Introverts are often a misunderstood bunch. Speaking as an introvert, it seems like there are a lot of misconceptions about us. A couple I can think of is that we “zone out” or “don’t like people.” Hobbies for introverts can be a fantastic way to unwind in a world full of sensory overload.
It can be hard in settings like the workplace or parties where extraversion is rewarded. The truth is extroverts, ambiverts, and introverts all have awesome things to offer!
Are You an Introvert?
But how do you know which personality type you are? It all comes down to one question: how do you restore your energy? 💫
The truth is, we all have some degree of introversion or extraversion in us. It’s just we tend to lean one way or the other. Do you feel reenergized after spending a fun day chatting with a group of people? Or do you find solace in settings with fewer stimuli, like a stroll alone in the park or watching a movie?
According to the Myers-Briggs type indicator, there are 16 personality types in total. If you’d like to learn more, you can go to the official Myers & Briggs Foundation or take their quiz. You’ll get a better breakdown of your personality this way.
There are also a lot of free quizzes online that mimic Myers-Briggs. My favorite is the one from 16 Personalities, but feel free to do a quick Google search for more.
Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, you deserve time for self-care!
It isn’t always easy finding hobbies you can stick to, especially with our hectic day-to-day scenarios. However, it’s good to have some time for yourself to wind down. This is especially true if you are introverted. I hope this list helps you start (or resume) a hobby you love. 💕
Things to Consider:
Before starting on your journey to finding your favorite hobbies, there are some things to keep in mind.
- It’s great to explore! Don’t worry if you pick something up and don’t enjoy it. Or maybe you did for a while but don’t anymore. There are endless hobbies out there and something is bound to click with you. Try out different things when you can.
- Also, there are hobbies you may have cycles with. For example, I play video games a ton for some time then forget about them for a few weeks or months!
- Hobbies don’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, many hobbies are free! Do what’s best for your situation.
- This allocated time for yourself should be a destresser, not add stress. We want this practice to bring joy!
- Figure out when are the best times and days to enjoy your hobby. Consider your work schedule and other commitments. Test out different times and days to figure out what fits naturally into your lifestyle.
A few years back, I also wrote another general post about calming hobbies that can rejuvenate you. Feel free to check out that post as well for even MORE ideas!
23 Hobbies for Introverts
1. Nature walks
There’s nothing quite as restorative as time in nature. Is there a park or forest preserve near your place? Take a nice 20 to 30-minute walk if you’re a beginner or go on a hike. Breathe in the fresh air and embrace your surroundings for a while.
It isn’t always easy to get outdoors, especially since many of us work inside. When you have free time, give yourself a relaxing day filled with the beauty of nature. In my opinion, this is one of the quintessential hobbies for introverts! Plus, it’s totally free.
2. Writing
You have so many options when it comes to writing! Full disclosure: I’m a total nerd and studied English-writing in college, but writing is a wonderful way to express yourself. You can write short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, and blog posts…the opportunities are endless. To begin, I’d recommend reading the works of other authors and see what resonates with you.
You can use some writing prompts as well. There are also many tutorials and informational books that offer good advice. The most important thing is to simply start! Don’t stress over technicality. Explore, explore, explore!
Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway
3. Doodling
Doodling or sketching is another great outlet. It helps get your creative juices flowing. And it doesn’t cost a lot of money which is a bonus.
All you need is paper…and your choice of art tools. What sounds most appealing to you? Markers, colored pencils, crayons, or maybe just a pen! Doodle whatever is on your mind or take inspiration from your surroundings. Notice what sparks your creativity.
4. Podcasts
Podcasts are another awesome hobby for introverts. First of all, there are so many genres! i.e. History, pop culture, news, horror, interviews…the list goes on and on. If you’re a regular blog reader of mine, you’ll probably know I’m going to recommend Twenty-Whatever because it feels like you’re hanging out with a group of friends. The best part? You don’t have to say anything – only listen.
A few other recommendations:
- Ologies by Alie Ward
- Scam Goddess by Laci Mosley
- Dear Hank and John by Hank and John Green
5. Photography
What better way to admire your environment than photography?
Look at the sights around you. What piques your curiosity? If you’re a visual person, taking photos is one of the best hobbies for introverts. For beginners, you can just use your phone and a free editing tool like Snapseed. If it’s in your budget and you find that you’re enjoying photo taking, you can also invest in a camera!
6. Webcomics
Reading comics in general is one of the most entertaining hobbies for introverts! Why not partake in a classic pastime and make it contemporary? I love this article from the Boston Public Library about some of the best webcomics you can read right now.
My favorite webcomic series is Check Please! by Ngozi Ukazu. One of my closest friends introduced it to me and I immediately fell in love with this wholesome story. The main protagonist, Eric Bittle, is absolutely adorable.
If you’re more of a print person, no worries! You can buy the paperback version as well.
7. Sticker by Number
Sticker By Number is fantastic because you don’t have to commit to coloring. After a long day, you can zone out for a while and make a pretty picture out of stickers. I like to do this on Fridays when I need to switch off from “work mode.” The result is always satisfying too.
There are tons of varieties of Sticker by Number books: flowers, landscapes, animals, etc. Whatever you enjoy most!
8. Making Jewelry
A super crafty hobby! If you love jewelry, why not make some? There are some cute kits that you can buy online or in craft stores like Michaels. You’ll have unique pieces that you created on your own.
You can even give them as gifts during the holidays or birthdays. I think a handmade gift is one of the best gifts you can give someone because they take time and effort. It means that person was on your mind and you wanted to do something special for them!
9. Movies
Sit back and relax on the couch with a good film! These are the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time, according to Rolling Stone. Some of my personal favorites that I recommend are Alien, Spirited Away, and Infinity War.
I’ve been on a Disney movies kick again after watching the live-action Little Mermaid (another amazing film)! My husband Alejandro and I recently watched Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Frog, and Sleeping Beauty.
10. Single-Player Sports
When thinking about sports, a lot of times we tend to imagine playing them with other people. The truth is there are a variety of single-player sports to choose from and they’re perfect hobbies for introverts.
Here are some good options:
- Running
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Bicycling
- Skateboarding
- Surfing
And check out this comprehensive list of sports you can play solo!
11. Audiobooks
Reading in general can be relaxing, especially for introverts. It’s nice being able to get away for a while and engross yourself in a story. Audiobooks are even better when your schedule is hectic and you want something on in the background!
I have been reading quite a bit lately. Right now, I am currently finishing up Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries
It’s a cute, leisurely read and reminds me of books I loved in high school. (I was in high school around the time the Twilight movie came out, so fantasy stuff was super popular.
Currently On My To-Read List:
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
12. Pet-sitting
Spending time with animals is a different form of social interaction. Truthfully, it feels a lot more judgment-free and relaxed than hanging out with humans. However, it’s a LOT of work to own a pet.
We just got our puppy Linus (like the Stardew Valley character) and it’s a huge commitment. We say he’s our kid! That’s why I put pet setting on my list as one of the hobbies for introverts. You can care for an animal for a while and then go back home.
Ask if any family member, neighbor, or friend needs a pet sitter. Speaking as a dog parent, I’m sure they’ll appreciate the break!
Had to share one of my favorite photos of Linus!
13. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness helps you to stay in the moment. It’s a wonderful skill to have and a hobby you can do at any time of the day. Even if it’s just for minutes at a time. That works perfectly! I have a full post dedicated to mindfulness with several exercises you can try.
I use the Calm app because I prefer guided meditations. I’m not the best at staying consistent with my practice, but I’ve been trying to do it more lately. It helps with my OCD and intrusive thoughts.
14. Astronomy
Stargazing is another one of the ultimate hobbies for introverts. Doesn’t lying down on the grass and looking up at the quiet night sky sound peaceful? There are so many things you can do with astronomy as a hobby. For example – books, documentaries, podcasts, going to observatories, etc.
National Geographic Astronomy Book
Telescope for Astronomy Beginners
15. Anime
I’ve been on such an anime kick lately! There are TONS of amazing animes you can get into. Warning: you’ll be hooked. I highly recommend Demon Slayer (the newest season just came out recently!) and Attack on Titan. Both shows will get you in the feels and are intense!
I also LOVE Bee and Puppycat! It’s the most adorable show and so aesthetically pleasing. I watch it when I need to unwind.
Here are some of the best anime series on Netflix right now. Enjoy!
16. Needle Felting
My friends and I all joke that we have “granny” hobbies.
One of my friends recently got into needle felting. I had to include it in this hobbies for introverts list! It seems like it’s a pretty easy hobby to learn. Plus, there are plenty of starter kits to choose from online! I love the cute little animal ones and landscapes.
17. Gaming
Gaming is one of the most classic hobbies for introverts. I feel like people tend to think we all love it! I must admit that I do – particularly cozy video games. My favorite video game of all time is Stardew Valley. (Clearly, since I named my dog after one of the characters!) If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much commitment, I recommend A Short Hike. It’s adorable!
This new game Fae Farm also looks interesting, but it’s still on pre-order. I heard about it on TikTok from a few creators!
What about if you’re looking for something technology-free? Card and board games are a solid option. I recently played a game called Sushi Go Party! with some friends and we all enjoyed it.
18. TV Series
You can’t beat finding that one show that speaks to you. Right now, I’m binge-watching The Good Place and it’s incredible. I can get quite existential, so watching it is cathartic to me. For lighthearted TV, Alejandro and I recently watched Gossip Girl, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, and The Summer I Turned Pretty. If you’re looking for recommendations, I suggest any of these series!
19. Sudoku
Alejandro and I like to crack jokes that he is THE introvert of all introverts. And what’s one of his favorite hobbies you might ask? Playing Sudoku on his phone. He uses it to decompress after a long day or to wake himself up in the morning. It’s part of his routine at this point.
You can download a Sudoku app like this one or get a physical book.
20. Herb gardening
Gardening is a great hobby, but it can be a lot of work. Having an herb garden requires less effort. You can also keep one indoors, which is convenient! These are some of the best indoor herb gardens, according to Good Housekeeping. I love that they’re all relatively affordable, with the most expensive being $124. I like the look of the “inbloom Hydroponics” one and it’s only $49!
You can plant chives, basil, mint, thyme, and much more. Check out this list for more ideas!
21. Camping
Sometimes, you just need to disconnect and enjoy the moment. That’s what camping is all about! And if you’re not a nature person, no worries. There are different types of camping: you can rent a cute Airbnb or even camp in your backyard! My friends and I used to do that a lot back when I was younger.
Just last month, my family and I stayed at Sweet Haven Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan. We rented a cottage and the place was naturistic but still cozy. It was awesome and I got to live out my cottagecore fantasies!
22. Wikipedia Deep Dive
Remember back in the day when they scolded us for using Wikipedia as a source at school? Turns out you can find a lot of useful information there and it’s a quick way to get access to what you need.
You can do a deep dive into whatever interests you. For example, I am extremely curious about space. I also enjoy learning about the history of pop culture or what’s new. Wikipedia is my BFF when I’m in one of those moods!
23. Coffee – Brewing and Latte Art!
Ahhh, coffee. One of my favorite hobbies for introverts. Social interactions can be exhausting! But coffee is always there. 😉☕ And yes, you can make coffee into a hobby! These are some creative ideas to look into.
Maybe you have an interest in brewing your own coffee. There are various techniques for brewing coffee at home. How about latte art? You can find many tools, designs, and tutorials out there. The world is your oyster!
Hobbies are all about doing what you love and making time for yourself. It’s a challenge with how busy life can be sometimes. But you deserve to do things that bring you joy. So here’s to finding your favorite hobbies!
What is your favorite hobby (or hobbies)? Do you consider yourself an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? Let me know in the comments below!
Love these ideas! I also just discovered the stickers by number and it sounds amazing! I really want to check it now ahah! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Juliette!! ✨ And you definitely should!! It’s really fun.
I love so many of these ideas! Anime is definitely my favourite right now; I’m currently watching both Demon Slayer AND Attack on Titan, as well as Black Clover, and I love them all 🥰 I’ve finished a bunch of others too, both well known and not so much – and waiting for more seasons of others that are still going to come out too. I also love reading, writing, watching other TV shows and movies, and making things (such as jewellery, just as you mentioned, but also sweets 😋). Having multiple hobbies makes life so much fun! 🙌
Wow, that’s awesome!! My husband got me into anime and I’ve been obsessed with all the shows he’s recommended to me. I’ll have to check out Black Clover. I have yet to watch that one! 😱 Looking at your list, we share a lot of the same hobbies. And yes, hobbies make your day so fulfilling.
Thank you for checking out my post! ❤️