Life moves fast—but your passions don’t have to take a back seat. Whether you’re craving a creative outlet, a new way to move your body, or a mental reset from screen time, picking up a hobby could be exactly what you need.
In fact, in a recent study from Harvard Health show that hobbies are linked to reduced stress, improved mental health, and higher overall life satisfaction.
Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 5 new hobbies you should try this summer, each one offering its own mix of joy, creativity, and challenge. From the calming rhythm of quilting to the adrenaline of running, these activities are easy to begin and endlessly rewarding. Plus, we’ve included expert-recommended tools and must-have gear to help you get started with confidence.
1. Quilting: Create, Relax, and Leave a Legacy
The art of quilting is having a moment—and for good reason. Whether you're piecing together a memory quilt from T-shirts or designing bold, modern block patterns, quilting offers the perfect balance of creativity and calm.
Why Try Quilting?
- Stress relief through repetition: The rhythmic nature of quilting is deeply meditative.
- Creative expression: Play with prints, colors, and patterns.
- Legacy-making: Make handmade gifts or keepsakes that tell a story.
- Community: Join quilting circles or online forums to share ideas and inspiration.
Must-Have Tool:
A good iron is every quilter’s secret weapon. This lightweight Panasonic 1400W Cordless Steam/Dry Iron glides effortlessly thanks to its wide ceramic soleplate and powerful steam output. It heats up quickly, shuts off automatically, and comes with a carrying case—making it ideal for quilting meetups or retreats.
Beginner Tip:
Start with a small project like a pillow cover or placemat. Use charm packs (pre-cut fabric squares) and follow easy YouTube tutorials for block patterns like “Log Cabin” or “Four Patch.” A print book is always a great resource, and we love this one.
⭐️ Extra Credit:
Quilting has a rich and vibrant history, especially in African American and Indigenous communities. Explore the powerful textile storytelling of modern artists like Bisa Butler to discover how quilting can be fine art, activism, and heritage.
2. Photography: See the World Through a New Lens
Photography isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to train your eye, slow down, and fall in love with the details of everyday life. Whether you're documenting travel, family, or daily stillness, you’ll start noticing light, texture, and movement in a whole new way.
Why Try Photography?
- Boosts mindfulness: Focus on framing, light, and timing.
- Learn new skills: Master manual settings, editing, and storytelling.
- Preserve memories: From big adventures to everyday magic.
- Builds confidence: You’ll see your growth with every frame.
- Room to grow: Many cameras also have video capabilities if you want to branch out and get started in content creation.
Game-Changing Gear:
This ultra-portable LUMIX S9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera is perfect for creators. With real-time LUT previews (think Instagram filters, but smarter), 6K video, and effortless mobile editing, the LUMIX S9 gives you pro-level results with intuitive controls and a sleek design.
Beginner Tip:
Learn the photography triangle—ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Try shooting one photo a day for a month to build consistency.
⭐️ Extra Credit:
Explore YouTube for visual inspiration by watching a variety of creators. Whether it's cinematic travel films, street photography vlogs, or creative storytelling, platforms like YouTube offer a wealth of unique styles and perspectives.
3. Running: Feel Better, Go Farther, Clear Your Head
Running is one of the most freeing and empowering hobbies you can take up. Whether you're logging your first mile or training for a 5K, this hobby builds stamina, reduces stress, and delivers an undeniable runner’s high.
Why Running Is Worth It:
- Mental clarity + cardio: Great for body and mind.
- Simple start: All you need are sneakers.
- Scalable goals: Go from walk-jog to marathon.
- Community: Join a local run club or fitness app.
How to Start:
Join a neighborhood run club—many local stores like Fleet Feet host beginner-friendly weekly meetups. Or track your progress with the Strava app to compete with friends and stay motivated. Plug in your favorite playlist and wear your Technics AZ100 Earbuds to keep your energy up and your pace strong.
Beginner Tip:
Don’t overdo it at the start. Try a walk-run program (like Couch to 5k) and gradually increase your running intervals. Get fitted for proper running shoes to help prevent injury.
⭐️ Extra Credit:
Grab a friend and sign up for a fun run or themed 5K. Even if you're not fast, the community energy and finish line thrill are worth it.
4. Fitness Classes: Move with Intention
Group fitness is perfect if you want structure, variety, and built-in motivation. Whether you're into yoga, strength, or cardio dance, workout classes deliver the energy of a personal trainer and the community of a team.
Why Workout Classes Rock:
- Motivation built-in: You just show up.
- Safe and guided: Instructors help with form and pacing.
- Variety: Never get bored—try something new weekly.
- Visible progress: Strength, flexibility, endurance—all measurable.
Class Types to Explore:
- Yoga & Pilates: Ideal for flexibility and stress relief.
- HIIT: Short, intense bursts of effort—great for fat-burning.
- Dance Cardio: Like Zumba or The Class—fun and freeing.
- Strength Training: Use weights to build lean muscle.
Try a ClassPass membership to explore local studios, or check out Peloton, Alo Moves, or YouTube for at-home sessions.
Beginner Tip:
Try just one class a week and commit to showing up. Don’t worry about keeping up—consistency builds confidence.
⭐️ Extra Credit:
Track your effort and recovery with a wearable like the Apple Watch, Garmin, or Oura Ring. Seeing metrics like heart rate, steps, and sleep can keep you motivated.
5. Creative Journaling or Collage Art: Express Without Pressure
Looking for a low-stakes way to unwind and get creative? Try journaling or collage art. With no rules and no right way to do it, you can play with colors, textures, and thoughts in a space that’s entirely your own.
Why This Hobby Is Worth It:
- No pressure, all expression: Let go of perfection.
- Mindful and grounding: Like meditation, but with scissors.
- Low-cost: Use what you have.
- Portable: Your journal goes where you go.
What You’ll Need:
- A blank journal or sketchbook
- Glue stick or washi tape
- Markers, pens, magazine clippings
- Fabric scraps, stickers, receipts—anything with meaning
Beginner Tip:
Don’t overthink. Start by writing a few lines about your day and collaging around it with colors or textures that match your mood.
⭐️ Extra Credit:
Print your photos from your LUMIX S9 or add quilting scraps for a multimedia page.
Your Hobby = Your Self-Care
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try something new, this is it. These 5 new hobbies you should try aren’t just passing fads—they’re powerful ways to reconnect with yourself, your community, and your creativity.
Whether you’re pressing patchwork seams, chasing golden hour light, lacing up your sneakers, or dancing it out in a fitness class, remember: you don’t have to be perfect to get started. You just have to start.
So go ahead. Quilt something. Photograph something. Run a block. Write a page.
Your next favorite thing is within reach.
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Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, August 1). Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being
