Grandmas Been Right All Along: Keep Your Hands Busy, and Your Mind Will Thank You

Move over, TikTok dances and avocado toast - granny hobbies are having a moment. Knitting, crocheting, gardening, baking, journaling, and even board games are no longer just for older generations. Turns out, there’s something deeply satisfying about doing things with your hands, whether it’s untangling a skein of yarn or kneading bread, and it might just be more rewarding than doomscrolling through social media for the 37th time today.

Why the comeback? People are craving a digital detox, a little nostalgia, and a proven mental health boost. A 2023 study in Nature Medicine found that older adults who regularly engaged in hobbies were happier, healthier, and less depressed. In other words, grandmas have been right all along: keep your hands busy, and your mind will thank you

But these “granny hobbies” aren’t just good for you - they bring people together. Knitting circles, gardening clubs, and bake-offs create instant communities, while sharing skills bridges intergenerational socialization in ways that social media likes and comments never could. Suddenly, analog activities feel cooler than any app, and the bonus is you might even make friends who actually talk to each other in real life.

So dust off that yarn, plant a tomato, or start a scrapbook. You’ll feel better, make connections, and, most importantly, have a story to tell that doesn’t involve social media, algorithms, or endless notifications. Who knew grandma was such a trendsetter all along?