Reclaim Your Fun - Hobbies to Start This Year | Milk and Melt's Monday 1/6

Hey Girlfriend, welcome to the first Milk and Melt’s Monday blog of 2025! New year, new vibes, and it’s the perfect time to pick up a hobby that’s not just fun but also feeds your soul. You’ve made it through the holidays, and now it’s time to do something for you. Hobbies are more than just a way to pass the time, they’re little self-care play that can bring joy, creativity, and even a little calm into your life.

Let’s chat about some hobby ideas that are easy to start, good for your mind and body, and guaranteed to bring some much-needed “me time” into your busy life.

 

Coloring or Painting - Express Yourself with Color

Who says you have to be Picasso to paint? Painting or sketching is about the joy of expression, not perfection. Playing with colors, textures, and ideas can be so soothing. Whether it’s abstract art or coloring in an adult coloring book, it’s a fabulous way to unwind.

Watercolors are perfect for beginners, they’re forgiving, calming, and don’t require a ton of supplies. If painting feels intimidating, try doodling or hand lettering. You’d be surprised at how relaxing it is to draw a flower or perfect your cursive alphabet.

let’s talk about the magic of coloring! Yes, I’m talking about grabbing some crayons, markers, or colored pencils and diving into the vibrant world of creativity and relaxation. Coloring isn’t just for kids, it’s a form of self-care that helps you unwind, express yourself, and take a break from the hustle. I use to color when I was younger and forgot how much I enjoyed it. I saw on TikTok that the girlies was legit coloring! markers, color pencils and paint.

Why Painting is a Mood-Booster

• Taps into your creative energy.
• Reduces stress by letting you focus on the moment.
• Boosts confidence when you see what you can create.

How to Make the Most of Your Coloring Experience

• Set the Mood Light a candle, play your favorite music, and make it a whole vibe.
• Girlfriends Activity Galentine's Day is coming up, grab your best girlfriends and some wine and get to coloring.
• Use What You Love Whether it’s markers, crayons, or colored pencils, choose tools that make you happy.
• No Pressure, Just Fun Remember, it’s about enjoying the process, not creating a masterpiece.

Get Started Tip: Check out beginner painting kits or free tutorials online. Don’t overthink it just grab some colors and start experimenting.

Dancing - Move Your Body and Free Your Mind

Dancing is the ultimate feel-good hobby. You don’t need a fancy studio or even rhythm (we won’t tell!) just put on your favorite playlist and let your body move. Whether you’re grooving solo in your living room, following a YouTube dance workout, or joining a local dance class, the key is to have fun and let go.

Want something structured? Try salsa, Zumba, or even ballet for adults. Dancing isn’t just exercise; it’s an expression of joy and a major confidence booster.

Why Dancing is the Ultimate Self-Care

• Releases endorphins that make you feel amazing.
• Helps you stay active without feeling like a chore.
• Connects you to your body and builds confidence.

Get Started Tip: Create a “Dance It Out” playlist and dedicate 10 minutes a day to just letting loose. Bonus points for trying new genres or routines.

Gardening Growing Green and Growing Peace

Gardening might not sound exciting at first, but hear me out, there’s something magical about watching something grow because of your care. Even if you don’t have a yard, indoor gardening with houseplants or herbs is just as rewarding. Tending to plants teaches patience, mindfulness, and responsibility.

Start small with an easy-to-grow plant like succulents or pothos. If you’re feeling ambitious, grow your own herbs for cooking. Fresh basil on your pasta? That’s self-care AND a 2025 flex.

Why Gardening Feeds the Soul

• Encourages mindfulness and reduces stress.
• Brings nature into your life, even in small spaces.
• Gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Get Started Tip: Visit a local nursery or order a beginner plant kit online. Learn about your plant babies and watch your green thumb grow!

Cooking or Baking - Creating Joy in the Kitchen

Also you don’t have to be a gourmet chef to enjoy the magic of cooking. Trying new recipes or perfecting an old favorite can be therapeutic and rewarding. Baking cookies, making a homemade pizza, or even mastering your favorite comfort food brings a sense of joy and accomplishment.

Cooking can also be a form of love, love for yourself, love for those you cook for, and love for the creative process.

Why Cooking is a Delicious Hobby

• Teaches you new skills and boosts confidence.
• Allows you to nourish your body with wholesome meals.
• Gives you control over what you eat and helps you appreciate food more.

Get Started Tip: Pick one new recipe a week to try. Make it fun, invite a friend or partner to cook with you, or blast music while you whip up something delicious.

Knitting or Crocheting - Crafting Your Calm

There’s a reason knitting and crocheting have stood the test of time, they’re soothing, creative, and produce something you can actually use. From cozy scarves to cute little plant holders, there’s so much you can create with a simple ball of yarn. Have you seen those big crochet blankets? They do that with their hands!! talk about Hobbying.

Even if you’ve never held knitting needles before, there are countless beginner tutorials to guide you. It’s the perfect hobby to keep your hands busy and your mind calm.

Why Knitting is Pure Zen

• Helps you relax and focus on the present moment.
• Allows you to create beautiful, functional items.
• Feels rewarding to see something you made with your hands.

Get Started Tip: Grab a beginner knitting kit and start small with a scarf or blanket. Choose colors that make you happy!

Starting a new hobby is one of the best ways to bring joy and purpose into your life. Whether it’s journaling, dancing, gardening, or something else, the point is to try something that sparks happiness. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about having fun, exploring new sides of yourself, and creating moments of peace in your busy life.

 

This week, I’m excited to offer you a FREE coloring page download to help you kickstart your year with some calming, creative energy. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for 2025 while enjoying a mindful activity that’s all about you. 

What’s Your Hobby? Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Joy

So, Girlfriend, what’s going to be your new hobby for 2025? Let’s kick off this year with intention, creativity, and a whole lot of self-love. Share your plans in the comments, I’d love to hear what you’re diving into this year!

 Psst....Want More? Shop Our Coloring Page Bundles!

Once you’ve fallen in love with the art of coloring (trust me, you will), head over to the Journals, Planners, and More section on my website. I’ve got beautiful coloring page bundles that are all about self-love, empowerment, and creative fun. They’re perfect for pairing with your journaling sessions or just enjoying some downtime.