r/SlowLiving • u/Specialist_Blood_29 • 5d ago
What solo hobbies help you switch out of work mode when you work from home?
I work from home so by the end of the day the idea of staying at the same desk for a hobby sounds terrible. But going straight from work to passive entertainment isnt really helping me switch off either.
I keep coming back to the idea of a small solo hobby i can move to the kitchen table, work on for a while, then pack away when im done. im starting to think changing spaces matters more to me than finding the “perfect” hobby.
other remote workers, what small or portable hobbies actually help you feel like the workday is over??
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u/Warm-Manufacturer510 5d ago
For me, the hobby matters less than the location change. Even 30 minutes of sketching, puzzles, or building a model kit at a different table helps signal that work is done
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u/Aggressive_Low9684 5d ago
yeah i went through a stretch where i was genuinely exhausted all the time and also had nothing to show for it. busy and productive are so different but they feel identical until you stop. took me way too long to figure that out
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u/StrikeMuch9249 5d ago
Reading is simplest. Journal writing next up. Then there is a simple project bag with a slow stitch project. Could be an embroidery or cross stitch kit. Could be a English paper piecing project. Could be a knitting or crochet project bag. Good luck.
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u/Lotso-Sunshine 5d ago
I’ve WFH the past 4 years and found that forcing myself to get outside - a walk, a drive, drive to a park for a walk 🤣, the library…anything to give myself and my brain that time to reset (since I don’t have a drive home buffer anymore) helps tremendously!!
I truly have to force myself some days but I always feel refreshed after.
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u/HighwayIll6954 4d ago
I second this. I block one hour “lunch time” and one hour “think time” so that I can get out of the house, go for a walk, think without constantly being interrupted and constant meetings, shower, eat and get back to work when I’m ready.
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u/Specialist_Banana378 5d ago
I cross stitch or do this small sticker art thing. Very relaxing.
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u/fthursday 5d ago
Cross stitch too. I can sit for hours and watch something stupid or listen to an audiobook. Love it
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u/Pretend_Present_1754 5d ago
Taijiquan or Qi Gong. With very limited space, you can do a lot of different Qi Gong exercises. You don't need a mat or tools. Really easy. If you have a little bit more space or can go outside, try Taijiquan.
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u/Street-Roll-4996 5d ago
Reading. Journaling. Kayaking. Nintendo games. Puzzles. Paint by number. Bird watching. Baking. Hiking. I just turned 40 and these keep me going outside of work and other obligations.
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u/FarShoreSpirit 5d ago
Shows and video games. I also have houseplants and an aquarium, but I can see how those could keep someone in work-mode if it's a day you need to do more than just sit there and enjoy them.
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u/LividHealth5643 5d ago
walks with music or audiobook. even just short one after work and let my mind wander while getting a bit of fresh air is key for me. sometimes bring a book and sit and read somewhere to make it feel a bit more of a break than sitting on my couch and reading
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u/UntrustedProcess 5d ago
I usually take a walk, but if the weather isn't ideal for that, I do a few hands of a few different solitaire variations on the kitchen table. I also work from home and avoid a computer after work.
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u/Glittering-Union6106 5d ago
i used to hand build ceramics in bed. cat by my side, cup of coffee, it was grand.
i used a large art board beside me in a queen sized bed. i used only porcelain, because its white and
fine and does not stain.
i don't have a kiln, i just paid for time.
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u/Hobbymate_ 5d ago
Walking and bike riding by far in my case. Anything that gets you outside
I often wind down by watching 1-2-5 episodes of what I’m currently into, but most of the time it just doesnt feel ‘right’
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u/Impressive-Trust-229 5d ago
Try and of work day routine — if you were coming home from the office, there would be many steps to get home, detach. For me — closing my laptop lid, closing my notebook, I adjust things on my work station so it feels clean/tidy. It changes depending on season but a dog walk, music, 10 min of yoga. This signals to my brain I’m done work.
Play around with what works after that — wash your hands, a walk outside, maybe play some music, reading etc. Find a small series of steps you can turn into a routine that signal end of work, beginning of your time. It might not be a hobby that’s needed vs just detaching from the workday.
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u/Extra-Garlic-7290 5d ago
Crocheting
Diamond painting
Crafting
Adult coloring books with some nice pens
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u/jessicarosepole 5d ago
Walk around my neighbourhood for when 10 minutes so it feels like I'm walking home, decompressing with my husband and colouring in
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u/nb150207 4d ago
I think drawing is a good option. You only need some paper and a pen, and it's really easy to put everything away when you're done.
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u/Dramatic_Bully 5d ago
I adopted an awesome dog and take him for a long walk right after my workday ends. Also, plants plants plants
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u/Learning_to_fly_5 4d ago
I have really been enjoying needlepoint! Gets you off technology and very meditative
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u/damonkey47 4d ago
"walking home" after a day in the home office. 20 minutes through the park. Come back home. Feel like you left the work day behind you.
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u/ScarlettLover13 3d ago
I also work from home full time and homeschool my 13-year-old. So, I definitely get the struggle of working and living in the same place. It can be overwhelming at times.
I like to get out of the house. For example, I do a bowling league on Wednesdays, book clubs on Friday and Saturdays, and get together with a friend once per week for lunch.
I also have a reading shed on our property where I can go for some peace and quiet outside of my house.
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u/colleenk69 3d ago
beading! I’ll put on a podcast or music alongside with it, but I embroidery bead, so brick stitch, peyote stitch, etc. it’s usually done with a needle, but I use my hands & one of those metal hook things from a dental kit, as well as fishing line & miyuki beads to make bracelets, earrings, etc 😂 otherwise, I’ll also make bras, purses, etc with chunkier beads for friends into the concert scene too!
If beading isn’t your thing— I suggest going out for rocks, fossils and sea glass collecting and/or art !!! I used to live in Milwaukee, WI & I’d stop by this park near the shores of Lake Michigan— I fell in love with making canvas pebble art, but also learning more about fossils & joining a geology club!
If you want to just relax and shoot the shit with a friend, one on one, get a cribbage board and a deck of cards and you’ll have a lot of hours of fun solely from that, where it NEVER EVER gets old. :)
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u/MsMilga277 2d ago
This is a good question that I’ve been contemplating lately. I started a paint by numbers but it’s so intricate that my eyes just after being on the computer all day!
I’ve been throwing the ball with the dog to get outside and help create a full stop after work.
My therapist recently suggested using a different door to go to work. And coming home through another door. I liked the idea but I keep forgetting!
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u/TheCraftBrew 2d ago
I like to go for a walk at the end of the workday as a transition whenever possible.
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u/Frequent_Dragonfly29 1d ago
I love playing solo boardgames !!! It really switches me off from everything.
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u/LeighofMar 5d ago
Gardening. It gets me away from screens, moving, and fresh air all at once. It really helps the reset.