What makes hobbies for introverts different from hobbies for extroverts? When introverts picture the perfect way to relax and have fun, they picture doing something by themselves in the comfort of their own homes. Extroverts might say they’d like to go out and hang out with friends.
Introverts can stick longer with some things that extroverts might quickly get bored with as they don’t involve other people. This is why most solo activities are relaxing for introverts and feel lonely for extroverts.
The real challenge for introverts is finding hobbies that involve other people yet don’t feel exhausting – hobbies through which you can thrive and enjoy social interaction while expanding your social circle.
Fun And Relaxing Hobbies For Introverts
For introverts, finding a new hobby isn’t a difficult task. Since you enjoy spending time on your own, you learn from an early age how to entertain yourself. Often, the problem isn’t finding what to do as much as finding enough free time to do it.
For this reason, introverts are often drawn to activities where improvement is measurable and can be done in chunks. The best hobbies for introverts are those they can do on their own, but also things that can double as social activities.
Solo Hobbies For Introverts
Even though being an introvert isn’t something rare or special (it’s estimated that 25% to 40% of the population are introverted), the world is still more fitted to extroverts and prioritizes socialization. This is why introverts can easily become overwhelmed, especially in the workplace, and they look for introvert-friendly hobbies to relax with.
The best hobbies for introverts are those that let them recharge and enjoy their alone time while doing something fun. On the other hand, getting friends or loved ones involved in any of these on occasion can provide an opportunity to casually hang out while focusing on a task.
1. Baking
Baking is the best – it really is. If you’re more of an analytical type of introvert, you’ll like it because it’s similar to a chemistry experiment – you have to be precise if you want good results. If you’re the artistic type, you’ll like it because of the creativity it allows within these constraints. And all kinds will love it because YUMMY BAKED GOODS.
2. Cooking
You can learn to cook only so that you don‘t have to be hungry when you have no food around, but it‘s much more fun to add a splash of passion to it. Cooking is a great hobby because as your skill increases, so does your enjoyment. And unlike baking, it has far fewer rules and lets you go wild once you figure out how things work with each other.
3. Learning new skills
Learning about something that interests you is fun, but there’s more to it. Every new skill you gain can prove useful in the future. Using YouTube tutorials, online courses, Udemy, or plain textbooks – there’s no shortage of materials to learn about topics you’re passionate about. Try computer programming, musical instruments, interior design, or the basics of business.
4. Journaling
Introversion sometimes makes it difficult to express your emotions out loud, so journaling is the perfect hobby to help you learn how to write them down. If you get into the habit of keeping a record of your thoughts and feelings, you’ll learn things about yourself that you never thought you would.
5. Writing
To become good at creative writing, you need to write every day, but you also have to read as much as possible. Reading enriches your vocabulary, teaches you about structure, and inspires you, and the practice of writing makes it all yours and refines your skill.
6. Watching movies
Everyone already does this anyway, so how do you turn one of the most common pastimes into a hobby? One way to do it is to stop watching random Netflix recommendations and curate a list of movies to watch. You might want to see all the classics, every movie on IMDb’s Top 100 list, or the best documentaries ever made.
7. Drawing
To start drawing, you need a pencil, a sketchpad, and an eraser. It also requires a lot of passion. Like with every skill, you get better the more you do it, but drawing is one thing that makes your progress obvious. This is why a sketchpad is preferable to loose sheets of paper: the drawing on the last page will be miles apart in quality from the one on the first page.
8. Painting
Painting is different from drawing, even though they share many similarities. Adding color makes you look at things differently. You definitely want to do it in a space that you don‘t mind messing up a bit. Get a few basic paints and brushes, find a Bob Ross tutorial on YouTube, and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty.
9. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is writing as an art form present in cultures all over the world. You can try traditional calligraphy, such as decorative Chinese or Arabic styles, or have fun with contemporary forms that can be used for all sorts of purposes, such as logos, invitations, or even font design.
10. Photography
Knowing how to capture a moment or a scene might come to you naturally, or you might need some practice – but it’s definitely possible to learn. You can use your phone camera to see if it’s the right hobby for you before you commit and splurge on a professional one.
11. Making music
Learning to play an instrument, singing, or creating your own songs are all fulfilling hobbies that let you express your feelings. There’s nothing quite like music that soothes the soul, so if you feel the need to make music in your heart, you can’t go wrong. Even if you’re just starting, it can be incredibly rewarding.
12. Listening to music
How often do you actually sit down and really appreciate your favorite music instead of having it play in the background? Even though it sounds like an everyday activity, there‘s more to listening to music than it seems. Some things to try are: check out your favorite artist’s whole discography, discover new bands and singers, or dive deep into the history of music.
13. Urban exploration
Why not try taking the time to go around your own city and explore parts and places you’ve never seen before? People usually stick to their everyday routines and rarely visit locations that aren’t part of their commute. You’ll discover beautiful and interesting things you didn’t even know were so near you.
14. Fishing
Fishing is a great choice of hobby for an introvert, especially if you like peace, quiet, and fresh air. It’s an activity that involves a lot of waiting that can be spent meditating, thinking (but hopefully not overthinking), or simply getting lost in the moment.
15. Gardening
There’s something raw yet calming about earth running between your fingers as you help new life flourish. Gardening can accompany cooking, so you have the freshest produce for your dishes, or you can grow flowers and enjoy their beauty. Having a spacious garden would be ideal, of course, but a small terrace or a windowsill will do as well.
16. Biking
Biking is incredibly fun, plain and simple. As children, we’re always excited to ride our bikes, but most people forget about them as they grow up. Biking as a hobby can be done as a structured training program, or you can simply ride your bike when you feel like it.
17. Hiking
Wherever there’s a stretch of nature, you can go hiking. A little bit of woods or an incline to conquer make it extra fun, but even if you’re just briskly walking just outside of your city, getting in touch with nature is a healing activity that promotes good mental health.
18. Walking
If you work a mostly sedentary job and getting your daily steps naturally is challenging, taking a brisk walk while listening to music or a podcast or choosing to travel somewhere on foot feels amazing. While walking wouldn’t normally be classified as a hobby, regularly setting aside time to do it and enjoy it proves otherwise.
19. Resistance training
Many people are intimidated by weightlifting and other forms of resistance training before they try it. They believe it’s for big shredded guys, but in reality, it’s essential for everyone who wants to increase their muscle mass and improve their quality of life. And because progress is measurable in a simple way, it’s easy to stay motivated and stick to it.
20. Running
When someone decides to start running, they often make the mistake of overdoing it the first time, ending up sore and giving up the next day. To avoid this, use one of the many available running apps that can help you pace yourself and quickly progress.
21. Video games
If you don’t play games at all or usually only play casual games on your phone, why not try one of the popular full-length games? Lots of games these days are multiplayer online games, but if you prefer to play on your own, there are plenty of single-player masterpieces you should try out.
22. Running a YouTube channel
If you already have an interest that you have a vast knowledge of and love talking about, making a YouTube channel dedicated to your passion could be fun. You could also try a channel where you show the whole journey of getting a new skill, or you could just express your opinions.
23. Making social media content
If YouTube videos aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of opportunities to create content. TikTok is the obvious choice, but Instagram is still going strong. The hardest part is choosing what to talk about, and the answer is: anything you’re really into. If you show your passion, you’ll draw in an audience for sure.
24. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking might seem like one of those boring hobbies like doing crosswords or crochet, but it‘s more fun than it seems, especially if you‘re sentimental and love making things pretty. Collect all the mementos and photos you have of a precious memory and get an album, decorations, and some glitter to create your work of art. They also make lovely gifts.
25. DIY
The fun thing about DIY is that it can mean anything. Whatever you can imagine, you can make with your own two hands… OK, maybe not everything, but you get the point. DIY includes decorative projects, jewelry, cosmetics, candles, and even furniture. Think about what you’d like to create, and there will definitely be a YouTube tutorial on it.
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Social Hobbies For Introverts
Withdrawing from people because too much socializing can overwhelm you is one of the things people don’t understand you are doing because you’re an introvert. This can be avoided by hanging out with someone while doing something you both enjoy.
A lot of otherwise solitary activities can also be done in small groups. This gives you a chance to focus on the activity and doesn’t put pressure on socializing or making small talk while still allowing you to enjoy the company of others.
For example, you can go hiking on your own or bring a friend. The focus of the activity is hiking instead of hanging out, so you get to connect with another person without having to spend all your energy on socialization.
Here are some low-key social hobbies – mostly things you do next to people, as opposed to being in the center of the event:
1. Board games
It takes one person 3–4 hours on average to solve a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. So if you invite a friend to join you, it will take half that time, which is perfect if you want to spend some time with friends that won’t exhaust you. Hanging out with friends while you play Jenga, Trivial Pursuit, or Scrabble is a low-pressure way to socialize and do something fun.
2. Learning a new language
Sure, you can learn a language on your own, but taking a language class makes it a far more complete experience. Interacting with other students speeds up learning and leads to a better grasp of the materials. Even online classes are useful if you prefer to learn from home.
3. Choir
If you like to sing and want a hobby that’s social yet not overwhelming, joining a choir is an amazing experience. You have to focus not only on your own singing but on the voices around you to create harmony. On the other hand, because the singing is at the center of the choir, you won’t get tired from being around people quickly.
4. Book club
Reading is a favorite among introverts because it’s a solitary hobby that you can get lost in for hours. When you combine your reading hobby with a book club, you’re able to refine your understanding of the books you read by discussing them with other people. It’s different than usual, but it’s worth trying.
5. Pottery
Creating a form from clay is deeply satisfying and easier than it seems. Because it requires equipment that can be difficult to get, taking a pottery class is ideal. The teacher guides you and gives you tips, but in the end, it’s all up to you and what you find in the clay.
6. Dancing
If you think you can’t dance, accept the challenge and prove yourself wrong. Find a style you might enjoy trying – and there are many to choose from – and give it a shot. If nothing is available, there‘s a Zumba class near you for sure.
7. Team sports
Group sports provide both fitness and a sense of being part of a team. It helps develop special connections with your teammates. Finding a club to join might prove tricky because sometimes they’re limited by age or simply unavailable. In this case, you need to think outside the box. There’s more to a team than volleyball, basketball, or baseball – check out roller derby, futsal, or ultimate frisbee.
8. Bowling
A group sport that doesn’t require any special preparation is bowling – you just get together and play. It’s a bit more of a social activity than you might be looking for because a lot of time is spent waiting your turn with other players. Still, it shouldn’t be too much. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends while doing something athletic. If you enjoy competition, you and your team can join a tournament.
9. Martial arts
Boxing classes or self-defense classes are available for everyone, but if you want to try something different, you can also try taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or krav maga. At first, you’ll practice on your own, and as you become better, you’ll spar against a teammate. As you go along, the sense of empowerment and accomplishment you get as you steadily progress can do wonders for your self-confidence.
10. Yoga
You can follow a YouTube video if you want to do yoga at home on your own, or you can take a class if you want a teacher to guide you. Yoga is beneficial for both physical and mental health. You can do it regardless of your skill level – some poses can be made easier or more challenging. It’s not only amazing for reducing stress and helping your posture, but yoga also strengthens your muscles.
11. Outdoor chess
If chess in the park is available in your city, and you love to play, don‘t miss out. Often it‘s a place where players of all skill levels come to test their competence, so you can even have a chance to play against grandmasters. You can also attend events on chess strategy to improve your game further. Aside from chess in the park, there’s also giant chess, which you should try at least once.
12. Attending workshops
Think of workshops as RL YouTube tutorials. They’re one-time classes on various topics you can attend to get a taste of what the thing you’re interested in is like. Anything you can imagine, you can probably find a workshop on if you look carefully. There are workshops for all kinds of crafts, photography lessons, computer programming, writing classes, drawing classes, and a lot more.
13. Hanging out with a pet
The best hangout buddy, right? Spend some quality time with your pet regularly, if you don’t do so already, to experience affection and friendship that heals. Can you really call this a hobby? If it’s what you enjoy doing in your leisure time, sure, why not? Depending on what kind of pet you have, you can spend quality time at home or go outside to explore.
14. Volunteering
Volunteering is fulfilling in a way that other hobbies aren’t. Apart from being a way to spend your time, helping out the people who need it in your neighborhood or at an animal shelter can give you a sense of purpose.
15. Solo travel
Solo travel isn’t for everyone. It’s quite different from traveling with someone because you have complete freedom to do what you want instead of making plans with other people. The people you meet while traveling will make your trip all the more special.
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To Wrap Up
Contrary to what some people believe, introverts aren’t shy or withdrawn, and there are as many kinds of introverts as there are extroverts – they simply prefer to focus on their internal thoughts and feelings rather than on external stimulation.
All hobbies for introverts can be done by extroverts as well. Only extroverts will get bored of them quickly unless someone else joins them. Whichever way of relating to the world you prefer, as long as you’re having fun and feeling fulfilled, you can find something interesting in this list of hobbies that you can enjoy!
