hibernation hobbies

With the colder months fast approaching, we are entering into cozy hibernation season. During this time, when most of us are spending a greater amount of our time indoors, we naturally turn to our favourite cozy indoor hobbies. Hobbies are important because not only do they allow us to creatively recharge, but research shows that hobbies reduce stress, protect your brain as you age, lower blood pressure, and can even slow cellular aging (Coronel-Oliveros et al., 2025). The colder months bring an invitation to us to slow down and embrace our favourite cozy, creative, and comfortable activities. If you currently don’t have a hobby/hobbies, here are a few of my go-to hibernation hobbies:

1.) Go to the theater, visit a museum or art gallery, see a performance and be immersed in the performing arts
2.) Listen to a favourite podcast or audiobook (one of my favourites is The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos)
3.) Romanticize your life ~ this is the act of paying attention, being present, and acknowledging and appreciating the small, simple (but when put all together, important) parts of your life. It’s its own form of mindfulness that helps us to look at life with gratitude. One of my favourite cinematographers, Louie Schwartzberg, and his still life photography is a great reminder to slow down and notice the little things so we don’t take them for granted
4.) Do an activity you loved as a kid ~ maybe this is colouring, crafting, writing, reading….
5.) Learn a new piece of music on an instrument you love playing (or, learn a musical instrument you've always wanted to try)
6.) Cook/Bake a favorite recipe, or try a new one! I recently made this recipe for the first time and it was the perfect cozy Fall dinner: https://www.thekitchn.com/butternut-squash-risotto-265945
7.) Take a dance class. Move your body and learn something new all at once or dance at home. Dance around your living room, or have a dance party with your roommate(s), partner, or even your pets
8.) Go to bed consistently and have a morning and night routine. Sleep helps us recharge and that includes recharging our creativity
9.) Join a group with fellow creatives (this could be an art class, a pottery class, a book club...) or start your own!
10.) Try putting away your phone for a set amount of time. Being present opens us up to our thoughts. You might also consider creating an analog basket to help you resist any temptation to doomscroll through your phone
11.) Meditate. Even if you only have a few minutes a day, meditation helps us practice bringing our attention back to the present moment, take some much needed deep breaths, and activate our parasympathetic nervous system
12.) Puzzle, play a board game, or complete a word challenge. I love a jigsaw puzzle laid out on a table I can come back to on days where I want a break for a few minutes, or a sudoku puzzle

What are your favourite hibernation hobbies?

~Kate

Reference:

Coronel-Oliveros C, Migeot J, Lehue F. (2025). Creative experiences and brain clocks. Nat Commun. 16(1):8336. doi:10.1038/s41467-025-64173-9

The information provided by Rooted in Wellness Canada is solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling, you are advised to consult with your physician or other medical professionals.