton of different interests. Once you complete one, you get a satisfying sense of accomplishment and can put it away until the itch to puzzle strikes again. Plus, there are so many adorable puzzles out there that you can even frame as decor. That way, you’ll have a visible reminder of a finished project to inspire you.
8. Go hiking
I love a hot girl walk as much as the next girl, but trading your usual neighborhood route for hiking trails near you can take your daily jaunt to the next level. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots. Before you know it, you’ll be searching for the most challenging trails available.
9. Sharpen your cooking skills
Cooking can be as simple as making homemade mac and cheese or as elaborate as a three-course meal. You likely already have the equipment you need in your kitchen, so with just a trip to the grocery store, you’ll be ready to get cooking or baking. It’s one of those easy hobbies you can pick up when you get bored without feeling guilty every time you see the supplies collecting dust.
10. Try cross stitching
If you always have fidgety hands, cross-stitching is the hobby for you. You don’t need expert art skills, just a few basic supplies. It’s beginner-friendly, and all you need to learn is a simple stitch.
11. Learn a new language
The chances of staying dedicated until you’re fluent might be slim, but if you’re a frequent traveler, it’s always beneficial to have a few phrases in your back pocket for the next time you jet off to a different country. Download Duolingo, and whenever you feel like doing something other than scrolling Instagram, take five minutes to complete a daily lesson.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.