The Resurgence of "Grandma Hobbies" and How they Can Improve Your Mental Health
Better creativity and capitalizing on my favorite hobbies, count me in!
Hey, it’s Hayley! I know a lot of you are new here—welcome! This Substack is where I share thoughts on creativity, business, life as an artist (and gallery owner and creative human), and little things that bring joy to my week. If that’s not your thing, no hard feelings—feel free to unsubscribe anytime. But if you're even a little curious about the creative space (or just want a bit of inspiration in your inbox each Thursday), I’d love for you to stick around.
Studio Notes
Updates: What’s going on with my different ventures…
From The Studio: My Reading Girls are Launching May 27th! I️ can’t wait to share these ladies with you! Send me an email and I’ll add you to the preview list!
From The Art Coaching Club: The Vault - My top 5 Workshops bundled for $47 and you get first access
What I’m Listening to: It’s officially warm enough to listen to 90s-early 2000s country. The minute I️ get on a boat I️ head back to my childhood and need a little old country in my life. If you’re out and about this summer, feel free to tune in.
What I’m Reading: This article that sparked the idea for this Substack.
A Great Dupe: I️ found this Amazon dupe for the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag.
What I’m Into: Hobbies! (obviously!)
This week’s Finds: Hobby Edition is a love letter to slow, joyful creating. Whether you’re puzzling your way through a New Yorker cover, stitching your first needlepoint canvas, or finally tackling that chunky knit scarf, these picks are made for cozy afternoons and calm minds. From Mahjong sets and pickleball paddles to sourdough-worthy Dutch ovens and whimsical gardening gloves, each item is a nod to hobbies that bring us back to ourselves.
This Substack contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase—thank you for your support!
Dear Creatives,
Let me give you a little background on me…
I was pretty much the antithesis of cool for the beginning portion of my life. And for the record, I’m not sure I ever became cool (does that word even mean anything anymore?), but let’s just say I started out as a very particular kid.
In elementary school, I was deeply into crafts. I’d knit tiny animals, crochet monsters, and make toys for myself to play with on the playground with the other not-so-popular kids, of course.
I was aware of my social situation, but I also had a mom who encouraged me to chop all my hair off for Locks of Love when long, stick-straight hair was trendy. The same mom who helped me start a knitting club (when it was decidedly not cool), and who told me so often to be proud of who I was that I made it into the local paper one Thanksgiving in kindergarten for saying I was thankful for... myself.
Yes, you read that right.
I expect judgment for that one. In my defense, I only meant that I was proud of who I was. (Though, I’ll admit, it looked a little self-absorbed next to the kid who said he was thankful for God... and not nearly as funny as the girl who said she was thankful for her blankie.)
But the point is: I was raised to be confident…even when the world gave me no external reason to be haha.
Thanks, Mom. Truly.
But now? My time has come. Why?
Because grandma hobbies are officially back.
Mahjong leagues are taking over the South. Everyone and their mother is needlepointing (literally—my mom called last week to say she’s picked it up). I’ve had multiple friends ask me to teach them how to knit. Sourdough took over the nation. Gardening is trending. Cozy nights in are now aspirational.
My talents and interests are finally cool adjacent, and honestly? I’m thriving.
But why should you care?
Because the resurgence of “grandma hobbies” isn’t just a win for those of us who were weird craft kids—it’s also been proven to be great for our mental health. And who doesn’t love that?
"When people immerse themselves in a hobby, they often find an escape from daily pressures, creating a calming space where they can unwind and recharge," says Patricia S. Dixon, a licensed clinical psychologist in Florida. "As they hone their skills, they may experience a boost in self-confidence. Additionally, if the hobby presents a challenge, it encourages cognitive growth and problem-solving. And participating in a shared interest can lead to meaningful social interactions, enhancing feelings of belonging and connection. source.
Why is it good for us? Well, I broke down a few standout reasons that really resonated with me:
Learning a New Skill Boosts Brain Neuroplasticity
I’m currently reading this book on this exact topic (it dives much deeper into the science—more on that later), but here’s the gist: learning a new skill enhances cognitive function and boosts neuroplasticity.
Translation? It can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline as we age and improve focus and mental clarity for people of all ages. Picking up knitting or needlepoint might actually be the brain-boosting habit we didn’t know we needed.
"Imagine having a hobby that could be helping you to process the difficult events of each day while you create a beautiful new sweater!" source.
Working Towards a Goal Boosts Sense of Accomplishment
You know the feeling: looking down and realizing you’ve added two more inches to your scarf, another layer to your painting, or finally nailed the rise on that sourdough loaf.
That moment? That’s confidence in action. Progress, no matter how small, fuels self-esteem and gives us something to feel genuinely proud of.
The Flow State (My Favorite)
When we’re fully immersed in a creative task, we enter what’s called a flow state—aka, we’re so focused on the present moment that the rest of the world fades out.
Time flies. The to-do list disappears. And our brains get a much-needed break from all the background noise. It’s one of the few times we’re not thinking about the past or worrying about the future—and that is powerful.
Social Connection in the Smallest Ways
Whether it’s chatting with someone at Michaels, asking a friend to teach you a new skill, joining a gardening club, or giving a handmade gift, these hobbies create connection.
They enhance our social networks in simple, organic ways. No pressure, no agenda—just shared experiences and little touch points that genuinely matter.
In a culture hooked on speed, screens and constant stimulation, there’s a growing desire to slow down and reconnect with simpler and more intentional ways of living. source.
Other Exciting Points
This study shows crocheting reduces anxiety in college students
This is making a big impact on teen mental health, which has taken a big hit with the rise of social media
This shows us that teens are happier (I️ vote we all are) without their phones, these hobbies give them the space to put the phone down.
Ten minutes of drawing a day can boost moods
To Round Us Out...
This post is meant to cheer on my fellow creatives. So if you needed a little nudge today—keep doing what you’re doing.
But also, be intentional.
I love painting, but I’ve had to remind myself that I also love knitting, embroidery, and creating without profit in mind. Making space for those joy-first hobbies has done wonders for my mental health.
Even my mom, who just picked up needlepointing less than a week ago, told me, “This has really helped with my arthritis and my focus.” She loves how it gets her hands moving and gives her a break from her busy work and personal life.
It makes me so happy to see that these benefits aren’t just anecdotal—they’re being backed by real research. And I can’t wait to learn (and share!) more with you.
Talk soon,
