11 Slow Living Hobbies for a Gentle and Meaningful Life

Spring feels like the right time to begin or rekindle hobbies and start new projects - much more than January, in the depths of Winter. In Spring, everything is renewed, young and fresh. This happy, joyful energy stirs not only the trees to blossom and animals to wake up from their Winter slumber, but also influences us, humans. Cleaning, decluttering, DIY-ing, forming new habits and trying new hobbies is not a Spring trend but a feeling many of us get at this time of year.

Slow living hobbies are usually deeply rooted in tradition and self-care. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here or surprise you with my list. I simply hope that you linger a little at each point and consider: could this be me? Some of the hobbies mentioned in this post might already be part of your daily routine, others might be things you wanted to try - or perhaps dreams from the past.

How a Forgotten Dream Brought Me Back to Writing

As a teenager, I wanted to be a journalist. I even landed some work experience with two pretty well-known titles. But I didn’t like it there: being in the newsroom, the fast tempo - not that there’s anything wrong with it - it just wasn’t what I was hoping for. And as a young adult, I chipped away at that dream until eventually I forgot it altogether.

About a year and a half ago, I decided to go back to writing on my own terms. I already had a decent social media following and my YouTube channel kept on growing. They say blogs are dying, and video - especially short-form content - is where it’s at right now… but the point of writing this blog was to give my creative need to write a home. And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. You’re here now, reading my words, and it means the world to me. <3

I love nothing more than when the house is quiet, to sit at my writing desk with a teapot and a seasonal candle burning and write down my thoughts about slow living and the English countryside.

I’m telling you this little story to show how some of our past dreams and desires can still find their way into our present life. Perhaps you wanted to be a dancer, and it didn’t work out - but could you express your present self through movement? Or maybe life feels a little chaotic and out of control - why not slow down with gardening, painting or flower arranging?

Watch My Most recent Vlog - Seasonal slow living, cosy homemaking & baking from the English countryside

11 Feminine Slow Living Hobbies That Are Good for the Heart

Below I share with you slow, gentle, feminine hobbies that are good for the heart - helping you be in the moment and appreciate the small joys of life:

1. Cooking or Baking From Scratch

For centuries, women were expected to cook and bake. Today, thankfully, we have more freedom - and with that comes the joy of choosing to cook. We no longer need to spend the whole day in the kitchen, but can instead mindfully prepare something delicious for our families - not out of duty, but out of love.

2. Tending to a Garden or Windowsill Herbs

Nothing connects us to the rhythm of the seasons (and disconnects us from the busyness of the world) quite like working in the garden and watching the changes firsthand. If - like me - you don’t have a traditional garden (our "soil" is mostly clay mixed with gravel), you can still grow flowers or smaller fruits and vegetables in containers. Even a few pots of herbs on a windowsill can bring that lovely sense of nature into your everyday life.

3. Flower Arranging

Arranging cut flowers, pressing them or working with dried blooms into bouquets or wreaths is a beautiful way to bring nature indoors. It’s a gentle, feminine hobby that also reminds us to care for our inner gardens with the same patience, creativity and joy.

4. Handwriting

It’s a skill that’s fading in the modern world. Handwriting has a true, almost nostalgic charm - writing letters, journaling, noting down trusted recipes or keeping a gratitude list. It slows our pace and invites us to be present, focused on each word and its meaning.

5. Walking in Nature

In my opinion, it’s the absolute best way to spend your free time. Slow countryside or woodland walks, especially without a phone, reset your nervous system and create space for thoughts and inspiration.

6. Reading by Candlelight

Of course, make sure you actually have enough light to read comfortably - but there’s something especially comforting about being tucked in a cosy corner of the sofa with a cup of tea and a candle (perhaps Reading on a Rainy Day or Cosy Reads?) burning nearby.

7. Daily Journaling or Gratitude Writing

I find this one of the best ways to quiet the chaos in my mind and soothe my nervous system. These simple moments of reflection help me look at the day from a calmer perspective. I’ve learned there’s always something good and worth cherishing, just waiting to be noticed.

8. Listening to Classical Music

Turning on a classical radio station or a YouTube playlist can instantly add a sense of calm, charm and quiet elegance to your day. In the car, my husband and I only listen to BBC Radio 3 or Classic FM - and trust me, there’s no better soundtrack to your life than beautifully composed concertos, symphonies and sonatas. Even the simplest moments feel more magical.

9. Sewing, Knitting, Crocheting

Another skill that, in the old days, women were expected to master. Thankfully, in today’s world, we have the freedom to choose what we want to learn and enjoy. For those of us drawn to a more feminine, hands-on lifestyle, simple crafts like mending clothes, crocheting doilies, or knitting scarves and hats can become truly comforting and absorbing hobbies. They keep our hands busy and our minds far from endless scrolling.

10. Painting, Photographing, Writing

Perhaps you feel called to share a story, a vision or simply a beautiful moment with other people. Whether through painting, photography or writing, creative expression allows you to tell your story in your own way. You might decide to share your work online, connect with local galleries, gift it to your friends - or simply keep it tucked away in a drawer. What matters most is that it brings you joy and a sense of fulfilment.

11. Yoga or Gentle Movement

Moving your body in a way that feels good is a beautiful form of self-care. Gentle stretching, mindful movement on the mat, and simple breath work can help release tension, calm the mind and bring you back to yourself.

Of course, this is not a complete list—there’s so much more you could be filling your time with that feels rooted in the present moment and truly meaningful. Above, I’ve only listed activities I’ve personally done in the past, but I’d love to know: what would you add to this list? Or which points feel like yours?

Thank you for reading
Adriana x

Shop English Rose candle inspired by the timeless charm of a classic country garden flower.