Millennials Are Swapping Their Midlife Crisis for 'Granny Hobbies' Instead

In a chaotic life filled with stress about work and finances, it can be nice to come home and switch off. While some people might turn to reading or playing with their phones to zone out, one man has started channeling his inner grandpa to find inner peace.

As a realtor, Kyle Williams, 36, works long hours and travels around Jacksonville, Florida, to find the best properties for his clients. But when he finally gets time to kick back and relax, there's nowhere he'd rather be than in his garden, as he's learned to embrace "granny hobbies."

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Williams told Newsweek that he started embracing gardening a few years ago when he wanted to find a way to shut out the noise and switch off. During the pandemic, it offered him "a refreshing change of pace," and he loved seeing his yard transform before his eyes.

"Being a realtor is no joke, and that's why I found gardening to be such a lifesaver," he said. "There's nothing like seeing my plants grow and bloom to melt away the stress of the day. Gardening has become my favorite way to unwind and recharge."

Williams once associated gardening with older generations, but now he believes it's become increasingly popular among millennials who want to forget about their busy schedules. Who has time to think about that upcoming presentation when the hydrangeas need tending?

"I believe millennials are embracing granny hobbies more because our entire lives have been marked by chaos," William said. "From Y2K to September 11, various wars, the 2008 market crash, and the pandemic—we've been through a lot. We're tired and just want to find simple ways to unplug."

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Why Gardening Can Be Good For You

The COVID pandemic led many people to appreciate their own space like never before. With plenty of spare time and nowhere to go, it became a popular option, as the National Gardening Association revealed that there were more than 18.3 million new gardeners throughout 2020.

While gardeners often love touring friends and family around their gardens to show off their marvelous flowers, it's widely thought that having a green thumb also comes with health benefits.

The Mayo Clinic says that gardening can burn as many calories as a gym workout and improve strength and balance. Spending time outside can also improve digestion, the body's immune response and heart rate.

As Williams found firsthand, gardening can also reduce stress levels. The cathartic nature of tending to and watering plants is therapeutic and calming, which can lighten a person's mood and reduce anxieties.

After taking up gardening, Williams has loved how it forces him to "hit pause" and enjoy the simpler things in life. He once thought he'd never have the patience for gardening, but now it relaxes him, and he loves seeing his roses and dahlias bloom.

"There's something magical about nurturing plants and watching them grow," he added.

But gardening isn't only soothing for Williams. He says the hobby is also "affordable and accessible," which is even more advantageous during a cost-of-living crisis.

The Social Media Reaction

After discovering his love of granny hobbies, Williams posted about it on social media (@kyle_grows_jax on Instagram). Not only does he love offering gardening advice, but he also enjoys connecting with fellow millennials who are leaving behind rowdy bars and turning to more tranquil pastimes instead.

In one Instagram reel, Williams joked that "millennials [are] skipping past the midlife crisis phase and right to granny hobbies"—and they couldn't be happier. The clip went viral with over 22.9 million views and more than 1 million likes since it was posted on June 23.

"I decided to share this new mindset because it's really made a difference for me. Gardening has become more than just a hobby—it's a way to unwind, connect with nature, and find some peace in the daily hustle," Williams told Newsweek.

"Whether it's gardening, painting, cooking, or learning a new instrument, the key is to explore without pressure. It's all about discovering what brings you joy and allows you to unwind. Who knows, you might stumble upon a new passion."

As it turns out, many millennials can relate as they're also embracing the granny hobbies now too—leading to over 9,100 comments on the post already.

"We can't afford midlife crisis, also we're too tired for them," one commenter wrote.

An Instagram user commented, "Oh, this is facts. I woke up today, excited to water my new apple trees and I did so three times with no regrets. This is the life."

Another person said: "Midlife crises require money. Granny hobbies are cheap."

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