10 Apps and Websites to Help You Pick Up a New Hobby

Whether you love knitting, dancing, hiking, or simply listening to music, a hobby is a purposeful activity that can bring joy to your life.

Below are a couple of fun and enriching hobbies that can boost your mood.

1. Hiking | Gaia GPS

Sure, you can take a walk around the neighborhood, but immersing yourself in nature is so much better for your physical and mental health. According to an article in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, spending time outdoors can lower the risk of depression.

There are some awesome apps available to improve your hiking experience, such as Gaia GPS. You can use the Gaia app to easily find nearby breathtaking trails and picturesque camping areas. If you’re interested in trying out a trail, make sure you check its length, rating, and difficulty level first.

Download: Gaia GPS for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

2. Doing Jigsaw Puzzles | Jigsaw Explorer

If you’d prefer to keep your hobby indoors, doing jigsaw puzzles could be the perfect activity for you. Puzzles can keep your mind sharp, boost your concentration and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Instead of buying a puzzle at the store, save your time and money by piecing together an online puzzle. The Jigsaw Explorer website features hundreds of beautiful puzzles with categories ranging from mythical creatures to technology and transportation.

3. Listening to Music | Tidal

Listening to music isn’t the most exhilarating hobby, but it is incredibly enjoyable and relaxing with plenty of positive benefits. The power of music can even treat mental illness, according to an article from ScienceDirect.

The Tidal app offers music from all your favorite artists. It even suggests new artists and songs that you might like, based on what you usually listen to.

Download: Tidal for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

4. Drawing and Painting | Aggie

The act of drawing or painting to create imaginary worlds isn’t just for children; anyone can take pleasure in creating something. In fact, painting and drawing can improve your memory and release built-up stress.

Aggie is an online drawing and painting tool where you can bring your dreams to life and create a unique masterpiece, but it’s more than that. Aggie allows you to draw a picture together with your loved ones. Simply share the link and unleash your inner Picasso.

5. Mind-Body Exercising | Down Dog Yoga

Yoga is a fun hobby that can keep you strong, fit, and toned at the same time. Additionally, because yoga is a mind-body exercise, it can also positively impact your general health and wellness, according to research found in The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

There is a collection of Down Dog fitness apps available, including the Yoga app, which is perfect if you’re a novice. This yoga app provides endless classes with the freedom to customize essentially everything, including the pace, voice guide, music, style of yoga, and so much more.

Download: Down Dog Yoga for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

6. Journaling | Journey

As a hobby, journaling can be a relaxing way to jot down your thoughts. However, it can also be turned into a habit that is highly effective. As a hobby, journaling can have a positive impact on your wellness, and if you don’t like writing, try typing!

Journey is a safe online space to store your journal entries as well as your photos, maps, calendar, thoughts, and emotions. Journey works as a mobile app as well, so you can keep track of your daily journal entries wherever you are.

7. Dog Walking | Paway

Why not share your new hobby with your four-legged friend? Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to enjoy time outside in nature and spend quality time with your pet. Plus, an article in the National Library of Medicine says dog walking can promote physical activity and improve your health.

To make your dog walking hobby more fun, be sure to use an app like Paway. The Paway app includes monthly dog walk challenges, neighborhood safety alerts, and the ability to track your daily walking routes. Overall, Paway is the ultimate app for dog lovers.

Download: Paway for iOS | Android (Free)

8. Knitting | Knitting Genius

Unexpectedly, knitting isn’t merely a hobby that older adults enjoy. Everyone can benefit from knitting, young or old, as it reduces stress and keeps your mind sharp. Knitting Genius is one of the best beginner knitting apps to help you on your knitting journey.

Whether you’re a knitting fanatic or a complete beginner, Knitting Genius can help you create wonderful items in no time. Learn all the basic knitting techniques and stitches by watching the video tutorials. Otherwise, track your knitting projects and progress and earn badges along the way.

Download: Knitting Genius for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

9. Creative Writing | Calmly Writer

Writing helps you unleash your creativity, and it can eliminate stress. Furthermore, it’s a skill that many people have.

All you need to express yourself is a pen and paper. Alternatively, you can write online using something like Calmly Writer. Whether you’re writing songs, stories, poems, or plays, Calmly Writer is a distraction-free place to just write. The Calmly Writer application is available for download, or you can use it directly from your browser.

10. Doing DIY Projects | HGTV Handmade

If you can’t decide on a specific new hobby to take on, have a go at doing a DIY project. Completing a project with your own two hands gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Moreover, there are endless projects out there, so there’s no chance you’ll ever get bored.

HGTV Handmade is the perfect place to find new crafting and DIY projects every week. There are ideas for newbies and professionals alike, from room decor, organization hacks, and paint projects to retro crafts, DIY lighting, and gift ideas. On the HGTV Handmade YouTube channel, you’re sure to find a DIY project that inspires your creativity.

Find a Hobby to Boost Your Mood

Taking on a new hobby gives you a fresh way to entertain yourself, but it can also improve your mood, mental health, and overall wellness.

It’s possible to engage in a variety of hobbies, from hiking and dog walking to drawing and creative writing. What matters most is that you’re doing something that you’re passionate about and adds value to your life.