Let's Bring Back Grandma Hobbies

This week, I was listening to a podcast about the rise of the trad wife. While the episode dove deep into the reasons for women wanting to go ‘back in time,’ it made me think of the things that make that sort of lifestyle appealing. My conclusion – it’s all about the hobbies.

In a world where our lives are consumed by social media, where we make sure our to-do lists are packed to the brim, and where we are glued to a screen for hours on end, it is easy to forget the beauty of hobbies. Especially those that allow you to unplug from the world around you. What if, instead of keeping up with the rapid life of the 21st century, we looked to the past for inspiration?

I am a self-declared lover of “grandma hobbies.” Timeless activities that help you wind down and disconnect from life are making a comeback. After all, slowing down and letting my creativity flow through my hobbies seems to be one of the best ways to let my stress out. Here are some of my favorite “grandma hobbies” and why I love them.

Knitting and Crocheting

Something about turning a ball of yarn into a functional object makes me feel proud of myself. My grandma taught me to crochet when I was young, and I picked it back up during the pandemic. And while I do know how to knit, crochet is what stuck. Whether you’re making a hat, a stuffed animal or a blanket, making something with your hands is a great way to occupy yourself and clear your brain. Plus, your creations make great gifts for friends and family.

Interested? Check out this video to get ideas for beginner crochet projects.

Cooking and Baking

Growing up, I despised cooking. But when I came to college, I realized that food is a great way to bring people together. One of my favorite things to do last year was to invite my soccer team to my house for dinner before a big game. With a pot of spaghetti on the stove, we would pile up in the living room to make memories that last a lifetime.

Sewing

While some of my friends have taken up sewing as a full-time hobby, I see it more as a good skill to have. Knowing how to sew by hand – even if it’s as simple as re-attaching a button to your favorite sweater – can teach you patience and attention to detail. In the future, I hope to put my sewing machine to better use and use it as a creative outlet.

Gardening

A few years ago, my sister made it her mission to keep my great grandma’s garden alive. Ever since then I have enjoyed seeing the products of her hard work after every harvest. ?Some of my favorite memories with my family have been digging up potatoes or shucking corn, complaining about the heat. Gardening is a great way to connect with nature and see the physical products of your hard work.

Writing Letters

When you receive a hand-written letter, how do you feel? I bet that you find it more sentimental than a text or a phone call. Sitting down to write a letter to a loved one is something I find immense joy in. Slowing down and writing my thoughts often makes my words more meaningful than they would be in a quick text.

Hobbies are the best way to calm down and find joy in life. While technology has its benefits, it is now in everything that we do. Sometimes, you need to disconnect from the digital world and do something that makes you feel accomplished and creative. “Grandma hobbies” are more than just pastimes, they are forms of self-care and creativity that make you feel better than you might think.

I’m not saying that becoming a trad wife is the answer to your problems. But head over to your favorite craft store and pick up some yarn or a needle and thread. Learn something new and let me know how you feel. It’s time for young people to bring back grandma hobbies.