Finding joy during a pandemic can be extremely challenging. Personally, I have worked harder than ever to discover myself and my interests during this time of inactivity. Of course, this led me on a journey to finding my personal style, favorite hobbies, and ultimately, cottagecore. As we’ve all been sharing helpful self-care tips, I thought I would share some cottagecore self-care tips that have brought joy to my life. Everything old is new again!

1. Embroidery

I purchased a kit off of Etsy (the best website ever!), and I was surprised at how simple it is after you get started. The hardest part was threading the needle. This particular hobby is so calming and the perfect thing to do while you binge a Netflix show or listen to a cottagecore playlist. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.

2. Gardening/Plant Mothering

If you’ve been following me for a bit, you already know all about my gardening and plant mom journey. It has not always been easy (crops dying, fungus gnats, etc.) but I think it is an amazing experience to care for another living thing. Plants are relatively inexpensive and depending on the type, easy to care for. Plus, they add so much to any space. I went plant crazy this summer and now my room has so much life in it. If you’ve been thinking about it, this is a sign you need more plants in your life.

3. Baking

Every year, I try to challenge myself with one big venture. Lists of goals are wonderful—just not my style. Last year, I committed to only buying thrifted clothes, but this year I wanted to better my baking skills. So, every Sunday, I pull out my baby blue mixer (named Stella), and I try a new, sometimes frightening recipe. So far, I’ve made an olive oil cake, a berry tart, and a pecan pie. All turned out beautifully. I’ve learned that the key to success in baking is patience. So pull out that mixing bowl.

4. Letter Writing/Journaling

I have found that when you're living through many gigantic world events, it can be difficult to work out how you feel. I’ve always kept a journal, but I’ve never been consistent. Now I write in my journal every day even if it’s just to say that my day was boring. I also invested in nice materials to make journaling more fun. If journaling isn’t your style, you should definitely try letter writing. At the moment, I have 3 pen pals (2 English, 1 French). It is honestly one of my favorite hobbies that I picked up during the pandemic. There are very few people in my life who I feel comfortable sharing all of my thoughts and something about putting pen to paper just allows the thoughts to flow. I started on lined notebook paper, but now I’m transitioning to gold wax seals! You can get as artistic as you want.

5. Reading

I’ve been an avid reader since I could read, but being a literature student at university sometimes takes the joy out of leisure reading. I’ve been making more of a conscious effort to read before bed or while I’m in the bath. Books have the amazing ability to take you to new worlds when traveling isn't an option. Invest in one good book (I can provide recs if you need) and dedicate 30 mins of free time to it. I promise you won’t regret taking this personal time.

6. Playing Dress-Up

Lastly, play dress-up! There is a reason why dress-up was so fun when we were children. I’ve really been taking this time to figure out my style because I believe your style says something about who you are. The more I’ve explored my style the more I’ve fallen in love with myself. So take some time and create some outfits. It doesn't matter if you never leave the house—take the time to plan your post-COVID outfits. Take some photos and create your own photoshoot! You must do things that make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Invest that time into yourself.

I hope these cottagecore tips were helpful to you and that you give some of them a try. If you do, let me know in the comments as well as any other self-care tips that you recommend. I love being reminded that in a world full of technology, I can still find joy within tangible things. I appreciate your continuous support, and I hope that you are healthy and happy. You are loved by me and the world!