8 Passion Project Ideas That’ll Help You Practice Self-Care

All skill levels are welcome.

Whether you’re fine tuning a hobby you already know or learning a new skill entirely, passion projects are a great way to boost your creativity and practice self-care. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of cool and inspiring passion project ideas, from embroidery to podcasting.

A few things to keep in mind: It’s totally okay to keep your work private, as at the end of the day, these passion projects are really just for you. But if you want to share your talents with the world, you might be able to earn some extra cash. Whatever you decide, just remember that the results of your passion project don’t have to be perfect, as long as you’re enjoying yourself. Have fun!

Learn Embroidery

Embroidery is a great low-cost option for your next passion project. Depending on what you choose to embroider, your art can upgrade your everyday items such as pencil bags or backpacks, become wall decor, or make a fashion statement on T-shirts or upcycled thrift finds. It’s easy to learn a few stitches from one of many free tutorials online, so the possibilities are pretty much endless.

Write in a Journal or Blog

Writing in a non-academic setting allows you to express your thoughts in a unique way. From journaling about your day to writing poetry or a novel, the only limit is your imagination. Push your creativity by starting to write by hand, either in a physical journal or on a scrap of paper. If that doesn’t work for you, open up a blank document on your computer or the Notes app on your phone. You can even make your work public by publishing to your own blog. Let your mind wander and see what you come up with.

Get Artsy

Making art truly lets your creativity fly free. There are lots of options for this one: You could collage with magazine images or pictures you find online. Or maybe you’d rather bust out the paints to make some watercolor or abstract designs. (You could even throw it back to kindergarten and bust out the finger paint!) Whichever medium you choose, don’t worry about creating the perfect piece of art. This is about releasing your emotions and stretching your imagination. Anyone at any skill level can be an artist, we promise.

Decorate Your Backpack

Whether with embroidery, iron-on patches, or enamel pins, decorating your backpack is a great way to make your bag stand out by showing the world your style. Don’t be afraid to get colorful or show off your interests. The more personal, the better.

Start a Vlog or Podcast

If you have a phone or laptop, vlogging and podcasting are completely free options to flex your speaking and editing muscles. Don’t know where to begin? Talk about your day or your thoughts on pop culture—or maybe you’d rather interview cool people about their lives and opinions. The more episodes you record, the less daunting it’ll feel. And you never know where your vlog or podcast journey might take you!

Grow a Garden

As it begins to warm up, gardening can be a therapeutic way to get outside if you have the space to plant. (If not, even a small pot on a windowsill can do the trick.) Patience is key with this one, but the reward really does pay off. Plant flowers for a pop of color and or vegetables for a nutritious addition to your meal.

Create a Zine

Is there a topic you’re really passionate about? Go retro and create a zine about it! These were popular decades ago, but they’re making a comeback now. Plus, zines can be a great way to share your knowledge and spread awareness about your interests and causes. Pro tip: There are zine folding patterns online that can help you get started.

Cook or Bake

It only takes a few ingredients to make something delicious. Once you have the basic cooking or baking methods down, you can even start to create your own recipes by experimenting with spices and techniques. From delicious breakfasts to tasty desserts, little compares to the feeling of making (and savoring) a new dish.

Psst, we’ve also got a great playlist to help you chill out while working on your passion project of choice.