In today’s fast-paced digital world, it may surprise you to learn that many teens and young adults are picking up hobbies once beloved by their grandmothers. These old-fashioned pastimes are experiencing a resurgence, with a new generation embracing the grandmacore aesthetic—an internet trend that highlights cozy, vintage-inspired activities, often free from the pressure of digital screens.
As teens increasingly seek ways to escape the mental clutter caused by social media and digital overload, grandma hobbies are making a big comeback. These crafty, creative pursuits offer more than just nostalgia; they’re helping to boost mental health, build social connections, and provide a sense of purpose—all of which are incredibly valuable for today’s stressed-out teens.
What Are Grandma Hobbies?
Grandma hobbies, as they are affectionately called, include a variety of activities that have traditionally been enjoyed by older generations but are now making a comeback among younger people. These include:
- Crafty Pastimes: Quilting, crochet, knitting, needlepoint, and scrapbooking. These activities may seem old-fashioned, but they offer a wonderful combination of creativity and relaxation.
- Culinary Pursuits: Baking, canning, and preserving food have been staples in many families for generations. These hands-on activities allow teens to get creative in the kitchen, while also learning valuable life skills.
- Group Activities: Book clubs, board games, and even card games are making a comeback as teens seek ways to connect with others in meaningful ways outside the virtual world.
- Outdoor Activities: Gardening, bird-watching, and nature walks are gaining popularity. These activities help teens reconnect with nature, de-stress, and find joy in the simple things.
What ties all these hobbies together is that they are rooted in the real world, offering something tangible and rewarding without the need for screens. In a world where many teens feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of notifications and social media pressures, these activities offer a much-needed respite.
The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
While social media can be fun and offer a sense of connection, it often has a negative impact on mental health. The pressure to constantly be “on,” compare oneself to others, or get likes and followers can leave teens feeling anxious, stressed, and disconnected. Studies show that over-exposure to social media is linked to lower self-esteem, higher rates of depression, and increased feelings of loneliness.
A recent Pew Research survey found that most teens (about 60%) admit to feeling happier without their phones. In fact, many teens express a desire to disconnect, reporting that they enjoy the freedom and peace of mind they get when they put their devices down. But where can they turn for stress relief and joy, especially when the world feels so connected digitally?
This is where grandma hobbies come in.
How Grandma Hobbies Help Teens’ Mental Health
The benefits of these screen-free hobbies are more than just physical—many are rooted in mental and emotional well-being:
- Improved Mental Health
Engaging in hands-on activities like knitting, baking, or gardening has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. These hobbies provide a form of mindfulness, allowing teens to focus their attention on the task at hand, rather than on their worries or the pressure of social media. - Building Connections
Many of these hobbies are social in nature. Book clubs, crafting circles, or gardening groups offer opportunities for teens to connect with like-minded individuals. Social interaction, especially face-to-face, is crucial for emotional health. Engaging in these offline activities helps teens develop stronger, more meaningful relationships. - Fostering Stress-Free Productivity
In a world where productivity is often tied to external validation—likes, grades, followers—grandma hobbies offer a refreshing change. These activities are about the joy of creating, learning, or connecting, with no immediate pressure to achieve something measurable or public. They offer a form of productive relaxation that fosters creativity and helps relieve stress. - Immediate Gratification
Unlike the delayed gratification often required in academic or social pursuits, grandma hobbies offer quick results. Whether it’s finishing a crochet project or baking a loaf of bread, these activities provide a sense of accomplishment in a short amount of time, which can significantly boost self-esteem. - Life Lessons
Many grandma hobbies come with the opportunity to learn practical skills that teens can carry with them throughout life. From the patience required to master knitting to the sense of accomplishment that comes from growing a garden, these hobbies offer valuable life lessons that contribute to overall resilience and well-being.
Encouraging Your Teen to Try a Grandma Hobby
If your teen has expressed interest in a grandma hobby, encourage them to give it a try! These activities offer an enriching, screen-free alternative to the pressures of digital life, and they come with numerous benefits for mental health, creativity, and personal growth.
Whether it’s knitting, baking, or bird-watching, these hobbies are not only fun but can help them foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. And who knows? They might even discover a passion that sticks with them through adulthood.
Ready to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health?
If you’re looking for more ways to support your teen’s mental and emotional well-being, download our free 3-Step Guide to Calm, Happy Kids. This guide offers simple, practical strategies to help your child reduce stress, increase resilience, and feel their best every day.
Final Thoughts
Grandma hobbies may have once been a relic of the past, but they’re proving to be a vital part of today’s teen culture. By embracing these offline activities, teens are finding peace, creativity, and connection in a way that screens and social media simply can’t provide. So, the next time your teen picks up a crochet hook or begins baking a batch of cookies, know that they’re not just indulging in an old-fashioned hobby—they’re investing in their mental health and well-being.
