Move Over Side Hustles, 2025 Is About the Joy of Hobbies
by Amaliah Team in Culture & Lifestyle on 2nd January, 2025
A new year always feels like a fresh start and a time to try something new. The one thing we are sure of is that we are done with side hustles and ready to pursue hobbies for the love of it! From gardening to crocheting, jewellery making to bouldering, we asked the Amaliah team what hobbies they’re taking into the new year for maximum rest, joy, and creativity. Whether you are a serial hobbyist or a complete novice, this list of activities is sure to help you swap productivity for pure pleasure.
1. Bouldering
@.iamrabea When you said you wouldn’t fall. #bouldering #meme #relationship #situationship #climbingvideos #sports #womeninsports #muslimwomen ♬ Oh No – Kreepa
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a tech bro to join bouldering. Bouldering involves climbing short, yet challenging rock walls without ropes. For the girlies who want to progress their press-ups to pull-ups, it can be a great way to actively build on this as it is an excellent full-body workout, targeting muscles you might not use in everyday life. It also offers a great way to connect with a community of like-minded people like ClimbMuz, a group on a mission to create a safe and welcoming place for Muslim women and minorities to climb and encourage them to try a new sport.
If you’re new to climbing, starting at a local climbing gym, like the London Climbing Centres (LCC), is a great way to get involved, especially as many places offer beginner classes and rental equipment, as well as flexible membership and pay-as-you-go plans to suit your schedule.
2. Junk Journalling
@dopaminediaries_studio Junk Dump 💕 • • • • #junkjournal #junkjournaling #junkjournalwithme #junkjournals #junkjournalidea #journaling #crafts #journalwithme #journal #london #thedopaminediaries #londonblogger #bookish #cozyhobbies #gratitude ♬ Come Inside Of My Heart – IV Of Spades
This one is for all the hoarders in disguise! As the name implies, a junk journal is simply a book filled with material that is usually thrown away but can serve as a reminder of a special day in your life such as old movie tickets, dinner receipts, old postcards, magazine clippings, train ticket stubs, fabric scraps like lace and ribbons, stamps and more. You can start junk journaling with basic supplies: an old notebook, glue, scissors, and scrap materials.
The best part? There are no rules. Just go with the flow and treat it like a creative thought dump, where instead of words, you’re spilling out all the quirky bits and bobs you’ve collected. Junk journaling can be a really nice way to reflect and preserve memories of a special month that may quickly pass by or even a whole year.
3. Pilates or Barre
@maryamwardaa I’m calling this the Muslim girl fitness diary- lmk if I should do more about the gym/ routine/ what to wear #fyp #hijabi #muslim #gymtok #ootd #hijabiworkout #hijabigym #pilates ♬ Mood – Makar
On days when you are not in the mood for high-intensity workouts, Pilates and barre are great alternatives. These low-impact exercises are gentle on the body, while still providing a great workout to improve muscle tone and flexibility.
There is a reason all the girlies are talking about it, for the benefits on your core, and pelvic floor and it can also help reduce back pain, increase strength, and stability and improve mental clarity. If you’re looking to get fit but are not fond of high-intensity workouts, then these are for you.
4. Film Photography
@freespiritrida Can I go back already #pakistan #filmphotography #muslimtiktok #lahore #karachi #islamabad ♬ original sound – 🇬 🇦 🇺 🇷 🇦 🇻 ᵐᵃˣ🇭 🇩
You’ve probably noticed that nostalgia and capturing moments with intention are major trends. There’s something genuinely satisfying about film photography that digital images just can’t quite match. This one is for the girlies that love to romanticise the small moments of their day, capturing the little fleeting moments on film can also mean that you engage more in the art of noticing the things that can pass us by.
Film photography is all about slowing down and being present in the moment. You’ve got to take a minute to really think about your shot—paying attention to the light, the vibe, and what’s around you. It’s a little reminder to notice the world around you instead of just rushing through it. To get started, you’ll need a film camera, rolls of film, and a place to develop your photos. Alternatively, you could also try a disposable camera to get started with to see if it is for you.
5. Editing and Making Video Montages
If your goal for 2025 is to live more meaningfully, why not try and capture moments that matter on video to relive and reshare later? Try creating fun video montages using clips from your phone or camera and then edit your footage, add music, and create a cinematic story of your life or special events.
@hibashappyworld Finding happiness in the little things 🫶🏼 #alhamdulillah #islam #fyp #dayinmylife #vlog #patience #pt ♬ original sound – oldphilosophartaccount
Or why not capture “a day in the life” and wow your friends on girls’ night with a behind-the-scenes look at what you do for a living? You can use free or low-cost editing software like iMovie (for Apple devices) or DaVinci Resolve (for both PC and Mac). If you want to start from scratch, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials that can teach you editing basics for free.
6. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get active without all the commitment, not to mention perfect for girlies who love the outdoors. It is also super budget-friendly—day hikes are free, and all you need is a solid pair of shoes, some snacks and water.
Luckily, the UK is full of scenic hiking trails ranging from beginner to expert levels and offers stunning views that are guaranteed to help you connect with nature and unwind by yourself or with a like-minded company. From the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands, there are trails suited to every level. If you’re all about vibing with organised hiking trips, check out Muslim Hikers for their upcoming hikes.
For a breakdown of different hiking trails around London, be sure to read our article The Best Hiking Trails Near London.
7. Reading
It’s possible that you were a bookworm as a child, but then life got in the way and you suddenly found yourself drowning in course books, while reading for pleasure became a distant dream. But it’s never too late to dive back into it. Reading is a classic hobby that lets you escape to different worlds and see things from fresh perspectives.
Whether you pick up a good book or listen to an audiobook on your long commute home, reading offers a cost-effective and easy way to relax and unwind. Bonus: it’s the perfect conversation starter in those awkward social situations—or the ultimate excuse to dodge small talk!
Looking to connect with a literary community? Come along to our Amaliah Book Club for thoughtful discussions and a vibrant space to share your love for books.
8. Kitten Yoga
If you love cats and yoga, we’ve got the perfect activity for you! Practicing yoga alongside playful kittens will add a dose of happiness to your routine while also increasing mindfulness.
The one-hour sessions are typically filled with plenty of play-time, cat cuddles and a qualified yoga session being led. It’s also a wonderful way to support animal charities, as many kitten yoga sessions partner with shelters to encourage adoptions.
9. Cycling
If you’ve been looking for a way to stay fit and active but don’t want to join a gym, why not give cycling a go? It is a low-impact, full-body workout that gets you moving, and can be a fun way to explore your local area or travel further afield.
An eco-friendly way to stay active, cycling is also a great social activity, with groups and clubs across the UK welcoming cyclists of all levels. Look into local cycling clubs like Cycle Sisters, which offer a network of dedicated cycle groups across London specifically for Muslim women.
10. Gardening
Have you ever found yourself mesmerised by countless ‘Grow Your Own Veg’ videos, dreaming about the joy of harvesting your own fresh produce? Let this year be where you turn those dreams into reality by experimenting with gardening— the ultimate slow-living hobby that requires patience but offers incredibly rewarding results as you watch something you’ve nurtured grow.
@blueroseproduction Our own green space to help our local community! Alhamdulillah #allotmentuk #allotmentlife #hijabisisters #women #muslim #fruit #veg #greenspace #uk #Lancashire ♬ The beauty of existence sped up – vocals only 🫶🏼
If you don’t have a garden, try joining a local community garden. Grow Wild Kew offers a range of free resources to start your own garden. You can also pop over to the Garden Museum and take advantage of their free events and activities. If you are limited by space, why not consider windowsill gardening?
@sinem.gorucu Meet our windowsill orchard. #gardening #planting #herb #growingherbs #propagating #potgarden #windowsillgarden ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco
11. Learning a New Language
Have you ever dreamed of ordering tapas in Spanish or understanding Kdramas without subtitles? Learning a new language is more than just asking for directions on your holiday—it’s a doorway to new cultures and a chance to expand your worldview.
While apps like Duolingo or Babbel offer free or affordable lessons to suit busy schedules, they may not provide the wholesome immersive experience that joining a local language exchange group can offer. These groups are a great way to enhance your learning while enjoying fun, interactive practice with peers. To deepen your learning and make it more interesting, you can also watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read books in your chosen language.
@izthatmanar #fyp #foryou #arab #arabtok #arabic #arabsbelike #arabsoftiktok #lebanese #tips #hijabi ♬ original sound – IzThatManar
12. Handcrafting
This is for the girlies who want to unplug and embrace slow living, whether it’s creating a bowl at the pottery wheel, a knitted scarf, a painted candle, or a simple crochet coaster, handcrafting offers a satisfying escape from the digital world, helping you focus entirely on the moment. It also makes for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.
@duherz candle painting w the girls was unexpectedly therapeutic 🫶🏼 #candlepainting #girlsnight #girlsnightin #therapytiktok #therapeutic #muslimtiktok #muslimah #hijabitiktok ♬ In the Mood – Glenn Miller
For beginners, candle-making sets and easy crochet kits provide all you need to get started and are widely available online or in craft stores. If you’d like a more social experience, check out the multitude of workshops offered by third spaces in your community for crafts like embroidery, pottery, and painting. Many studios also offer beginner-friendly pottery classes that include equipment rental. If you’re keen to try it at home, pottery and embroidery kits are available online starting from £20, making this a surprisingly accessible hobby.
For an insight into the world of art and creativity, check out our article Four Muslim Makers Share the Magic of Their Art.
13. Colouring
@alwayslara_ I was so intimidated by this coloring page but im pretty happy with how it turned out!! 🥰 #colorwithme #coloringbook #coloringpages #satisfying #ohuhumarkers #alcoholmarkers #coloringbookforadults #fall #cozycoloring #tvlightcoloringpage #howto #colorlighting #tutorial #colorin #fuzzyhyggecoloringbook #supercutecoloringbook #StressRelief #fypviralシ ♬ I Wanna See You Smile – Guitalele Guys
Who says colouring is just for kids? Adult colouring books have gained popularity for a reason—they offer a simple, screen-free way to unwind and channel your creativity. Whether you’re sketching freehand or using the Cosy Girl colouring book, the rhythmic motion of colouring offers a low-pressure, meditative hobby that’s perfect for slowing down after a busy day. All you need are some coloured pencils or markers and a quiet corner to turn a blank page into something vibrant and personal. Just put on some music, light a candle, make a cuppa and colour away.
14. Building Model Kits
@its.emmasaurus wacka wacka 🕹️👾 building lego pacman! #lego #pacman #legoset #buildinglego #legotok #rlfm #reviews #10323 #gifted ♬ original sound – Emmasaurus
Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the detail-loving, creative girlies! If you’re into architecture, design, or just love solving puzzles, building model kits is the ultimate way to let those creative juices flow and flex that brain power. Whether it’s assembling Lego kits, building model Gundams, or designing characters for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, get ready to build and design your way through some seriously satisfying projects.
15. Beekeeping
@highgatehoneyThis is what happens when my boy comes beekeeping with me 😂♬ Get Ready – SUPER-Hi & NEEKA
You might think you need a whole farm for this hobby, well think again! Urban beekeeping is buzzing, with rooftop hives popping up all over the city. It’s not just about the honey—although that’s a major perk— but it’s also a chance to help local wildlife thrive and connect with nature in a way you’d never expect.
If you’re new to this hobby, organisations like the British Beekeepers Association offer courses and resources to get started. Just a heads up, beekeeping does take some dedication and a little upfront investment in gear, but the reward is sweet—just like the honey you’ll harvest!
16. Open-Water Swimming
If your algorithm has been serving up intense workout videos and levelling up your stamina is your ultimate health goal this year, open-water swimming may become your new obsession.
Whether you’re diving into Hampstead Heath pools, training for a triathlon, or splashing around at a local lido, this hobby is all about challenging yourself and pushing your limits. It’s not just a workout; it’s a whole vibe—a refreshing reset for both the body and the mind. Once you swim in open waters, you’ll find yourself conquering that negative self-talk and overcoming those mental barriers.
Will 2025 be the year you step out of your comfort zone? You could try something just once and move on or surprisingly discover a passion that you had never thought of before. Whatever you do, we hope you embrace hobbies for the joy of it and add a little creativity and fun into your life this year.
Amaliah Team
This article was written by a member of the Amaliah team or a collective team effort. You can follow us on @amaliah_tweets for the latest or head over to our Instagram @amaliah_com. If you're reading this and are thinking about contributing an article then send us an email with a brief or a full article to contribute@amaliah.com
