These are thinking types, but that doesn’t limit their hobbies to puzzles, coding, and research. INTJ hobbies and interests are as likely to be varied as anyone else’s, as you’ll see in the list below. It’s time to let go of the stereotype that dismisses INTJs as the “coldest humans.” Plenty of warmth is there for those willing to see it. It might hide behind layers of cool reserve, but it’s there.
What Are The Best Hobbies for INTJ Personalities?
INTJs can immerse themselves in a variety of hobbies, much as any other type. That said, their favorite hobbies tend to involve one or more of the following:
SolitudeSelf-improvementPersonal challengesPersonal enrichmentSelf-care
You’ll find specific examples in the list below.
25 of the Best INTJ Hobbies
Each of the hobbies listed here contains varieties of their own, making them easy to customize, based on your unique interests and strengths. The better you know yourself as an INTJ, the easier it will be to find a hobby you’ll want to stick with.
1. Writing
Like most of the hobbies on this list, this one contains multitudes. From blogging to writing fiction to pitching article ideas to writing letters to the editor, if you love writing, you’ll find a way to make it a part of your daily life. Journaling is a great place to start.
2. Crosswords / Word Puzzles
Whether you love filling out the crossword in your daily paper or you relax every evening with your favorite word puzzle apps (like this one), these are a fun way to spend time while keeping your brain sharp.
3. Sudoku / Logic Puzzles
If numbers and logic puzzles are more your thing, you can find a huge variety of sudoku and other numerical puzzle apps for your smartphone or tablet. Or find some paperback puzzle books in a magazine rack at your local store.
4. Planning
You love to plan. And you probably have your own way of doing this, using notepads, binders, journals, or whatever suits your planning method of choice. You might even keep it all on the cloud using apps that help you keep track of your plans and stay organized.
5. Home Improvement
This hobby can start with decluttering, cleaning, and updating your storage and organization options. You can also go beyond these to experiment with interior design, remodeling, and renovations. Home improvement can be an expensive hobby, so pace yourself and celebrate your wins.
6. Art
Maybe you’re drawn to painting, sculpture, or woodcarving. Or you could just enjoy sketching scenes or arranging flowers. Whether it’s a solo hobby, a side hustle, or something between the two (semi-social), you enjoy creating beautiful things.
7. Music
Music is an integral part of your life and essential to your personal time, whether you’re listening to music or creating your own (with your voice or a musical instrument). You can’t imagine spending a whole day without music. And you don’t have to.
8. Collecting
Depending on the objects you collect, and how many, this is one hobby that could cost you a significant amount of your living space. Keep that in mind as you make space in your home for a collection that has meaning for you. Make every addition earn its place.
9. Computers
Nowadays, it’s not hard to find free classes online to learn how to write computer code HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc. Using a code editor like Atom, you can design your own interactive website or create computer games or smartphone apps.
10. Ethical Hacking
Why settle for making apps when you can put your hacking skills to work for a noble cause? This hobby could even become a side hustle helping businesses thwart cyberattacks or exposing vulnerabilities in their security.
11. Robotics and Electronics
Maybe you’d love to create your own robot. Or perhaps you enjoy playing with electronic gadgets like drones and other high-tech remote-control toys. Consider taking a class to level up your tech skills or learn how to create something you’ll be proud to show off.
12. Video Games
Video games are a classic solo hobby with an adrenaline rush, depending on your games of choice. Invest in some blackout curtains and play alone or with a friend to develop your problem-solving skills and improve your ability to focus.
13. Crafting
Knitting, crocheting, quilting, needlework, and wood-crafting are all on the list of options for this category, but they’re just the beginning. Use a skill you already have or learn a new one to create handmade gifts for yourself and the people you care about. Beware Of The INTJ Death Stare 50 Of The Most Interesting Hobbies To Try This Year 37 Fun Things To Do By Yourself 37 Of The Best Creative Project Ideas For Fun And Relaxation
14. Making Food
Whether you’re cooking, baking, brewing, fermenting, or just throwing edible ingredients together, you’re making food. Why not learn some new recipes or finally figure out how to use the Instant Pot someone gave you three years ago (tell me I’m not alone)?
15. Gardening
This hobby is an easy one if spring is coming, and you have space outside you can till under and prepare for seeds or seedlings. Otherwise, you can keep an herb garden in your home year-round. Or lavish your attention on a collection of carefully-chosen houseplants.
16. Research and Independent Study
You probably have interests as varied as your thoughts, and because you’re curious, you look things up and end up going from one source to another, gleaning new information and piecing things together. You may not be an expert at anything, but you’re always learning.
17. Martial Arts
Your mind is up before your body knows what it’s up to, and you love having energy and putting it to good use. Learning a martial art not only gives you a channel for that energy, but it can also help with focus, coordination, and self-discipline.
18. People Watching
Maybe you enjoy people watching (discreetly) to furnish ideas for your stories or just to apply what you’re learning about psychology and to understand people (including yourself) better. Consider journaling as a complement to this hobby to record your observations.
19. Reading
Most people enjoy reading for pleasure. You read for enjoyment and your personal development, problem-solving, and continuing education. Choose a variety of books and, for an extra challenge, create a reading list for each month of the year.
20. Sharing What You Know
If you enjoy helping people but prefer doing so via the internet, consider answering questions on Quora. Or join Twitter threads on topics of interest to encourage others and share what you know. Be the kind of person you’d love to connect with.
21. Solo Exercise
If you’d rather get your exercise working out alone, you have plenty of options, including strength training, running, hiking, swimming, or doing yoga or Pilates. You can find plenty of workout videos online if you’re running out of ideas or just want to switch it up.
22. Spirituality
Meditation at home is a good start, but if you have a strong interest in spirituality, you’ll want to take it further. Consider going on a retreat or taking a class to explore different religions or spiritual teachings.
23. Watching Documentaries.
Documentaries can be both fun and educational, and you can easily find plenty of them online. YouTube alone has legions you can find by typing “documentary “in their search field. Ask for recommendations if you’re not sure where to begin.
24. Immersive Board Games
People of every personality type enjoy immersive board games like Dungeons and Dragons, Arkham Horror, and Terraforming Mars. If you’re interested in exploring one of the many options, consider both the tabletop space and time you have at your disposal.
25. Shopping Online
Shopping online has become the go-to option for many, even with the cost of shipping or delivery. INTJs are introverts, which means their social battery drains more quickly around people, making the online option a relaxing oasis compared to shopping in person.
Which of these INTJ hobbies interests you?
Now that you’ve looked through 25 of the best hobbies for INTJ personality types, which ones stood out for you? Which will you probably spend time on today? If you’re looking for something new to shake up your routine, we hope you see something on this list that gets your mind working on the possibilities. Who knows what you’ll create or accomplish a year from now. What begins as a well-chosen hobby can become more than that. But don’t overlook the value of simply enjoying it.
