Old Fashioned Hobbies to Try This Summer
Ready to kick back and rediscover the good ol’ days? Dive into some old fashioned hobbies this summer that’ll have you feeling nostalgic and carefree.
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Old Fashioned Hobbies to Try This Summer
In today’s fast-paced world of instant gratification and constant connectivity, taking up some old-fashioned hobbies might be just what your mind and body need. See, there’s something inherently soothing about embracing the slow, deliberate pace of activities like gardening, knitting, or even letter writing.
These hobbies aren’t just about the end result; they’re about the journey, the process, the ritual of it all.
Think about it: when was the last time you truly focused on one thing without the distraction of notifications buzzing on your phone or the nagging feeling that you should be multitasking?
I literally can’t watch TV without scrolling on my phone or cooking a meal without listening to an audiobook or podcast. As someone who loves to cook, I find it sad that I can’t be in the moment of creating a dish I love.
Old fashioned hobbies force you to focus. They demand your attention, coaxing you to slow down, breathe, and immerse yourself fully in the task at hand.
And you know what? That’s good for you. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain, allowing you to recalibrate and find a sense of calm in the midst of life’s chaos.
So, whether you’re tending to your garden or simply savoring the act of putting pen to paper, don’t underestimate the power of these time-honored pursuits. They’re more than just hobbies; they’re small acts of rebellion against the relentless hustle and bustle of modern life.
And in a world that’s constantly vying for your attention, that’s something worth holding onto.
Boredom Busting Summer Hobbies for Women
Hobbies can get expensive. I tried to give a you a variety of fun things to try that don’t necessarily break the bank but some hobbies cost more than others. You can also take a low cost hobby and get carried away with the things you buy so be aware of that. Create a budget for the summer and stick with it.
- Gardening: Is it obvious? Yes! Is it still a great one? Yes! Cultivating your own vegetables, herbs, or flowers can be deeply satisfying. Gardening gets you outside in the sun and gets you moving as well. All things that are great for you. You don’t have to have a huge garden to reap the benefits. Start small with an herb garden, tea garden, or a couple of your favorite veggies.
- Reading: Dive into classic literature or explore niche genres you haven’t tried before. Make sure to read a physical book to really feel the weight of its pages in your hands, immerse yourself in the texture of its cover, and savor the satisfying sound of each turn as you journey through its story. You can swap books with friends or hit up the library to keep this hobby free.
- Letter Writing: Rediscover the art of handwritten letters to friends or family. There’s a cozy charm in sitting down with a pen and paper, letting your thoughts flow like an easy conversation. Each stroke of the pen adds a personal touch, making your message feel warm and heartfelt. So why not grab a cup of tea, find a comfy spot, and let your words wander onto the page? You never know, your letter might just brighten someone’s day in ways you never expected.
- Birdwatching: Spend time outdoors observing and identifying different bird species. You grab your binoculars, find a comfy spot, and just soak in the sights and sounds of our feathered friends. It’s chill, it’s fascinating, and honestly, it’s a great excuse to spend some quality time outdoors.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of nature, architecture, or people with a film or digital camera. Summer is full of fun sights so do your best to capture them in a new way.
- Scrapbooking: Remember scrapbooking? I tried my hand at it as a teen and I did not have the patience for it but since that’s what we’re trying to cultivate now then why not give it try, or another try if you’re like me. When you’re done you have a book full of fun photos and memories to look over again and again.
- Knitting or Crocheting: Create cozy scarves, blankets, or garments while enjoying a relaxing pastime. There are so many creative things you can make these days so look up some simple projects that catch your eye and get started.
- Cooking from Scratch: Experiment with traditional recipes or learn to ferment vegetables, or make jams. Definitely try this refrigerator jam recipe using fresh berries this summer.
- Baking: Okay, I know it can be too hot to turn on your oven in the summer but a freshly baked pie made with summer fruit is definitely worth it. Enjoy the process of making your pie crust from scratch. Then sit down to share a slice with family or friends and also enjoy the complements you receive.
- Sketching or Drawing: Practice your artistic skills by sketching landscapes, portraits, or simple doodles. You can enjoy this activity while sitting at the park or out on your patio for some great lighting and an array of ideas to sketch just by taking in your surroundings.
- Calligraphy: Master the art of beautiful handwriting with traditional pens and ink. You can turn your calligraphy into art, cards, or combine another hobby and use it to send letters to friends or family.
- Sewing: Create your own clothing, accessories, or home decor items. Sewing is not just a fun hobby but a great skill to have.
- Stargazing: Spend evenings under the stars, identifying constellations and observing celestial objects. This is something you can do on your own or with a partner.
- Tea Blending: Mix and match different teas, herbs, and spices, creating custom blends that are totally unique to your taste buds. There’s nothing like sitting down and enjoying a cup of tea but now you get to find comfort in the making process as well.
- Board Games: Gather friends or family for game nights featuring classic board games like Scrabble, Chess, or Monopoly. Or start playing some old school card games like Gin Rummy, Hearts, or Crazy Eights. Don’t forget, solitaire can be a ton of fun when you need to play in your own.
- Puzzles: Whether you’re piecing together a thousand-piece masterpiece or just tackling a cozy jigsaw by the fireplace, puzzles challenge your brain and help you unwind at the same time. There are so many themes and styles when it comes to puzzles so find what you like and get started.
- Needle Point: It’s a relaxing hobby that lets you get creative while also giving you something tangible to show for your efforts—a gorgeous piece of handmade art that you can proudly display or give as a thoughtful gift. Plus, there’s something oddly therapeutic about the rhythmic motion of stitching, like a mini meditation session that also happens to result in a beautiful finished product.
- Foraging: Imagine wandering through forests, fields, or even your local park, discovering delicious and nutritious foods just waiting to be plucked from the earth. From wild berries and mushrooms to edible greens and herbs, foraging opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, connecting you more deeply with the natural world and the food on your plate. Just make sure you are foraging responsibly and really learn what you are doing.
- Beekeeping: Start your own hive and learn about the fascinating world of bees and honey production. Not only is beekeeping a fascinating hobby that allows you to learn more about these incredible creatures and their vital role in our ecosystem, but it’s also a way to connect more deeply with nature and promote biodiversity in your own backyard.
- Storytelling: My husband and I recently went to a friendly story night competition where participants had five minutes to tell their best story. It was so entertaining and it got us thinking what stories from our lives are worth sharing. Why not have your own story telling night one summer evening? You could even look for, or start, a storytelling group so you can hone your stories and storytelling skills with the help of others.
- Candle Making: Create custom candles using different waxes, scents, and molds. Learn to create your own soy candles and give them as gifts or use them up around your home to create a cozy atmosphere.
- Genealogy: Research your family history and create a family tree to preserve your heritage. You can also collect stories from ancestors before they pass on and your family stories disappear for ever.
- Metal Detecting: Picture yourself scouring beaches, fields, or even old homesteads, listening for that telltale beep that signals the presence of buried treasure. Not only is metal detecting a thrilling hobby that allows you to uncover relics of the past and unearth hidden treasures, but it’s also a way to connect more deeply with history and the world around you.
- Bicycling: Take leisurely rides through scenic routes or explore your city on two wheels. Take advantage of summer weather and go on daily bike rides for the fresh air, exercise and the fun it.
- Journaling: Get yourself a cute journal and start writing about all the things you get up to this summer. You can write about your adventures, movie nights, the sights and feels of summer weather, and the new hobbies you started.
Timeless Hobbies To Help You Slow Down
These old fashioned hobbies offer a mix of creativity, relaxation, and exploration, perfect for making the most of your summer days. Remember, these old fashioned hobbies give you a chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with the simple pleasures of life.
These timeless pastimes not only provide a welcome escape from the busyness of modern life but also offer a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that’s hard to find elsewhere.
So why not step back in time and give one of these classic hobbies a try? You might just discover a new passion that brings joy, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of everyday moments.
After all, in a world that’s always changing, sometimes the best way to move forward is by taking a step back.
Do you have a hobby that you consider old fashioned? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
