Why "Grandma's Hobbies" Are the New Stress-Busters in Modern Life

To fully embrace the 21st century, some members of younger generations opt for living more traditionally, much like their grandmothers did. This approach helps them discover happiness and satisfaction in today’s world.

Labeled as "grandmacore" or "granny hobbies," this trend includes a broad spectrum of pursuits that bring back feelings of nostalgia and a simpler pace of life, capturing widespread interest. of thousands primarily young adult females from millennials and Generation Z.

Rather than browsing through your social media feed after dinner, pick up a pair of crochet hooks and craft a doily, take up casual knitting, or start cultivating a vegetable garden.

Discovering your inner grandma at the University of Utah

The university at Utah has noted considerable development in social media trends to the extent that they are now offering 29 granny-style classes at its Lifelong Learning center this summer.

The class choices encompass baking, knitting, watercolor painting, crafting homemade bath items, becoming an expert in growing microgreens, and even weaving your own personalized tote.

"When individuals dive into their hobbies, they frequently discover a refuge from everyday stresses, establishing a soothing environment where they can relax and rejuvenate," said Patricia S. Dixon, a clinical psychologist. Good Housekeeping concerning the psychological advantages of pursuing an elderly person's pastime.

As individuals refine their abilities, they might see an increase in self-assurance. Furthermore, when the pastime poses challenges, it stimulates mental development and problem-solving skills. Engaging with others who share the same interests can result in significant social exchanges, which can enhance sensations of inclusion and connectivity.

All individuals aged 18 and above are welcome to join these classes, with no requirement for degrees or enrollment.

The university offers a course in sack-crafting through Salt Lake Weaving Studio , established by Catherine Marchant and Deanna Baugh about a year ago.

Taking up weaving isn’t straightforward due to its complex nature as an age-old craft requiring extensive practice to excel at. Additionally, basic starter equipment tends to be pricey, with most "affordable" beginner looms setting you back about $200. In contrast, investing in a brand-new floor loom could easily exceed $8,000.

The weaving studio strives to make the craft more approachable. By utilizing the studio’s looms rather than purchasing individual ones, students can save money. Additionally, learning within a supportive group setting helps reduce feelings of intimidation.

Marchant indicates that through the introductory course at the university, their aim is to showcase the enjoyable aspects of weaving and familiarize participants with this art form.

“I hope they enjoy it so much that they want to return and learn how to do everything themselves,” she stated.

Merchant and Baugh instruct several additional weaving courses at the studio and actively participate as members of the nearby weavers' guild. Mary Meigs Atwater's Weaver’s Guild of Utah .

Merchant thinks that the sense of community is what attracts individuals to crafts such as weaving and similar "grandma pursuits." She mentions that the weaving group in Salt Lake City is notably welcoming, providing frequent gatherings and chances for members to display their creations or seek guidance.

It feels incredibly supportive," she commented. "I genuinely think individuals require a sense of community. ... Everyone here is remarkably kind. There isn’t any separation.

Marchant mentions that individuals of various age groups attend both the studio and the guild. Her most junior participant is just under 20 years old, while one of her oldest learners is in her eighties. These attendees boast different careers such as medicine, engineering, and academia, traveling from across Utah to join these sessions. Some participants commute for 45 minutes from Wanship in Summit County, whereas others make their way from Rush Valley in Tooele County, which takes almost an hour’s journey.

When a friend extended an invitation, Carol Watts decided to join the university’s course with them. She mentioned that weaving turned out to be more technical than anticipated—requiring numerous calculations and handling sensitive machinery—but overall, it has proven to be both rewarding and beneficial for stimulating her mind.

Watts expressed her hope that more individuals will keep participating in the course.

“I encourage everyone to support local art initiatives and join some classes,” she stated. “This provides a great opportunity to interact with individuals you might not otherwise cross paths with and acquire knowledge you wouldn’t typically gain elsewhere.”

Lee Enyart, who is also new to weaving, mentioned that the class has proven helpful for her mental well-being.

This serves as my therapy," she stated. "Finding joy in creation is truly comforting. It aids greatly in coping with loss... it shifts your focus onto something different.

After enrolling in several courses via the university’s Lifelong Learning program, Jessica Campaign became part of our class. She attributes the surge in activities such as weaving, knitting, and crocheting to a reaction against rapid fashion trends and consumerism.

People are shifting away from disposable fashion and disposable goods culture," she stated. "(They prefer) having items that are uniquely crafted and hold significance.

The campaign argues that it's more impactful to create something distinctive that endures over time rather than purchasing an affordable item meant only for short-term use. Such long-lasting, high-quality items have the potential to turn into cherished presents or treasured family keepsakes—indeed, Campaign plans to pass down her handwoven tote bag to her niece.

Some say these so-called granny hobbies are dying arts, but Marchant doesn’t believe that. For one thing, the classes have been a success.

“All of our university classes are filled to capacity,” she stated.

Despite the hectic schedule of her courses, Marchant emphasized that textiles continue to be vital in contemporary living.

Take a look around you," she said. "What you see is made from interwoven materials. People use woven meshes during surgeries, your vehicle seats are crafted with woven fabrics, and every item in your house consists of some form of weaving. These weaves might not be handmade, yet they're omnipresent.