Are you in a season of isolation? It’s tough, especially if you’re busy and broke and the main way to connect with family and friends is only through online. On top of that, the constant feeds of social media influencers: always traveling, staying in hotels, living in big cities, launching businesses, or buying new homes—can make your situation feel even harder, fueling frustration and comparison. And let’s be for real here: these types of content creates unnecessary pressure or stirs thoughts that wouldn’t naturally come up if we were just offline and focused more on our own businesses.

With that in mind, here are some affordable hobbies that can help redirect attention and channel energy into “offline” activities—simple, grounding, and easy to enjoy as adults navigating modern life.

In the mood to play detective? Pick a documentary or educational video on DVD, Blu-ray, or a downloaded copy—no streaming allowed! Keep a pen and paper nearby to jot down interesting facts, observations, or questions as you watch. Afterwards, use the internet to dig deeper, explore related topics, fact-check, or even join healthy debates and discussions with strangers on Reddit or Quora. This will not only make for a low-cost hobby for your tired, aging, mortal body, but will also expand your sense of the world while keeping you grounded and mentally engaged.

I can guarantee that there are plenty of old, mite-infested puzzle books in your local bookstores due to their fading popularity. So, my dear lovely friend, it’s time to take advantage of those diamonds in the rough. Not only can you help your local store stay afloat, but this will also help you realize that everything in this world can be solved by sitting down and taking the time to understand the puzzling things. As for coloring books, they might still be a bit competitive in price, but it won’t hurt to buy just a few!

If you feel that having a pet is too much of a responsibility right now, then you’re a smart and considerate little cookie. A great alternative is indoor plant care and cultivation. Having plants—or even planting just one—can give you a sense of newfound responsibility waiting for you at home, without the worries that come with pets, like feeding schedules, vet visits, or shedding fur everywhere.

Junk journaling is a recurring topic I keep mentioning in my articles about hobbies and mental health—I just can’t help it! It’s amazing and truly wholesome. It makes me feel grateful for the little joys that I find in this mundane, ordinary life I have.

Anyway, if you haven’t tried junk journaling with old magazines before, I suggest that you may add this to your crafts. Cut out images, phrases, or patterns that spark something in you, and use them to decorate your journal.

The act of scanning pages, finding things that resonate, and cutting and pasting them is a deeply personal experience—one that everyone deserves to try. Why? Because your preferences and interests matter, and this low-cost activity reinforces that fact beautifully.

While this might be a slightly spendy activity, the return on investment is totally worth it—at least in my book.

First, choose a specific cuisine that interests you—be it Chinese, Italian, Arabic, or Irish. Then, look up which restaurants in your area offer that cuisine and make a list. Once your list is ready, visit each restaurant (weekly, if possible) and try a dish, doing a little taste test as you go.

Afterwards, jot down your reviews in a small pocketbook. Record your thoughts on flavors, presentation, and overall experience until you’ve worked your way through the entire list. Not only is it a fun way to explore new foods, but it also turns dining into a creative, mini-adventure for your—instead of you sulking and rotting in your bed in your days off.

You don’t have to spend on thrifting, even just checking stuff and trying it on and putting it back on the shelf can be a rewarding sensory experience. And what make’s a thrift activity more enjoyable?—yes, an iced cold coffee in your hand!

Taking yourself out in a date is such a power move in these era that has so much to say about people enjoying time alone.

Now, why did you end up in voluntary isolation? I’m guessing it has something to do with a huge spiritual awakening… maybe even an ego death. Right? If that’s the case, then I saved this last low-cost hobby just for you.

Love-letter writing might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it’s a simple activity that requires only honesty and self-reflection.

First, gather some materials: fancy paper, an envelope, a pen, and, if you want to get extra fancy, a seal or wax to close the envelope. Then, let your thoughts flow—write a letter to God, a friend, a family member, a fictional character, or even to your past or future self.

The goal here is to nurture your ability to love, despite everything you’ve been through. So go, little tiger. Write, and make each letter as beautiful as the love you carry inside you.

These hobbies are low-cost, low-pressure, and designed to fit the realities of tired, broke, and isolated adults. Whether you want to engage your mind, explore creativity, or nurture your emotional and spiritual self, there’s something here for everyone. Pick one (or two!) that calls to you, and start small!

Enjoyed reading? a coffee is always appreciated.

Thanks for being here!

Love, Ruby. ♥