why I love my granny hobbies.

Somewhere along the way, the things I love most started being called “granny hobbies.” Knitting. Crocheting. Reading. Journaling. Planning. These quiet, slow activities that don’t revolve around screens or constant productivity. And even though I’m not a fan of the phrase “granny hobbies”, I’ve decided to embrace them, because these hobbies bring me a sense of comfort, calm, and contentment that I feel that I am always chasing.

Knitting and crocheting are at the heart of my granny hobby era. I love everything about yarn – touching yarn, choosing colors, feeling the texture slip through my fingers, and watching something appear and take shape row by row. I am an incredibly slow knitter and crocheter, but that’s okay. Not everything needs to be rushed, and my small and steady progress brings me so much joy. 

Reading seems to go right alongside these crafts. Settling in with a book, especially when it’s something familiar or comforting, makes me so happy. Reading is a quiet escape, one I frequently engage in in the silent stillness of my apartment. It’s easy to escape into other worlds, meet new characters, or imagine yourself as someone else. Reading pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, a comfortable chair, and a cozy blanket. Just like knitting and crocheting, the small steady progress I make as I turn the pages brings me such delight. 

Journaling is another granny hobby I hold close, and this year I am fully embracing my journaling era. Putting pen to paper helps me untangle my thoughts, whether I’m writing full pages or just jotting down lists and observations. There’s no pressure for it to be meaningful or perfect; it’s simply a space to check in with myself and record my feelings. On days when everything feels a little too much, journaling offers a calm, steady outlet.

Then there’s planning, a hobby that brings me an unexpected amount of joy. I don’t know if planning is a granny hobby, but I’m including it in this list anyway. I love planners, stickers, neat handwriting, and pretty stationery. Writing things down and making a plan helps me feel organized and prepared, especially when life feels busy. I love creating this gentle structure that helps me get through the day.

What I love most about my granny hobbies is that they don’t demand productivity or perfection. They’re slow, and quiet, and captivating. Sometimes it feels like the only thing that matters is what you produce and how fast you can produce it. But these hobbies remind me that joy doesn’t have to be fast or loud, and that sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones, spent reading, stitching, writing, and simply being.