Hustle culture is taking a sideline. The new aspiration is soft, slow and slightly floral in print. Across social media, “meemaw activities” are trending as people trade burnout for bird feeders, sourdough starters and crochet hooks. People have a new outlook on these activities, seeing them as aesthetic, restorative and surprisingly calming.
Reading is trending, and it’s creating a new, beautiful community. It’s less about productivity and more about ritual. In an era of constant scrolling and shrinking attention spans, there’s a desire for life to be slower. Beyond the aesthetic, reading improves focus, reduces stress and strengthens empathy by allowing readers to go into the shoes of the characters. In a hyper-digital world, sitting quietly with a book feels deeply restorative.
Sewing has re-emerged as both a sustainability statement and a creative outlet. People are growing tired of fast fashion and want to be more conscious of waste, so making your own wardrobe feels empowering. Social media tutorials have made sewing more accessible and less intimidating. Beyond environmental benefits, sewing builds patience and confidence. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something from scratch and crafting clothing that fits perfectly.
Bird watching is trending, as people want to unplug. It requires a little more attention, but it’s accessible and inexpensive: all you need is a bird book and a pair of binoculars. There are even apps that identify bird calls and track sightings in local areas. The benefits are surprisingly powerful. Spending more time outdoors lowers stress and improves mood. Bird watching slows the pace of the day and teaches people to observe rather than rush.
Baking and cooking are trending because they offer comfort that your taste buds will love. From sourdough starters to crockpot dishes, home cooking has become a form of self-care. Social media allows recipes to be everywhere and a form of art. This encourages people to cook more at home. Beyond practicality, cooking builds skills and helps people feel grounded. Feeling productive enough to bake a beautiful loaf of bread or prepare a glorious dinner feels powerful.
Crochet and knitting have experienced a revival in their therapeutic nature. Unlike other hobbies, these can be done while watching TV or listening to a podcast, making it easy to integrate into daily life. The repetitive movements promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Completing a project shows a time well spent.
Gardening is trending as more people crave sustainability. The “cottagecore” aesthetic has also romanticized growing your own flowers and veggies. This turns practical work into something dreamy and aspirational. Gardening encourages physical activity and mindfulness. Exposure to sunlight and soil has been linked to improving mood. Watching something grow under your care fosters a sense of responsibility that can make anyone feel better.
Bingo is trending thanks to its nostalgia. What once was reserved for church halls and retirement centers has been reimagined for bars, drag events and even a club at ISU. The rules are easy, the buy-in is affordable and the thrill is incredible. Beyond entertainment, bingo offers cognitive sharpness. It’s wholesome, competitive and chaotic enough to be wildly fun.
Maybe the reason “meemaw” activities are trending isn’t ironic at all. In a culture built on speed, these hobbies offer something radical: slowness. They require working with their hands and quietly enjoy the company of others. So whether it’s tending to a garden, calling out bingo or finishing a cute quilt, these activities reconnect us with balance.
