30 Fun New Hobbies for Women to Try in 2020

The number of Americans who read for pleasure has plummeted by more than 30 percent since 2004, according to the American Time Use Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2004, roughly 28 percent of adults read for fun on any given day. In 2018, that was about 19 percent. Pick up a book to buck the trend and escape your own world for awhile.

RELATED: Best Books of 2020

No artistic talent? No worries! Anyone can reap the relaxing benefits of painting their own forest of happy little trees even if the results aren't exactly museum-worthy. Sign up for a guided paint night if you prefer a more structured environment or grab a set of brushes and paints at your local craft store if you'd rather fly solo.

Bring out your inner Aretha and sing in the shower while making dinner or doing chores. Many communities and churches have volunteer choirs if you crave an audience, and even adults can take voice lessons to tune up their pipes.

Go ahead, bust a move. Join a Zumba class to get sweating, look for dance nights at your local community center, look for an app or online video tutorial, or take your partner for a little spin around the kitchen. Dancing boosts endorphins and gets your body moving for a double whammy of health benefits.

In this digital era, many of us don't have a lot of pictures we can hold in our hands. Get offline and start a scrapbook that exists somewhere other than the cloud. Crafting is cathartic, and you'll be preserving memories for the next generation, while you're at it.

RELATED: Easy Halloween Craft Ideas

Even if the last time you were onstage was in the class play, it's never too late to let your acting talents bloom. Many communities have local acting troupes that welcome beginner bards. If you miss auditions, a good old-fashioned game of charades can do the trick in a pinch.

Smartphones mean most of us have a camera in our pockets at all times, but few of us give much thought to lighting, composition, or even subject matter. Photography can make a rewarding hobby, even if you stick to the camera in your phone. And you can even turn the fruits of your labor into decor!

Apartment-dwellers and those with yards can both reap the benefits of gardening. Houseplants have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity lately, and they're a great option for those who don't have outdoor space or those who live in cold climates. And don't worry if you're not a plant expert: Hard-to-kill plants are here for you.

RELATED: Hard-to-Kill Plants

The Japanese art of folding paper into whimsical shapes isn't just for children. It's a great activity to help maintain manual dexterity, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, and it only costs as much as the paper you use.

Making your own jewelry has two benefits: It will help you get in touch with your creative side, and you'll get so many compliments on your wares. And if you decide to use vintage beads and baubles, finding your materials can be half the fun.

Take birthday and holiday cards to the next level by learning calligraphy. Some libraries and art centers offer classes, but you can also purchase your own pens and ink and find free tutorials online.

The kids aren't the only ones who can enjoy video games. Ask yours to teach you their favorites, or try an online game if you don't have a standalone system of your own. Puzzle games can help keep your mind sharp, while role-playing games can feel like controlling your very own story book.

If there's anything more satisfying than fitting in that last puzzle piece, we've never found it. Puzzles can range widely in complexity, from small ones you can complete in a few hours to behemoths that will last for weeks. They also make a fun, affordable activity to do with friends and family.

RELATED: Best Jigsaw Puzzles

Some people are just born to run. Find out if you're one of them! Start out training for a 5k and work your way up to longer races, or just jog around the block. Running carries myriad benefits for your body and mind, but always check with your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.

Magic isn't just for Penn and Teller or kids' birthday parties. All you need to get started is a basic deck of cards. Keep a few in your back pocket to pull out at dull dinner parties and prepare to totally blow your friends' minds.

Cooking may rank as the most useful of the hobbies you can learn, and it can be as simple or complex as you want. If you generally make the meals at your house, mix it up by trying a new cuisine, a different technique, or tool you've never explored to put the spice back in mealtime.

Bring the outside in by learning how to arrange flowers. Making your own bouquets will save you lots of money over buying them at a florist, and you can show off your personality on your table. If you live in a climate where flowers are hard to come by in the winter, start with silk blooms to tide you over until spring.

Those who enjoy arts and crafts may especially love woodworking, but anyone can try it. Look for a woodworking or carpentry class in your area to help you learn how to safely use the tools of the trade. The sharp instruments you'll need can be dangerous without the proper technique.

Even for those with joint or mobility problems, swimming can be a fun and low-impact activity. Indoor community pools usually hold lap-swimming hours anyone can join, in addition to group classes like water aerobics or even water zumba.

Sewing isn't just for your grandmother. Learning to sew your own clothes can result in a fabulous wardrobe tailored to fit your unique body, and it's more sustainable than fast fashion. Sewing machines have come a long way since you may have last checked one out, and you'll be amazed what some of these workhorses can do.