12 Great Hobbies for Introverts

Hobbies and introverts- quite a match made in heaven!

Introverts process things inwardly. And when the inward process takes off with their hobbies, the result is as amazing as the introverted individuals. (Read here- Benefits of being an Introvert)

This article is all about the hobbies of introverts. So, if you are looking for any new hobbies or just trying to understand your introverted self, you are in the right place.

Now, let’s beat the drum to begin!

Why do Introverts Need Hobbies

For quiet, reserved, and thoughtful introverts, hobbies are a way to express themselves freely. But the various reasons and benefits to pursuing hobbies are-

• To relax

• To escape a loud mind

• To unleash creativity

• To connect with oneself

• To maintain sanity

• To keep a balance between the inner and outer world

What Introverts Do for Fun- Hobbies for Introverts

The definition of fun varies a lot for an introvert. Unlike extrovert people, they like to cocoon themselves in their comfort zone. But that doesn’t mean they don’t like entertainment- they just have different concepts for it.

The best hobbies for introverts (including mine) are-

• Collection 

When I say collection, it’s the collection of anything that catches your interest. I love collecting things that are pretty. And my collection list can vary from uniquely shaped leaves, dried flowers, polished stones, or pebbles, to feathers of birds, fabric pieces, small branches or twigs, old books, and more. 

The best thing about it is you can use them for other purposes. Like I use my collections in crafts and as painting tools. For example, I dip a feather in color and press it on the paper. I am also thinking to make a mini museum once I gathered enough. 

I find collecting is like a compulsory nature-given mission (for introverts). So, if you haven’t thought about this, now is the time to start. So, go out there. Observe your immediate environment and connect to it by collecting its various treasures.

• Biking

There are a lot of reasons why you should take it as your new hobby. With biking you can-

• Exercise your body
• Feel the wind on your face
• Live the feeling of freedom
• Feel like a social being
• Observe the world

I remember a day when I was cycling to return home from school. It was after a small storm just stopped hitting the city. It was night time too. Despite the fear of road blockage due to uprooted trees and broken electric wires, I rode my cycle to the pitch-black night. But all I felt was silence after a storm. The road was clear and flooded with lights from other vehicles. The city was looking different, washed anew, and fresh. And I find myself close to nature and myself.

While riding a bike or cycle you get solitude time like no other. Think about your next storyline or poem while biking, or shut down your thoughts and observe the roadside views. Now, take in the feel and start biking.

• Naturing

As a newborn baby coos to the presence of a mother, it feels great to stay in touch with mother nature. Spending time with nature improves mental health, heals inward, and enhances positivity, and mood quality. 

If you haven’t started naturing yet, it's a great time to adopt it. You can go to a nearby park, or lake, walk on a lone street, or arrange a faraway mountain escape plan.

For an introvert, even a normal daily schedule can be overwhelming. So, anything with nature will soothe your nerve and will make your journey rich and happier.

• Doing Nothing

Introverts do a lot of mental work- thinking, overthinking, and observing. Then, in their head, they weave stories, create plotlines, stage conversations, arguments, and alternate endings of an event which rather ends quite embarrassingly in real.

While the list could vary for individual introverts, the process is the same. Introverts take a matter to their mind, broke them into pieces, and replay the scenes and convos (which might be followed by internal screams or an 'over the moon' state of mood), and the process repeats until the effect withers.

This is a lot to take. So, sometimes, doing nothing and just enjoying your being, is quite therapeutic. Now, go and give yourself and your supercomputer(mind) a break, alright?

• Reading

A lot of introverts love reading. For introverts, who don’t like to socialize much, reading is a way to experience different worlds through books. A comfy pillow and a cup of coffee or tea are all you need to start reading- the perfect introvert activity to enjoy. You don’t have to talk to anyone or socialize, just your own space with a book. Also, as you dive into reading, you improve your knowledge too. (I guess, you must love reading. Do you remember which was your first book?)

• Writing

To write well, one needs to observe well. And who can be the best observer than an introvert? They observe so many things at a time that it becomes difficult to process the present. And that’s how writing comes to their rescue.

Daily journaling, keeping notes of the smallest details in everyday life, and records of new people you meet with unique characteristics, will help you while writing a story or novel.

Journaling helps unburden your mind from overthinking and stress. So, if you are already into writing, high-five. Keep it going!

• Painting/Drawing

A sample drawing made by me (@supaleedalai)

Just as reading and writing, painting and drawing also come naturally to introverts. A few years ago, when I was in a mountain valley, drawing suddenly came to me. And I was quite surprised to discover that I could draw well. Since then I have been learning drawing. Though I haven’t mastered it completely, it’s still with me, like a dear company from the mountains.

So, even if you think drawing and painting are not your cup of tea today, there is no harm to try them as a new hobby. You don’t know until try, right? So, go on. Discover your favorite color, and domain in drawing and make amazing art pieces.

• Gardening

Gardening is taking care of plants and trees and being close to greenery, which introverts like characteristically. The fragrances of flowers, their vibrant colors, and jubilant butterflies hovering around the garden- this typical scene is a perfect fun time for introverts. 

Having skin contact with the earth is therapeutic. And being around the garden and listening to the music when the plants sway with the wind, relaxes the overactive mind of introverts.

I am quite sure, that gardening can be your next favorite hobby now. 

• Cooking

Well, for some introverts cooking can be an awesome hobby. Cooking needs careful observation, planning, getting the amounts of ingredients right, and good instincts of taste. 

With their observational skills and watchful eye, cooking is the best suited for introverts as a hobby. Plus, you get all the delicious foods within your reach; no need to go to crowded restaurants or food stalls and worse, stand in a queue. 

If you want to start cooking as a new hobby, online courses and youtube can be your best guide. 

• Photography

Picture taken by me

I understand the knack of introverts to go deep into everything they do, but you really don’t need professional skills to start photography as your new hobby.

Just grab your camera or smartphone and capture the moment that intrigues you the most. You can check the basic tricks for photography from Google, to capture a moment artistically. But when you do something out of love, it usually turns out to be good enough.

So, trust your inner flow and start capturing today!

• Music and Instrument Playing

Music is the solace for troubled and subtle souls alike. As introverts, if you like music, it won’t be a surprise. If you are already a musician, that’s great. And if are thinking about realising your love for music and musical instrument, now is the time to start. 

Music heals, protects, and mends the broken pieces of a person’s soul. You can enroll in the thousands of online courses or your local school, just go for your dream hobby. 

More power to unleash your music excellence in you. 

• Solo Traveling

Solo traveling is a means to discover and connect with yourself as you explore the unknown world. Traveling helps to step out of your comfort zone and see the world bravely. 

It not only boosts your confidence and sense of self but also becomes a medium to learn new things from new people. Also, you get new ideas for your creative endeavors. 

As you travel, you become a newer person than yesterday. So, pack your bag, get on a bus, and let the wilderness reveal its wonders.

At the Conclusion

The secret lives of Introverts are rich in meaningful and entertaining hobbies. Hope, this article helped you understand your introverted friend or find a new hobby for yourself.

So, which one of the above hobbies do you think resonates more with you? Are there any other hobbies of introverts that you would like to add?; Let me know in the comment.