10 Favorite Things to Do in My Free Time
While I absolutely love sharing pieces of my life here and connecting with you across my blog and social media, I’m always aware that what you see is only a small slice of the full picture.
Most of the time, that feels totally okay (because truly, no one needs front-row seats to me rotting on the couch in my pajamas). But every now and then, I find myself wishing I could share a little more of the quieter, everyday moments too — the ones that don’t always make it online but still make up so much of my life.
Not the highlight-reel stuff. Not the perfectly productive days or carefully curated routines. Just the simple things I reach for when I have a bit of free time — the hobbies, habits, and little comforts that help me unwind and feel like myself again.
So today, I wanted to do exactly that. I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in my free time. Nothing impressive. Nothing life-changing. Just the things that genuinely bring me joy lately. Think cozy, creative, and very real.
10 Favorite Things to Do in My Free Time:
1. Blogging
Blogging has been something I’ve loved for years now, even if it’s looked a little different at every stage. I think it really started back when I was posting on Tumblr — writing little thoughts into the void without really thinking of it as “blogging” at all.
Now, this feels like my first real blog. A place I’m intentionally building, but still writing in the same honest, reflective way. It’s comforting, creative, and one of the few spaces where I feel like I can fully think out loud.
2. Reading
Reading has always been part of my life, but it’s especially become a nighttime ritual. Most evenings, I read before bed — even if it’s just a chapter or two.
It helps my brain slow down after a long day and gives me something calm to focus on before sleep. There’s something so comforting about ending the day inside a story.
3. Taking Photos
I love taking photos — not in a polished or professional way, but in a quiet, noticing-little-moments kind of way. I’m drawn to cozy corners, soft light, books, coffee, and everyday scenes that feel comforting.
Taking photos helps me slow down and appreciate things I might otherwise rush past, and I love looking back on them as little reminders of how moments felt.
4. Watching YouTube
I almost always need background noise to focus, and YouTube fills that role perfectly. Whether I’m cleaning, crocheting, writing, or just sitting around, it’s usually playing in the background.
And yes — I’ll admit it — YouTube drama commentators bring me an unreasonable amount of comfort. Slightly embarrassing? Maybe. But it makes everything feel less quiet, and I’ve fully accepted that about myself.
5. Walking / Hiking
Going for walks or easy hikes is one of the ways I reset when my thoughts feel loud. I don’t track steps or try to make it productive — I just walk.
Sometimes I listen to something, sometimes I don’t. Either way, being outside and moving my body helps me work through things in my head without forcing myself to figure anything out.
6. Crocheting
Crocheting feels especially comforting because it reminds me of my childhood. My mom was always crocheting when I was growing up, so it’s something I naturally gravitated toward over time.
Now, working on projects little by little feels cozy and familiar. It’s slow, imperfect, and calming — which honestly makes it even better.
7. Baking
I’m definitely not the most experienced baker, but that’s part of what makes it fun. I enjoy trying new recipes, experimenting a little, and seeing how things turn out — even when they’re not perfect.
Baking feels creative in a slower, more hands-on way, and the process itself is just as enjoyable as the end result.
8. Watching Movies with My Bestie
Ordering takeout and watching movies together is one of my favorite traditions. We try to make it a regular thing when we can, and it’s genuinely one of the highlights of my week.
It’s never fancy — just comfort food, familiar movies, and time spent with someone I love. Simple nights like that are the ones I cherish most.
9. Journaling
Journaling is something I come back to whenever my thoughts feel tangled or overwhelming. I don’t use prompts or follow any structure — I just write whatever needs to come out.
Some entries are thoughtful, some are repetitive, and some are complete chaos. But letting it all exist on the page helps me check in with myself in a way nothing else really does.
10. Making Playlists
Making playlists is one of my favorite quiet hobbies. I love curating songs based on moods, seasons, or phases of life.
I tend to listen to the same few songs on repeat until they start to feel like a chapter of my life, and I love how music can set the tone for an entire day.
I love all of these!! My favourite things to do are reading and listening to audiobooks. I love going for nature walks too.
It reminded me that free time doesn’t have to be impressive to be meaningful, and I’m definitely inspired to slow down and lean into the simple things that help me unwind too.
These are awesome things to do in your free time. Sometimes I end up working on my blog instead of enjoying other things, and this is a good reminder to do things I enjoy, like reading.