The modern world moves quickly. Most of us are already exhausted by the time the weekend arrives. However, the need for extra income remains a reality for many. If you are looking for side hustles that don’t lead to burnout, you are in the right place.
Finding a low-stress side hustle is about balance. You want to increase your bank account without sacrificing your mental health. This guide explores low-stress side job opportunities that fit into your existing lifestyle.
Whether you want to work from your couch or enjoy the outdoors, these side hustle ideas offer flexibility. Let’s dive into the low-stress side hustle ideas that can transform your finances.
1. Professional Pet Sitter
Animal companionship is a proven stress-reducer. Many homeowners need reliable people to watch their pets while they travel. This is one of the most popular low-stress side hustles because it often involves simply relaxing in someone’s home with a furry friend. You can use platforms like Rover or TrustedHousesitters to find clients.
The earning potential is surprisingly good. Many sitters charge between $30 and $75 per night. It is a quiet way to earn money while reading, watching movies, or even working your primary remote job. It provides a change of scenery that feels more like a vacation than a task.
2. House Sitting
If you enjoy peace and quiet, house sitting is ideal. You essentially get paid to exist in a different space. Your main tasks include bringing in the mail, watering plants, and ensuring the property remains secure. It is a very low-stress way to make extra money. Many people use this time to work on other personal projects, study, or practice a hobby.
Usually, you can earn $25 to $50 per day just for staying over. Since there are no demanding bosses or strict deadlines, the mental load is nearly zero. It is perfect for introverts who thrive in solitude.
3. Online Survey Participant
This is a classic for a reason. Taking surveys won’t make you a millionaire, but it is one of the best low-stress side hustles for filling small gaps of time. You can do this while waiting for the bus, during a commercial break, or while lying in bed.
Sites like Survey Junkie, Prolific, or Swagbucks are great starting points. Most participants earn between $1 and $5 per hour of active work. It requires zero technical skill and very little mental energy. While the pay is modest, the lack of commitment makes it entirely pressure-free.
4. Transcriptionist
Do you have fast fingers and a good ear? Transcription involves listening to audio files and typing what you hear. Many industries, like legal and medical, need these services. You can often set your own hours, which makes it a perfect low-stress side job for those who prefer working independently during their peak energy hours.
Expect to earn around $15 to $22 per audio hour. As you get faster, your hourly rate effectively increases. It is a meditative process for many, as it requires deep focus on a single task rather than multitasking.
5. Website Tester
Companies want to know if their websites are user-friendly. As a tester, you navigate a site and speak your thoughts aloud. You might be asked to find a specific product or sign up for a newsletter. Each test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. It is engaging but rarely difficult, making it a solid choice for those seeking low-stress side hustle ideas.
Payment is usually $10 per 20-minute test. Sites like UserTesting are industry leaders. It is a fun way to see new technology before it launches while getting paid for your honest opinion.
6. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry is repetitive, but for many, repetition is relaxing. You take information from one source and input it into a database or spreadsheet. It is a straightforward low-stress way to make extra money. Many remote roles allow you to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while you work.
The average pay ranges from $12 to $18 per hour. Because the rules are usually very clear, there is little room for ambiguity or stress. You simply complete the task and log your hours.
7. Virtual Assistant
Small business owners often need help with administrative tasks. This might include managing emails, scheduling appointments, or organizing digital files. While it requires organization, it is generally predictable once you learn the client’s preferences.
You can earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on your skill level. By limiting your number of clients, you keep your workload manageable. It provides a sense of accomplishment by helping others stay organized.
8. Dog Walker
Getting outside is a great way to decompress. If you love exercise, dog walking is a double win. You get paid to stay active and spend time with dogs. It is a highly flexible side hustle that you can do in your own neighborhood.
Most walkers charge $15 to $30 for a 30-minute walk. If you walk two dogs at once, your hourly rate doubles. Fresh air and canine gratitude are excellent remedies for a stressful day job.
9. Stock Photographer
Do you have a smartphone with a great camera? You can take high-quality photos of everyday objects and sell them. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Alamy pay you royalties every time someone downloads your image. It is a passive low-stress side hustle once the photos are uploaded.
While it takes time to build a portfolio, top contributors can earn hundreds in passive income monthly. You don’t need a professional studio. Simple shots of food, nature, or office setups are often in high demand.
10. Proofreader
If you find yourself naturally spotting typos in restaurant menus, this is for you. Proofreaders check documents for grammar and spelling errors before they are published. It is a quiet, focused task that you can do from a coffee shop or your sofa.
Freelance proofreaders often earn $25 to $45 per hour. It is a great way to utilize a natural skill without the pressure of creating original content from scratch.
11. Delivery Driver (Groceries)
Unlike ridesharing, grocery delivery doesn’t require you to have strangers in your car. You simply pick up items and drop them at a doorstep. Apps like Instacart or Shipt allow you to choose your own hours and see your earnings upfront.
You can typically earn $15 to $25 per hour (including tips). Many drivers enjoy the “treasure hunt” aspect of finding items in the store. It allows for a flexible schedule that you can turn on or off whenever you feel like it.
12. Book Reviewer
Some websites will pay you to read books and provide an honest summary or critique. For bookworms, this is a dream come true. It turns a hobby into a revenue stream. It is perhaps the most relaxing side hustle on this list.
While some sites pay in free books, others like Kirkus Media pay around $50 per review. It is a slow-paced job that rewards your love for literature. You get to discover new authors while building a side income.
13. Online Tutor
If you excel in a particular subject, teaching others can be very rewarding. You can tutor students in everything from math to English as a second language. Many platforms handle the lesson plans for you. This reduces the preparation stress significantly.
Hourly rates usually range from $15 to $30. It is a fulfilling way to share your knowledge. Helping a student reach an “aha!” moment is a great mood booster.
14. Friendly Visitor for Seniors
Many elderly individuals appreciate companionship. Some services pay you to visit, play games, or help with light chores. It is a meaningful way to earn income. The pace is slow and the environment is usually very calm.
This usually pays around $15 to $20 per hour. It often feels more like visiting a grandparent than working. It is a heart-centered approach to making extra money.
15. Social Media Moderator
Moderators keep online communities safe. You monitor comments and posts to ensure they follow community guidelines. It is a digital role that you can perform from anywhere. It usually involves clear rules, which keeps the stress levels low.
Many companies pay $15 to $25 per hour for this role. It is a great job for night owls or those who enjoy being active on social platforms anyway.
16. Mystery Shopper
Retailers pay people to visit their stores and report on the experience. You might have to buy a specific item or check the cleanliness of a department. You often get reimbursed for your purchases plus a small fee for your time. It feels more like a game than a job.
Most shops pay between $10 and $50 per assignment. It is a fun way to explore new shops in your city. You get free products and a little extra cash for your feedback.
17. Laundry Service Provider
Apps now allow people to outsource their laundry. You pick up the clothes, wash them at home, and return them folded. It is a domestic task that many find therapeutic. You can work on other things while the machines are running.
Providers can earn $15 to $25 per load. It is a great way to make money while you are already doing your own household chores.
18. Renting Out Storage Space
If you have an empty garage, basement, or attic, you can rent it out. People need places to store their boxes, seasonal gear, or vehicles. This is almost entirely passive. It is a low-stress way to make extra money with zero daily effort.
Depending on the size of the space and your location, you could earn $50 to $300 per month. Platforms like Neighbor help facilitate these deals safely.
19. Notary Public
Becoming a notary involves a simple certification and a small fee. You then act as an official witness for document signings. The appointments are usually short, professional, and scheduled at your convenience.
In many states, you can charge $10 to $15 per signature. If you become a mobile notary for loan signings, you can earn $75 to $150 per session. It is a highly respected and low-stress professional role.
20. Research Study Participant
Universities and medical centers often need people for non-invasive studies. This might involve sleep studies, psychological surveys, or tasting new food products. These studies often pay very well for a few hours of your time. It is a unique and interesting side job option.
Compensation can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the study’s length. It is a fascinating way to contribute to science while getting paid.
21. Creating Digital Templates
If you are good at Excel, Notion, or Canva, you can sell templates. People buy budget trackers, resumes, and social media layouts. Once you create the file, you can sell it thousands of times on platforms like Etsy.
Successful sellers can earn anywhere from $100 to $2,000+ per month in passive income. It allows you to be creative once and reap the rewards for years.
22. Garden or Yard Helper
For those with a green thumb, helping neighbors with their gardens is perfect. This might include weeding, planting flowers, or light pruning. Working with soil is known to reduce cortisol levels in the brain.
You can easily charge $20 to $40 per hour. It is a healthy, productive, and outdoor-focused side hustle.
23. Selling Used Items Online
Decluttering your home can be a relief. Selling those items on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace turns your “trash” into cash. It is a great way to start a small business. You control the inventory and the shipping schedule.
Earnings depend entirely on what you have to sell, but many people make an extra $200 a month just by clearing out their closets. It is a satisfying way to organize your life while padding your wallet.
Tips for Success with Low-Stress Side Hustles
To keep these side jobs truly low-stress, follow these simple rules:
- Set Boundaries: Decide exactly how many hours you will work each week. Do not let the hustle bleed into your rest time.
- Pick What You Like: If you hate driving, don’t choose delivery. If you love animals, pet sitting will feel effortless.
- Track Your Income: Use a simple spreadsheet to stay organized for tax season. Knowing your numbers reduces financial anxiety.
- Don’t Overcommit: It is better to do one hustle well than three poorly. Start with one and see how it fits your schedule.
By choosing one of these side hustle ideas, you can improve your financial situation without losing your peace of mind. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the extra cushion in your budget.
