Once you hit a certain age, you’re sorted into one of six categories: Racquet sports, baking, running, gardening, crafting, or… birdwatching?
It’s like the Harry Potter Sorting Hat, but for hobbies.
These are some of the most popular interests among millennials right now, but don’t let age stop you from trying them out. After all, soon it won’t be you choosing the hobby; the hobby will choose you.
Having a relaxing pastime you love is important for balancing a busy work life or simply for enjoying some you time. These are great options for both being outside in the fresh air and staying in and getting cozy.
Racquet sports
There is no doubt that pickleball has taken the world by storm, often called the fastest-growing sport right now. Along with pickleball’s popularity, other racquet sports like tennis, padel and badminton have become increasingly popular. Pickleball is considered a beginner-friendly, low-impact sport, making it easy to play with friends for fun. If you haven’t tried it yet, it might become your new favorite activity. There are courts on campus near TRECS, and brand-new pickleball courts have opened between Beacon East and Beacon West.
Baking
You may have noticed an increase in sourdough recipes across your For You page, and it’s probably due to the rise in baking as a hobby, no pun intended. Millennials love a good KitchenAid mixer and sourdough starter, and baking is a fun way to get into making food from scratch. You can even buy a sourdough starter from bakeries like SoKno Sourdough Bakery to get you started. Most recipes for a simple loaf of white bread use about 4 ingredients, and you can show off to all your friends. It is a fun hobby that benefits not only you but also the people around you who get to try your delicious creations and failures.
Gardening
There’s a reason why gardening becomes so popular as people get older. Getting your hands in the dirt has been scientifically proven to benefit your health and well-being. In college, that might look like buying some houseplants to take care of or keeping a small potted herb on your kitchen counter. There are more than 10 community gardens around Knoxville where you can volunteer. Places like the Burwell Community Garden host workshops to learn about gardening and open garden hours where you can help out.
Running
The millennial marathon runner uprising is real, and fitness in general has taken off in the past couple of years. Running clubs are popping up everywhere, and lots of young people are training for marathons. Going to the gym has become a popular habit and there are varying levels of difficulty you can try to get started. If running and weight training aren’t your thing, taking a walk outside is just as good for you and is a great way to get your body moving.
Crafting
Crafting has become a lost art, something you remember doing as a kid at the kitchen table on a rainy Saturday. Remember cutting up your T-shirts and sweatshirts in middle school to feel more stylish? Crafting has been revived, and knitting and crocheting are among the most popular options. You can make anything you want, from hand-crocheted clothes and plushies to air-dried clay dishes and jewelry. Make a college scrapbook or hand-painted card for a loved one. Grab a starter kit and supplies from Michaels, or make something at home from what you already have.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a growing niche hobby among millennials and Gen Z as a stress reliever and a way to connect with nature without your phone. The increase in young people participating in birdwatching began during the pandemic, as people needed a way to get out of the house and into nature. It is a way to practice mindfulness, engage with, and become knowledgeable about the environment around you. Grab a pair of binoculars and a bird catalog and go see what you can find.
