'Grandma' Hobbies: The Key to Slow Living & Self-Care

In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become a part of daily life. People are always rushing from one task to another, spending hours on screens, and struggling to find time for self-care. But what if the secret to better mental well-being is hidden in the past?


Recently, traditional hobbies, often called "grandma hobbies," have been making a comeback. Knitting, baking, gardening, embroidery, and other old-fashioned activities are no longer just for older generations. More and more young people are turning to these simple yet fulfilling pastimes to slow down, relax, and find joy in everyday moments.


These hobbies offer more than just a creative outlet—they help reduce stress, improve focus, and bring a sense of accomplishment. In this blog, we'll explore why "grandma hobbies" are gaining popularity and how you can incorporate them into your life for better mental health.

What Are 'Grandma' Hobbies?

The term "grandma hobbies" refers to traditional, hands-on activities that were once common in past generations. Many of these hobbies require patience, creativity, and attention to detail. 


Some popular examples include:


- Knitting & Crocheting – Creating scarves, blankets, and clothing with yarn and needles.

- Baking & Preserving Foods – Making bread, pies, jams, and pickles from scratch.

- Gardening & Houseplant Care – Growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs at home.

- Embroidery & Sewing – Decorating fabric with needlework or making handmade clothes.

- Handwritten Letters & Calligraphy – Practicing the lost art of letter writing with beautiful handwriting.

- Quilting & Patchwork – Sewing together pieces of fabric to create blankets and other textiles.

- Soap & Candle Making – Crafting natural soaps and candles with essential oils and herbs.


These activities may seem simple, but they bring deep satisfaction and benefits to mental well-being.

Gardening

The Connection Between Traditional Hobbies and Mental Wellness

Many modern self-care routines focus on relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity—qualities that "grandma hobbies" naturally encourage. Here’s how they benefit mental well-being:


Mindfulness & Stress Reduction

Engaging in slow, repetitive tasks like knitting or embroidery helps calm the mind. These activities require focus, allowing you to live in the present moment and practice mindfulness, reducing anxiety and stress levels. For example, knitting involves counting stitches and following patterns, which keeps your mind engaged while providing a soothing effect. Similarly, embroidery requires careful stitching, helping to slow down racing thoughts and promote relaxation.


Creativity & Self-Expression

Creative hobbies, such as sewing and baking, allow you to express yourself through colors, textures, and flavors. This sense of self-expression can improve mood and boost confidence. For instance, baking is not just about following a recipe—it’s an opportunity to experiment with new flavors, try different decorations, and share homemade treats with loved ones. Quilting allows you to blend different fabrics into unique patterns that reflect your personality.


Sense of Accomplishment

Unlike fast-paced digital tasks, traditional hobbies take time and effort. Completing a handmade scarf, a home-baked loaf of bread, or a thriving garden provides a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. Gardening, for example, involves nurturing plants from seeds to full bloom, which requires patience and care. Watching a flower bloom or harvesting fresh vegetables from your own garden brings a sense of achievement that digital activities often lack.


Social Connection

Many of these hobbies have strong community ties. People share knitting patterns, exchange gardening tips, or bake for friends and family. Engaging in these hobbies helps build social connections, which are essential for mental health. For instance, knitting circles and quilting groups provide opportunities to bond over shared interests. Baking homemade treats for friends or volunteering to sew for charity creates a sense of purpose and belonging.


Reducing Screen Time

In today’s digital world, we spend hours on screens, leading to mental fatigue. "Grandma hobbies" encourage offline activities that allow for relaxation without digital distractions. Instead of scrolling through social media, you can engage in candle-making, where the process of melting wax, mixing scents, and creating beautiful candles becomes a peaceful escape from technology.

How to Start Your Own 'Grandma' Hobby

If you're interested in trying one of these traditional hobbies, here’s how to start:


Step 1: Choose a Hobby That Excites You

Think about what interests you the most. Do you enjoy working with your hands? Try knitting or embroidery. Love food? Start baking or fermenting vegetables. Want to connect with nature? Gardening might be perfect for you.


Step 2: Gather Basic Supplies

Most hobbies require only a few basic tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Knitting – Yarn, knitting needles, and a beginner’s guide.
  • Baking – Flour, sugar, eggs, and a few good recipes.
  • Gardening – Seeds, soil, and small pots (if you don’t have a yard).
  • Embroidery – Fabric, embroidery floss, and needles.
  • Letter Writing – Beautiful stationery and a pen.

Step 3: Learn from Online Resources

Thanks to the internet, you can learn any hobby at home. Check out YouTube tutorials, blogs, and online courses for step-by-step guidance.


Step 4: Set Aside Time to Practice

Make your hobby a part of your routine. Even 15-30 minutes a day can bring relaxation and joy.


Step 5: Join a Community

Find online groups or local clubs where people share your interest. This helps you stay motivated and make new friends.


Thinking of Candle Making?

If candle making sparks your interest, I’d love to help! On my YouTube channel, I share free videos on how to start, what supplies you need, and how to create beautiful, natural candles at home. You can also follow me on social media, where I share more about the calming process of candle making. It’s a wonderful hobby that combines creativity, aromatherapy, and relaxation. Check it out and start your candle-making journey today!

Incorporating 'Grandma' Hobbies into a Slow Living Lifestyle

Slow living is about appreciating the present moment and enjoying the simple things in life. By incorporating traditional hobbies into your daily routine, you create space for mindfulness and relaxation.


Here’s how to fully embrace slow living through these hobbies:

  • Create a dedicated space – Set up a cozy corner for your hobby with soft lighting, relaxing music, and comfortable seating.
  • Practice mindful engagement – Focus on the process rather than the outcome. Enjoy the feel of yarn while knitting, the scent of fresh bread while baking, or the soil between your fingers while gardening.
  • Incorporate nature – Spend time gardening or crafting with natural materials like dried flowers, beeswax, and essential oils.
  • Slow down your schedule – Make time for hobbies without rushing. Enjoy each step and appreciate the learning process.
  • Use handmade creations in daily life – Cook homemade meals, wear hand-knitted scarves, and light handcrafted candles to make slow living a lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating traditional hobbies into your life can be a powerful way to improve mental well-being. These activities encourage mindfulness, creativity, and relaxation while helping you connect with others and reduce screen time.


If you're feeling overwhelmed by modern life, why not try a "grandma hobby"? Whether it's knitting a cozy scarf, baking your own bread, or tending to a small garden, these simple joys can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment.


So, which hobby will you start? Let us know in the comments!

I’m Elena, the heart and hands behind Bedition Candle Co.! I created this brand to bring you a wellness experience with every candle and wax melt we make. Using non-toxic materials and mood-lifting scents, each product is crafted to either boost your energy or help you unwind and cozy up in total relaxation.

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