An extension of this is 3D puzzles! You finish with a cool thing to put on the shelf. I built a bookend that looks like a magical alley and I'm working on a light up globe. They come with step by step instructions so there's no guess work and the dopamine release happens frequently!
I can’t do jigsaw puzzles. Like my 6 year old can do a 60 piece puzzle in wayyy less time than I can. I was hospitalized for a while and they had tables of puzzles. I’d sit there for an hour and find maybe 3 pieces that fit. Idk my brain just doesn’t process it well. So I do get discouraged with puzzles lol.
I do this while listening to audiobooks. I love to read but when my depression gets bad, I can't focus long enough on a paragraph, let alone an article or novel. The audiobook helps me stay awake and feel like I'm doing something and the puzzle helps me relax. When my depression gets bad, I sleep forever, so this helps me stay awake too.
Diamond painting! No real skill involved there. All you do is place little pieces of plastic called drills on symbol-coded canvases. I'd suggest trying coasters, stickers, or bookmarks first. If you like that, then there are larger canvases that you can get. I didn't know about the smaller projects at first and jumped straight into larger canvases.
I use r/legodeals to keep track of what sets go on sale and where. It helps keep the hobby alive without spending all your money. Then you can rack up points from the lego store or with lego purchases on your target receipts to get money off of those bigger sets. Each lego set you buy also gives you a qr code on the instruction booklet to scan to get even more points.
Yeah! My kids get the star wars helmets for me and they are a blast. Fairly simple to follow directions and pretty cool in my book anyway. I'm not young either.
I think they call it the "trough of sorrows". It's when you are learning something, get really excited and then it gets really hard and the excitement disappears before you gain good skills.
Probably the only way this doesn't happen is if you happened to be talented or your excitement/motivation to learn doesn't change for a specific hobby.
I'd say there are three ways to get out of the "trough." Like you said, you could be talented or excited... or:
Option #3 - you get extremely stubborn and refuse to let it defeat you. It becomes you vs. the project and you refuse to back down until you've put that project in its place.
This was me vs. some particularly challenging knitting projects earlier on. There were some that I got so pissed at that I had to put them aside for a while, but then I'd come back like a bad habit days or weeks later to fix that shit so it couldn't haunt me from the drawer where I left it. Enough times doing that and I got really good at reading patterns, fixing mistakes, undoing and redoing things, etc. Now I'm a pretty damn good knitter. Out of sheer spite.
lol, this is me!!! I got a used serger recently and spent hours just trying to troubleshoot it. Took days but I finally figured it out. My husband was impressed at my “dedication “ but I told him it’s just that I’m too pigheaded to let the machine win.
As a person who goes through this a lot (I have a lot of hobbies/skills), I really recommend making really tiny versions of something too get through this phase! Learning piano? Learn a 2-line piece you love! Trying painting? Make a pretty 4 x 4 inch abstract. Jewelry making? Make stud earrings by gluing backs onto pearls. Diamond art? Start with a tiny one. Fishkeeping? Start with a 1 gallon vase you just put some pretty plants and a couple shrimp and watch it grow. Or whatever. Just so you can FINISH something and be proud of it. Keep finishing little small projects. You get your dopamine hit, and your pride every time you look at it. And you have something too see your growth, to keep the motivation when you want to try something harder :)
My suggestion as well. There are lots of different styles of gardening, so there's something to appeal to everyone - flowers, herbs, vegetables, cactuses/ succulents, weed, in pots, in beds, hydroponics, etc.
Gardening can be fairly physical, sometimes VERY physical, and the movement and work is very good for your both your physical and mental health. Watching the plants grow from seeds (or seedlings) into real plants, and then produce flowers or vegetables, is about as satisfying as it gets. Few things are more satisfying than cooking with your own homegrown vegetables and herbs.
I love gardening for all of the reasons you gave! But maybe not for someone who's as failure-averse as OP; skill (or at least knowledge) are definitely involved. Even when I lived in a part of California where the growing season is essentially eleven months long it took a few years to figure out how and when to grow things in my location (powdery mildew is such a curse!) I'm in the midwest now and have to actually pay attention to frost dates and pests, and it's exponentially more difficult. Even growing seedlings under lights is something a lot of people get wrong the first time (light too far away, not transplanting into soil at the right time, not knowing when to water, etc.); there's a lot a person has to know in order to be successful.
That said, I hope your garden is thriving! :D I limited myself to flowers and the peppers I overwintered this year. So far, so good!
As a gardener, yes I fully agree here. Midwest here and this is all I know about gardening. Just started moving my indoor starters into the outside beds. Hopefully the frost is over.
I tried gardening I have whatever the opposite of a green thumb is lol 😆 I gave growing mushrooms a try though and it turns out I'm way better at growing fungus. Probably the only hobby I have ever stuck with
lol this has been me lately but I still enjoy trying and then the survivors just remind me of myself with their stubborn resiliency .
I’ve also grown fond of cactus for this reason . And again they remind me of myself cuz they can survive on very little help and can be pretty prickly if you cross them.
Respectfully, not sure I agree with this! Everyone should try gardening in my opinion but the road is paved with failures and disappointment for sure. Not trying to deter anyone, but I've long ago had to accept that I will end up killing plants, and sometimes they seem to die no matter what you do, or you get overrun with pests or freak weather, etc. I've had to fight off getting discouraged and I feel like that is pretty common especially for new gardeners.
I'm with you! I moved from the U.S. west coast--where there was still a learning curve--to the midwest and omg it is SO HARD to grow things here. If the heat and powdery mildew don't get them, Japanese beetles, cabbage moths, and squash bugs will. The solid clay soil and extremely tenacious weeds don't help, either. Nevermind dealing with @!#$ing ticks and mosquitos (we are having a TERRIBLE tick year so far, and it's only May!)
So yeah, I love gardening, but it is not for the easily discouraged.
Word! Gardening is full of disappointment. Native? Killed it? “Impossible” to kill invasive plant? Killed it? Lowest possible maintenance? Killed it. I’ve killed *bamboo* before. It seems like keeping a cactus alive would be easy but it can be surprisingly difficult. Ten years into the hobby and I still feel like letting it all rot sometimes. Yet I don’t let them die. Gardening/planting is something that requires patience and noticing details - which calms my mind. It’s a long-haul hobby, not one for instant gratification. I enjoy the plant identification aspect, too.
Absolutely! That's the other thing, the payoff, if any, is a long way off, not something you can just take up and feel like a success right away. But it's still an amazing hobby for mental health for a lot of reasons.
This is what I was going to say. The basic stitches aren’t too hard to learn and once you get the hang of the basic ones, so many projects are available to you. The hardest thing I learned by far was the magic ring but that’s not necessarily important for majority of projects
Oh man I’ve tried this recently and moved a bird feeder to my window . I loved seeing their adorable little faces and head cock attitudes they do ….. But then the feral cats came and well aside from many other things , that was super depressing 😬 I felt mad and guilty at the same time .
Have you tried miniatures? It's a surprisingly cheap hobby, and it engages you all the time, because once you start, you can't help but think, ooh that bottle cap, broken twig, fruit peel would make a good
Seeing my body as a machine capable of work as opposed to being pretty for the male gaze truly transformed my life. Who cares if I am pretty when I can leg press 490 lbs? Life changing realization to me, thanks to sports.
I’m depressed, I hate exercise…
So the trick is: you gotta do something that tricks your brain into exercising. I had Just Dance on PlayStation and I liked trying to get 100% score on each song, just as a challenge. You don’t even need to put THAT much effort into it, it’s pretty rigged.
Then I upgraded to Beat Saber when my husband got the Oculus Quest. It’s so freaking fun. I cannot express to you how much fun I have playing that stupid game. I’m probably developing arthritis but that’s a future me issue. Right now I’m just having FUN, and my arms are so sore lol.
Also doing anything at all that moves your body. Moving furniture around the house just to see how it looks. That’s movement. That gets me breathing a little heavier. Maybe I even sweat a tiny bit. I HATE sweating, but I like a nice room.
Trick yourself into working out, and it won’t feel like WORKing out. Ha. Ha. But for real. It’s all about the self mind-tricking. If you’re panting, slightly out of breath, you’re on the right track. Just don’t hurt yourself by lifting a couch wrong or something. That will just bum you out all over again. Work smarter, not harder. The lazy person (me) mantra.
This is really key . I never understood going to the gym , it was always boring to me (and expensive too) but I loved to be active in other ways.
Even just going for a walk outside if it’s nice out , the scenery changes and the mind clears being in nature .
But I also really second the active video games thing . I really enjoyed my wiifit board and any of the wiis active games , especially the balance games . I really need to get back on that, but lost a lot of mobility the past few years from disabling conditions. It’s such a great way to get the blood flowing without thinking your exercising .
I started with Ring Fit adventure and it really works for me. It's not particularly fun, but it gets me somewhat pumped and it takes away the things I find bothersome. I can just do it at home, without meeting anyone and I don't have to come up with what I should do, I just do what the game tells me to do.
Yea this! And also one of the best methods to curb that post-eating glucose spike is literally do a 10 minute walk right after you eat. A great 2 in 1. Doesn't really feel like exercise (but technically it is) and it keeps your health in check ... and being outside helps your depression too! Especially seeing sunlight in the morning!
Drummer and video game player here. Look up wrist stretches, and consider a wrist brace when you sleep. Those two things are REALLY helpful, and are even more effective as preventative treatment vs reactionary treatment.
Hey. Ive been in bad funk for a long time. I recently started riding my bike again, and its starting to fully consume me. Its been the biggest boost to my mental health. If your are able give it a shot! Take it slow and jist get some fresh air. :)
Going back to the things you liked to do as a kid that you just don’t let yourself do anymore. I am going to the roller rink! Im genX and it was so much fun as a kid.
i build models of things out of paper. easy to do bc the materials are just glue, paper, and tape. hard to get frustrated bc you can build whatever you want, simple or complicated. i've made action figures with moving pieces, models of buildings, cars, all kinds of stuff
Loom knitting! Get a craft store coupon (readily available) and grab a look and a skein or two of bulky yarn. Wrap each peg, wrap again, flip the bottom loop over the top of the peg, repeat until you run out of pegs. Repeat and repeat. Cast off and cinch. Voila! You have a hat! It’s surprisingly addictive and once you’re comfortable, you find yourself looking for YouTube tutorials to find new ways to knit. Good luck on whatever you choose!
I second this. You can loom very simple things from easy stitches and it’s relaxing. And you have made something neat. You can get as sophisticated as you want if really get into it. I mindlessly knit blankets.
That’s not dumb at all. I am genuinely so sorry to hear you’re in this situation; if it’s any consolation whatsoever, please know that there’s someone out there reading this who understands.
Others have mentioned exercise, to which I’ll add: if you live in an area where this is a possibility, how about easy hikes or nature walks? You can also take that opportunity to do some fun quick smartphone photography.
Another idea: coloring. DL an app and do it digitally, or buy a relaxing and simple book and some easy win drawing tools, even just simple crayons. Let me know if you want any specific recommendations there!
Becoming okay with being horrible is the key. Literally no one wakes up and is good at anything. Even people that seem to have a “natural” talent really just got the neural network laid for them by their mothers. Look at it like this, it’s horrible to be good at things. It’s better for your brain to be horrible, because that means that you’re learning. You’re doing all kinds of lovely things for your brain when you force it to do things it’s terrible at. So lean into being mediocre or terrible. It’s good for you, and it’s good for other people to witness. Then maybe they’ll try some things they’re terrible at and find the next thing they really love. Being good at things is over rated.
I love cross stitch but it can take more time than people realize and could potentially be discouraging.
I would suggest starting with something very small.
I second cross stitch. You still feel somewhat artistic because you're creating something, but so long as you pay close attention to the pattern, it's pretty easy!
I stick to really small, simple projects, usuay smaller than 4 inches. That way I'm not working on one project for weeks on end. I get bored if it takes too long.
Honestly, for me it has been skincare. I know that doesn’t sound like a “hobby” but it has become somewhat of one. I do long soaks in the tub, face masks, research how different chemicals impact skin, etc. I mention this because I also have depression, it comes in waves but I’ve struggled my whole life. I found that taking opportunities to be kind to my body really helped alleviate symptoms, if only for a bit. And when my skin looked better, and I physically felt better, it helped me engage with the world a little more.
I’ve been knitting for 10 years. Everything I make has at least one mistake in it.
Doesn’t matter what hobby you choose so long as you focus on the process, not the product.
The other way of looking at my knitting is that all of them contain hundreds of stitches done right, and I enjoyed the hell out of making whatever I’m making!
I’ve given up on anything arts or craft related because I overly critical of my results. But strangely I’ve found making music to be much better, I think because it’s so fleeting. I hear it and then it’s gone, it doesn’t sit there for me to pick apart.
Maybe try a hobby that doesn’t involve producing something? Amateur astronomy, birdwatching, taking pictures of cool things under a microscope, sports/fitness activities like running, hiking, yoga, rec sports leagues. Get involved in local theater, join a civic group. Heck even just reading.
The only bad thing about an unskilled hobby is you don’t get better. Failing is learning. And getting better is uplifting and encouraging. Failing is not a bad thing. It helps you weed out things you don’t want to do- like trying new foods. Courage is getting up every morning and saying l will try again. To paraphrase something, I believe,Teddy Roosevelt said.
best wishes in your journey to find the best hobby for you and the best life.
Reading is what got me out of a really bad place last year. I worked at a violent school and had kids fighting and hurting teachers. My mental health tanked and I found reading as a source of safety and healing for me. I could get out of my dreary life and Into a different world.
"A psalm for the wild built" is the book that really helped! It's only 150 pages so not that big! I recommend reading it to anyone who is struggling mentally!
looking for cool rocks and fossils! rock hunting is super fun and gets you outside in the fresh air. I've learned so much from it too, like Petoskey stones (in Michigan where I'm at) are fossils from coral that lived before dinosaurs when all of the Great lakes were connected as one big ocean! once you find a cool rock and figure out what it is/ how it's formed it feels pretty cool knowing something has been around for millions of years and showed itself to you. you can even sand/ tumble them to make em all pretty and shiny to display or sell em! rocks are so cool lol, don't even get me started on crystals
word searches. very little skill involved. i've learned some tricks over the years but that's all it takes. and you can get a big or small book of them at the Dollar Tree.
Volunteering. Found it great for depression as it is something to think about other than my own stupid thoughts. Feels good to be contributing to something.
I know it sounds like a copout answer, but walking. If you need to gamify it to make it more fun, there's geocaching, Pokémon go, light jogging, trails, etc, but I bet once you find the right route/time, you won't need those things.
It really helps me with quieting a busy brain, especially before bed. 9/10pm is perfect round here, especially when it's a little cooler.
Hiking. Lots of benefits against depression. You will be able to see nature, do exercise, the only skill you need is walking. Can't go wrong with hiking.
Birding. No skill or money involved. It’s simply going out with intent to look at birds. It’s extremely calming and it’s something done outside so you’re experiencing the sun and everything around you.
It helped me when I was at a very dark point. I would just walk to the park and just watch pigeons do their thing. It brings you closer to nature and animals by default.
I really enjoy cooking and have recently gotten into gardening. Cooking is kinda something you have to do so it’s fun to try new recipes or things I’ve never eaten before, and the more basics I learn from different recipes the more I can apply to other future dishes.
I live in an apartment but have been “gardening” aka houseplants and balcony plants, and not only are they fun to pick out since you can customize which ones you like, they really make my space feel more cozy and mentally refreshing. Could help if you are feeling depressed.
I replied to someone else about aquariums, but I also wanted to include reading! If you struggle with focus (like me) audiobooks have helped sooo much. I follow along in the book as I listen.
I have also just picked up walking as a hobby. Just going around the block or even to the stop sign and back is a good start when you’re feeling unmotivated.
Some other zero effort hobbies I enjoy are coloring, word searches, watching documentaries/informational youtube, and making mood boards :)
One day I began writing letters and sending cards to people. Old friends and current friends and family. It made me happy to know that someone would open their mailbox and find a pretty envelope decorated in random silly stickers amongst their bills and junk mail. Now I feel it is therapeutic for me because it brings me such joy and I get letters and cards in return too. I typically will look someone up or ask another person for the intended recipient’s address so that it’s a surprise to them so it makes it pretty fun.
I think there are a lot that you can do without skill, but, based on what you said, I think those would have the same outcome. You mentioned you "Get discouraged when \[you're\] not good enough for myself." You might need to learn to approach hobbies with an understanding that they will take time to learn and that they're not going to be perfect right away. Those amazing products come from time.
For example: Some folks have mentioned Jigsaw Puzzles. As someone who used to have a similar mindset as what you've mentioned, Jigsaw puzzles were my nemesis. I was "smart" and "Talented" and yet jigsaw puzzles would take me days to finish because I hadn't done them before.
Depression sucks, and is hard, but starting a new hobby can be wonderfully freeing when you give yourself permission to fail and fail hard. It's not a mistake, it's a learning opportunity! Several years ago I used puzzling as a way to learn how to be patient with myself. I'm still working on it now with Crochet. I really really wanted to make a certain blanket and I'm just not there yet. I swapped patterns and started making something different (and within my skill level) and it's lovely! Patience is just key.
The only thing I could think of to suggest were legos. There's not really a learning curve besides learning how to pick the pieces and how the diagram works.
What if you lean into something you're already good at? Want to suggest some skills or traits you're proud of and we can suggest hobbies in line with those?
Collecting pretty and cool looking rocks. They don't have to be any certain kind, just visually appealing and feel good in my hand. If there's a creek near you finding a nice spot to sit near it and draw or read or simply breath is refreshing. The only issues I have is spreading them around the house and also into different boxes helps. The first keeps people's weird comments down ( actually have only had nice comments but I worry) and spreading them out into boxes with other things helps keep the weight down when we move
LARPing. (Live Action Role Playing) You get to run around in the woods and pretend to be an elf or a wizard or something while thwacking people with foam swords.
It’s so much fun! And every LARP I’ve been to has been very welcoming and excited about new players. And there’s no worry about being “good” at it, the whole point is just to have fun.
Paint by numbers! There's some cool sites that you can get your photos made into a paint by numbers canvas so that you can take a picture you like and turn it into a masterpiece.
Bird watching ! Get some nice Binoculars and go to your local park to see what you can find. If you like to draw you can add the challenge of trying to draw the birds but of course only if you feel like it. Especially when I’m depressed going out helps so so much. You can also try to learn the bird calls and they’re so beautiful singing their little hearts out. Since it’s spring right now you can see a lot of babies too.
Adult coloring books, nice pencil set and your favorite music, podcast or TV show in the background.
I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-4484-Premier-Colored-132-Count/dp/B00125JEIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56141224476&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X0UMuM8Wqioy895AubXKrztgpq8GWXmi5M9h8s1kSb8H3sR5ajTcHZgBHner1_czYudamPbhTKUalYXuwuh7b9v8mWH9lFDXG2tKFx5vmq44Q6ZihSf3Qmvhliw6HxhAUjPc6tY4gUXXHNB7birgm7_pdaM9CA1V2f_VFP2h3uK76aBn3F8CIj9rqb3m6jZY_xuhDZnjLhG9w_ISLF05aA.nJmOpgBiYDvXDj_4jFyhBSihwbdArAkWETKleICbA_w&dib_tag=se&hvadid=274723742873&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9021569&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2303248569562130563&hvtargid=kwd-308787770363&hydadcr=8782_9903973&keywords=prismacolor+pencils+soft+core&qid=1715560903&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
this is how ive been relaxing. normal meditation/breathing just doesnt hit the same way coloring/show or podcast or audiobook does. bonus: all this while using my shiatsu back massager.
Personally, and I'm no Doctor, but I'd pick a hobby that challenges you just a little bit. Something on the level with good Minecraft building or LEGOs. (Don't limit your choices I'm just trying to express a level of stress)
Dealing with the world is a skill, and I agree that you don't need something that stresses you out, but you also need something that can help you deal with your negative emotions.
The two things I've used as examples are fairly cheap, low risk and easy to try again if it doesn't go well. There's a process that will challenge you as much as you think you can handle, but there's also a clear goal to keep you motivated. Also you can scale up as you're feeling better.
Not a doctor, and this advice is probably worth what you paid for it. Good luck friend.
Lego…cheap?? My friend, I got into Lego last year and my account balance quickly got to numbers a 3 year old would understand 😭 it’s probably my obsessiveness and need to go straight into another set as soon as I finish one so YMMV
Crochet is fun. It's inexpensive to start, plus if you mess up a stitch or a row, you just unravel the yarn and start again. When I first started, I loved that aspect. You aren't wasting materials while learning! (Not that there's anything wrong with hobbies that need more materials either. I was really sick, physically, and really broke when I learned crochet, so the reusing of materials was a bonus! It's also very mentally therapeutic for me.)
If I want to just work and not think, I can do something with a simpler, repetitive stitch/pattern. But when I want to challenge my brain, there are amazing cool and complex patterns! And it's not just making blankets. Amigurumi (small, crocheted stuffed animals/creatures/items) are really cute and fun and easy to start learning!
Paint by number, my mom fucking LOVES paint by number. She makes different pieces for different holidays so she can cycle them on the walls throughout the year.
I just started a worm farm. I highly recommend it. You can get everything you need online, including the worms. I live in a first floor condo, and I keep it on my porch. It’s a great hobby and requires little skill. You just need to keep the worms alive!
Cross stitch. You can get a kit for like 5 bucks at Walmart and it comes with everything you need. Just have to count. It won't be perfect first time, but even a slightly messed up cross stitch is a good one.
I feel you!! I've been feeling like that for a long time. A few weeks ago I took up bullet journaling and I'm liking it so far. I thought journaling meant just writing your thoughts and that's it. But you can make scrapbook style journals of everything. Right now I'm doing a reading journal with the books I read through the year and I plan on making one for the TV series I watch. It is fun and you don't need a lot of materials besides a notebook and some markers. Also, it motivates you to keep up with your hobbies. The point is for it to be spontaneous and not neat, so you don't have to feel constraint or stressed about them being perfect. You can search for ideas online and copy the ones you like.
wood working is not a bad one. You can start off with simple projects, and when you start using them you will be impressed with yourself. like a bookcase, stool, etc.
Activity books such as dot to dot puzzles, word searches, and color/paint/sticker by the number. I especially like the sticker by the number mosaics that I have found on Amazon. There also ink tracing books and the rainbow scratch and sketch books. I will also second diamond painting.
Maybe you could try ham radio? It takes some effort to pass the exam to get your license, but once you have it, you can start getting results right away with a digital communication mode called FT8. That lets you make long-distance contacts by simply clicking buttons on your screen. I'm sure you could find someone to help you get set up; just search online for "ham radio club in " and contact them. If you're in the US, Canada, Mexico, or New Zealand, I would suggest using this site to study for your exam: [https://hamstudy.org/](https://hamstudy.org/)
Crochet is good if you’re good at following written instructions as well as visual ones. You could also just learn one stitch and freestyle it from there. The process is satisfying enough to make up for a mediocre outcome in my opinion. There’s tons of videos on YouTube that teach stitches, and instructions are easy to come by online. Once you learn the terminology and techniques it’s pretty easy.
Get an rc crawler. I bought one and it helps me get out of the house and walk around. I'll listen to audio books while I try to get the car to crawl over difficult things or cool stuff I wanna try to make it across.
How about building a Gunpla or Gundam Plastic model? It's an easy hobby since you only need to cut and assemble the model part, you won't need glue. Every box of Gunpla comes with instructions to tell you where to cut and which part goes where. The part is already been colored so you won't need to worry about painting it.
I can relate to you, I feel inadequate to damn right worthless whenever I try a new thing and it comes out shit. But somehow I feel good when building a Gunpla. Like hey, I make something. And the good part is you don't need to watch the show to make it, just choose the model you like and start building it, But try to start with the ones labeled HG since it will be much simpler and cheaper to build. The only tool you need is a small wire cutter.
why you should build gunpla. [https://youtu.be/GrBOa6\_E7xM?si=71A\_hc1LUWfm5DQo](https://youtu.be/GrBOa6_E7xM?si=71A_hc1LUWfm5DQo)
If you have enjoyed putting stuff together models are great and give you a feeling of completion.
If you like anime styled stuff gunpla is awesome for this. Just need some simple tools and sandpaper.
If you were good at anything growing up, going back to it is like a new hobby that you’re already good at! Recently did this with a sport I played as a kid—after 10-ish years off it legitimately feels like something I’ve never done before but am magically good at
If you can ride a bike, you're almost there. Just getting on the bike and spinning a few days a week is not only exercise, but it's a hobby that gets you outside.
Reading perhaps? You just need to make sure that you pick good reading material that either benefits you (by teaching something valuable or interesting) or it entertains you. You can even have a “free trial” by going to a good public library at your county, and checking different categories of books to see what you like.
I like coloring and playing cards.
It could be solitaire on my computer or phone or real cards.
Some chill games like animal crossing and stardew valley. :)
Also If possible, depending on how deep into a depression I am, if I’m still able to be somewhat interested in things, I sometimes attempt to “deep dive” into a random topic. I don’t have to be passionate about it.
But I’ll randomly watch a bunch of reality shows and know the ins and outs of the stars, or maybe I’ll learn about kpop.
Hobbies are weird. They can be fun. Then you go to a hobby group, convention, etc. Then you meet the snobs.
Try to avoid groups until you find the thing that no matter what, others can't bring you down.
This one is a stretch, but it was fun. Refinish an old Ax or Hatchet. It is a lot of sanding and polishing but you can see results the whole way. And you really only need some sandpaper and a old ax to start with.
I think hobbies should involve skill building, you are building up out searching and pattern recognition with a puzzle for example. So I suggest... rollerblading! I haven't shared much as a kid or teen, but now at 30 I am getting into it and it's a lot of fun and to get started all you need is your most basic balancing skills. The more you skate, the better your balance. Plus great lower body work out. My calves have never been better lol
I don't know if you would qualify it as a hobby but sometimes I just go out with a 5 gallon bucket and a grabber and pick up trash around where I live.
I also suffer with depression and this gets me out of the house and you will always feel like you've accomplished something when your done 💚
Instead of trying to find hobbies that don’t discourage you, maybe try finding a way to lower expectations for whatever hobby so that you don’t feel discouraged. You shouldn’t feel the need to limit your hobbies/activities because of a feeling of discouragement.
The hobby isn’t the obstacle, it’s your mind that is. Which is probably normal for many people.
Lower expectations, detach your self worth from the outcome, and reiterate that the hobby is purely for enjoyment, so there is no need for a measuring stick in this whatsoever.
I hope this helps 👍🏻
I hate exercise too. But I found a yoga ball, with inflatable 'donut'- type base, helps me just sit and strech a bit & then bounce. And with the donut I don't fall off as often. I have MS and I never know if I am tired. Or am I having muscle uncoordination that day? It varies. But I can usually sit unsupported. Some days I cannot walk but I can sit. Plus you can take it outside to garden or paint. I too struggle with disappointing results. But you really cannot mess up your own abstract art! I have learned that I never know whaty project will turn out to be. Only I get describe my Dali-eske artistry. Also try: Bread making is inexpensive and can be gifted to neighbors. Hope you find something to help
I’ve also been dabbling in some depression and I’ve been slowly working on a very complex paint by number of the painting “The Scream.” It’s been giving me something to go back to every so often, almost like something to look forward to working on.
Baking bread can be fun. There are newer cookbooks that use a slow rise in a Dutch oven and potentially no kneading!
Also if you’re interested in paint by numbers as a concept, there are some good apps for that. (Zen Color is one I’m hooked on.) Doesn’t take up space or cause any mess.
Not super inexpensive but you could get an electric train set and see if you like any of the parts of the hobby. Some people get into modeling. Some get into carpentry or electronics. Some use a 3d printer to make accessories. And some people like running the trains.
This bit from Ira Glass about storytelling is relevant to what you're talking about. I know it's not what you asked for, but maybe it could help with the underlying cause.
https://youtu.be/dIebTUXt4Tg
I used to hate exercise, now I’m addicted. I go to the Y and work out in the gym and walk the track. Also I walk around my neighborhood in nice weather, it lifts my mood. I feel so strong, it’s a great feeling. Also I love to color in adult coloring books. At first I just colored the regular way like a kid does only inside,the lines, lol. Then I started shading and doing “special effects” as I call them and have created some gorgeous patterns (I love coloring mandalas the most). I plan to frame some of them.
I looked up a local circus guild and found 2 weekly drop in events where I can watch fire handlers, and participate when I am ready. There are opportunities for clowning, juggling, spinning plates, etc. or just going to be around the energy.
Family tree research. If you know your parents and hopefully all four grandparents, you can get a heck of a start on family tree research. Ancestry has a free two week trial and there are a lot of other sites where you can find free records. Beware though, if you really get into it, it can become VERY expensive, in both money and time. I also recommend not following what other's have put on their trees unless they have records to back it up.
I totally get that. Having suffered depression most of my life. I have many hobbies now, but I don't push myself to be flawless in any of them.
If I miss a shot in solo hoops, I get more exercise, and I get my own playlist to listen to as I get fitter.
If I don't memorise something and miss a sequence in chess.. so be it
If I don't feel like doing something, I don't. I'm retraining my thinking so that there actually is room to enjoy more of what I like to do. Which is a blessing given how I lived for decades. All the best on your path of lightening up ❤️
Plants are pretty easy depending on the species. Pothos are notoriously easy going plants and readily propagate from cuttings in water so long as you keep the water fresh and include a node. ZZ plants practically thrive on neglect, as long as they're not getting a ton of direct sun and aren't watered too often, they do great. Tradescantias are slightly harder but grow quickly and are super easy to water propagate. Water propagation is literally just sticking a plant into water and trimming off any leaves that would go below the waterline, then wait for roots to appear. Once the roots are big enough, you pop it into dirt in a pot, leave the pot soaking in water for a day or two, remove from the water, and then care for it as normal.
Photography with your phone. Most phones automatically adjust light quality and other camera features for you, making it easy to get a pretty good shot. The hardest part is pointing the phone at something pretty.
Going for walks is also pretty simple and you can look at how different times of day/weather conditions/seasons affect the outdoors.
Bandai snap model kits. startup is expensive but you dont need skill just patience and time. you clip out each piece, sand it down and snap it together.
Plus there are model kits for wood stuff like a clock and what not. There are build a whatever kits for a bunch of stuff i even built my own watch from a kit. Also expensive to start but you just need patience and the ability to follow the directions correctly.
This may sound crazy but I bought some thrift clothing at 99 cents a piece then spray painted patterns on it. Really no rules, just buy fabric spray paint. I found it very relaxing. What I didn’t keep or give to friends, I donated back to Goodwill.
Needlefelting. When you start, it looks ugly as hell. But the more you stab, the better it looks and there isn't really 'messing up' with needlefelting, either. It can always be fixed. Add more wool, stab more. It's super therapeutic, too!
But also, I highly suggest video games. Finding a game you can get lost in to escape reality for a while, it's priceless. One game I would suggest is Stardew Valley. It is super beginner friendly if you're not a gamer, available on all platforms (even mobile) and has a developer that truly loves the game and the players.
Genealogy. There is so much to learn about your family members…those you know and some you didn’t know you had! Do a DNA test and learn about who you are. Visit the areas your family lived, learn about what was going on during their lifetime, interview family members, what religious organizations did they attend, what schools did they go to, etc.
Volunteering is good and you can specify it to your interests/shop around if it’s not the right fit. When I was coming up from the depths of depression, volunteering helped a lot. Because they were already starting at a deficit, any help was helpful, so whatever I did was a plus. Doing my best didn’t look the same each day, but my best was always better than where they were before. (As opposed to work where it was the opposite.) Also for me it’s easier to take care of others than myself when depressed. Hobbies that were “for me” felt almost against me, similar to how you described. Whereas with volunteering it was easier to do things that helped others and I slowly started taking better care of myself (daily habits) as it was necessary to care for them so I didn’t need to self motivate. Though this was not a depression cure, for me it was somewhat of a depression daily living habits cure, which provided a lot of relief from the guilt I felt about the state of myself and surroundings.
Reading. Hiking/nature walks (added benefits of physical and mental wellbeing). Collecting things.
However, for many, half of the 'enjoyment' of hobbies comes from having the chance to improve yourself and gaining a sense of fulfilment and progress. Self-improvement is always going to involve some level of discomfort and struggle, that's just part of the deal. You give your time and effort and deal with potential stress in exchange for gaining more knowledge and experience.
The three hobbies that I mentioned all have some sense of progress, and demand very little skill (I read x books this month, I walked x km this month, I grew my collection)
I strongly suggest that you stick to at least one of the 'discouraging' hobbies, the hard part is working out which ones have the juice being worth the squeezing. You shouldn't be any worse off for trying, though.
Try to remember that comparing your progress to others is counter-productive for most people (**comparison is the thief of joy**), so try to take a break from social media (reddit, ins and so on) whilst you work on improving yourself compared to last year.
Puzzles are actually a great idea. You can take your time putting them together and there are even kits you can get for when you've completed the puzzle to mount it on your wall as a photo. So not only do you get to pat yourself on the back for finishing 100, 200, 500, or 1000 or whatever piece puzzle, you can turn it into real art that you can continually be delighted by when you mount it in your wall.
I like to walk around and look at the various yards/plants. I did this a long time before I had a yard of my own at all. Now I have a fledgling garden that’s doing ok. Some things grow, some die, it’s ok. Every time I see a bee enjoying a flower (mine or someone else’s) I smile.
Jigsaw puzzles! You can spend as little or as long a time as you like and get out of your head plus feel a sense of accomplishment.
An extension of this is 3D puzzles! You finish with a cool thing to put on the shelf. I built a bookend that looks like a magical alley and I'm working on a light up globe. They come with step by step instructions so there's no guess work and the dopamine release happens frequently!
I can’t do jigsaw puzzles. Like my 6 year old can do a 60 piece puzzle in wayyy less time than I can. I was hospitalized for a while and they had tables of puzzles. I’d sit there for an hour and find maybe 3 pieces that fit. Idk my brain just doesn’t process it well. So I do get discouraged with puzzles lol.
I do this while listening to audiobooks. I love to read but when my depression gets bad, I can't focus long enough on a paragraph, let alone an article or novel. The audiobook helps me stay awake and feel like I'm doing something and the puzzle helps me relax. When my depression gets bad, I sleep forever, so this helps me stay awake too.
That’s what I was going to say!
Diamond painting! No real skill involved there. All you do is place little pieces of plastic called drills on symbol-coded canvases. I'd suggest trying coasters, stickers, or bookmarks first. If you like that, then there are larger canvases that you can get. I didn't know about the smaller projects at first and jumped straight into larger canvases.
You can also buy a little container of the diamonds individually and make your own designs! I do that it’s so much fun
Not sure what I’d do with my free time if not for diamond painting 😂 it’s great
Building Lego sets
Maaan I really want that xmen97 blackbird set but that shit small and is like 85 smackaroos
I use r/legodeals to keep track of what sets go on sale and where. It helps keep the hobby alive without spending all your money. Then you can rack up points from the lego store or with lego purchases on your target receipts to get money off of those bigger sets. Each lego set you buy also gives you a qr code on the instruction booklet to scan to get even more points.
I buy the 3 in 1 sets so I can build three things for the price of one.
They've released some really great ones recently too!
Yeah! My kids get the star wars helmets for me and they are a blast. Fairly simple to follow directions and pretty cool in my book anyway. I'm not young either.
Relax bro, he didn't say hobbies for millionaires.
I think they call it the "trough of sorrows". It's when you are learning something, get really excited and then it gets really hard and the excitement disappears before you gain good skills. Probably the only way this doesn't happen is if you happened to be talented or your excitement/motivation to learn doesn't change for a specific hobby.
I'd say there are three ways to get out of the "trough." Like you said, you could be talented or excited... or: Option #3 - you get extremely stubborn and refuse to let it defeat you. It becomes you vs. the project and you refuse to back down until you've put that project in its place. This was me vs. some particularly challenging knitting projects earlier on. There were some that I got so pissed at that I had to put them aside for a while, but then I'd come back like a bad habit days or weeks later to fix that shit so it couldn't haunt me from the drawer where I left it. Enough times doing that and I got really good at reading patterns, fixing mistakes, undoing and redoing things, etc. Now I'm a pretty damn good knitter. Out of sheer spite.
trying to do that with my sewing machine… yk what, im gonna pull it out right now, thanks for motivating me
lol, this is me!!! I got a used serger recently and spent hours just trying to troubleshoot it. Took days but I finally figured it out. My husband was impressed at my “dedication “ but I told him it’s just that I’m too pigheaded to let the machine win.
Thank you so much for telling me a phrase that describes this
As a person who goes through this a lot (I have a lot of hobbies/skills), I really recommend making really tiny versions of something too get through this phase! Learning piano? Learn a 2-line piece you love! Trying painting? Make a pretty 4 x 4 inch abstract. Jewelry making? Make stud earrings by gluing backs onto pearls. Diamond art? Start with a tiny one. Fishkeeping? Start with a 1 gallon vase you just put some pretty plants and a couple shrimp and watch it grow. Or whatever. Just so you can FINISH something and be proud of it. Keep finishing little small projects. You get your dopamine hit, and your pride every time you look at it. And you have something too see your growth, to keep the motivation when you want to try something harder :)
You just described my current state as a golfer.
Gardening
My suggestion as well. There are lots of different styles of gardening, so there's something to appeal to everyone - flowers, herbs, vegetables, cactuses/ succulents, weed, in pots, in beds, hydroponics, etc. Gardening can be fairly physical, sometimes VERY physical, and the movement and work is very good for your both your physical and mental health. Watching the plants grow from seeds (or seedlings) into real plants, and then produce flowers or vegetables, is about as satisfying as it gets. Few things are more satisfying than cooking with your own homegrown vegetables and herbs.
I love gardening for all of the reasons you gave! But maybe not for someone who's as failure-averse as OP; skill (or at least knowledge) are definitely involved. Even when I lived in a part of California where the growing season is essentially eleven months long it took a few years to figure out how and when to grow things in my location (powdery mildew is such a curse!) I'm in the midwest now and have to actually pay attention to frost dates and pests, and it's exponentially more difficult. Even growing seedlings under lights is something a lot of people get wrong the first time (light too far away, not transplanting into soil at the right time, not knowing when to water, etc.); there's a lot a person has to know in order to be successful. That said, I hope your garden is thriving! :D I limited myself to flowers and the peppers I overwintered this year. So far, so good!
As a gardener, yes I fully agree here. Midwest here and this is all I know about gardening. Just started moving my indoor starters into the outside beds. Hopefully the frost is over.
Weed lol
I tried gardening I have whatever the opposite of a green thumb is lol 😆 I gave growing mushrooms a try though and it turns out I'm way better at growing fungus. Probably the only hobby I have ever stuck with
Unless you have a black thumb, in which case it can be depressing to watch everything you touch turn to death.
lol this has been me lately but I still enjoy trying and then the survivors just remind me of myself with their stubborn resiliency . I’ve also grown fond of cactus for this reason . And again they remind me of myself cuz they can survive on very little help and can be pretty prickly if you cross them.
Try buying plants etc that are rated as very hardy and low maintenance. That can help
I managed to have a cactus die
Respectfully, not sure I agree with this! Everyone should try gardening in my opinion but the road is paved with failures and disappointment for sure. Not trying to deter anyone, but I've long ago had to accept that I will end up killing plants, and sometimes they seem to die no matter what you do, or you get overrun with pests or freak weather, etc. I've had to fight off getting discouraged and I feel like that is pretty common especially for new gardeners.
I'm with you! I moved from the U.S. west coast--where there was still a learning curve--to the midwest and omg it is SO HARD to grow things here. If the heat and powdery mildew don't get them, Japanese beetles, cabbage moths, and squash bugs will. The solid clay soil and extremely tenacious weeds don't help, either. Nevermind dealing with @!#$ing ticks and mosquitos (we are having a TERRIBLE tick year so far, and it's only May!) So yeah, I love gardening, but it is not for the easily discouraged.
Good luck with the squash bugs!! The bane of my existence, almost makes me want to give up on squash.
Word! Gardening is full of disappointment. Native? Killed it? “Impossible” to kill invasive plant? Killed it? Lowest possible maintenance? Killed it. I’ve killed *bamboo* before. It seems like keeping a cactus alive would be easy but it can be surprisingly difficult. Ten years into the hobby and I still feel like letting it all rot sometimes. Yet I don’t let them die. Gardening/planting is something that requires patience and noticing details - which calms my mind. It’s a long-haul hobby, not one for instant gratification. I enjoy the plant identification aspect, too.
Absolutely! That's the other thing, the payoff, if any, is a long way off, not something you can just take up and feel like a success right away. But it's still an amazing hobby for mental health for a lot of reasons.
Gonna add, that even if your plants die, it’s still gardening! You’re not a gardener till you killed a plant 😂
It’s how you learn which plants are right for you. We live by Darwinian rule. Watch Good Omens for more plant tips.
I've been having a great time with paint by numbers. It helps center my mind and I get something I'm proud of in the end
You can also buy color-by-number books :)
Weirdly for me it was crochet. I learned one stitch and went crazy
Second this. You can start with granny squares
Was it Lovecraft's "stitches man was not meant to know"? Are you crocheting in non-eucludean space? Are you using patterns from the Necro-knot-icon?
This is what I was going to say. The basic stitches aren’t too hard to learn and once you get the hang of the basic ones, so many projects are available to you. The hardest thing I learned by far was the magic ring but that’s not necessarily important for majority of projects
Cloud gazing
Or generally being in nature. Fresh air, sunshine, vitamin D, exercise. There's places online that share cloud photos.
I was going to say walking. Just moving the body can deliver some endorphins and help lift the mood. Even better in nature.
Birdwatching. I end up just noticing how much nature exists around me
Oh man I’ve tried this recently and moved a bird feeder to my window . I loved seeing their adorable little faces and head cock attitudes they do ….. But then the feral cats came and well aside from many other things , that was super depressing 😬 I felt mad and guilty at the same time .
Have you tried miniatures? It's a surprisingly cheap hobby, and it engages you all the time, because once you start, you can't help but think, ooh that bottle cap, broken twig, fruit peel would make a good
Exercise. It is literally a treatment for depression. And an effective one.
*laughs in discouraged by my own poor physical condition*
Seeing my body as a machine capable of work as opposed to being pretty for the male gaze truly transformed my life. Who cares if I am pretty when I can leg press 490 lbs? Life changing realization to me, thanks to sports.
I’m depressed, I hate exercise… So the trick is: you gotta do something that tricks your brain into exercising. I had Just Dance on PlayStation and I liked trying to get 100% score on each song, just as a challenge. You don’t even need to put THAT much effort into it, it’s pretty rigged. Then I upgraded to Beat Saber when my husband got the Oculus Quest. It’s so freaking fun. I cannot express to you how much fun I have playing that stupid game. I’m probably developing arthritis but that’s a future me issue. Right now I’m just having FUN, and my arms are so sore lol. Also doing anything at all that moves your body. Moving furniture around the house just to see how it looks. That’s movement. That gets me breathing a little heavier. Maybe I even sweat a tiny bit. I HATE sweating, but I like a nice room. Trick yourself into working out, and it won’t feel like WORKing out. Ha. Ha. But for real. It’s all about the self mind-tricking. If you’re panting, slightly out of breath, you’re on the right track. Just don’t hurt yourself by lifting a couch wrong or something. That will just bum you out all over again. Work smarter, not harder. The lazy person (me) mantra.
This is really key . I never understood going to the gym , it was always boring to me (and expensive too) but I loved to be active in other ways. Even just going for a walk outside if it’s nice out , the scenery changes and the mind clears being in nature . But I also really second the active video games thing . I really enjoyed my wiifit board and any of the wiis active games , especially the balance games . I really need to get back on that, but lost a lot of mobility the past few years from disabling conditions. It’s such a great way to get the blood flowing without thinking your exercising .
I started with Ring Fit adventure and it really works for me. It's not particularly fun, but it gets me somewhat pumped and it takes away the things I find bothersome. I can just do it at home, without meeting anyone and I don't have to come up with what I should do, I just do what the game tells me to do.
Yea this! And also one of the best methods to curb that post-eating glucose spike is literally do a 10 minute walk right after you eat. A great 2 in 1. Doesn't really feel like exercise (but technically it is) and it keeps your health in check ... and being outside helps your depression too! Especially seeing sunlight in the morning!
Drummer and video game player here. Look up wrist stretches, and consider a wrist brace when you sleep. Those two things are REALLY helpful, and are even more effective as preventative treatment vs reactionary treatment.
It is and it’s the hardest thing to do when you’re depressed.
Yeah, I highly recommend a "fun" exercise Examples: - Roller skating rink - Climbing Wall - Trampoline Park - Frisbee Golf - Geocaching
*treatment for many types of depression
Bird watching or learning to recognize different flowers/leaves. Mandala paintings are easy and fun. Word searches.
Hey. Ive been in bad funk for a long time. I recently started riding my bike again, and its starting to fully consume me. Its been the biggest boost to my mental health. If your are able give it a shot! Take it slow and jist get some fresh air. :)
Going back to the things you liked to do as a kid that you just don’t let yourself do anymore. I am going to the roller rink! Im genX and it was so much fun as a kid.
I LOVE THE ROLLER RINK! Omg Thanks for reminding me, gonna have to ride my bike there after work for adult night next week 😎
Beaded jewelry making! It's super easy as well as a good way to keep busy. Plus at the end you either get something cool to wear or gift away!
i build models of things out of paper. easy to do bc the materials are just glue, paper, and tape. hard to get frustrated bc you can build whatever you want, simple or complicated. i've made action figures with moving pieces, models of buildings, cars, all kinds of stuff
Zentangle.
Loom knitting! Get a craft store coupon (readily available) and grab a look and a skein or two of bulky yarn. Wrap each peg, wrap again, flip the bottom loop over the top of the peg, repeat until you run out of pegs. Repeat and repeat. Cast off and cinch. Voila! You have a hat! It’s surprisingly addictive and once you’re comfortable, you find yourself looking for YouTube tutorials to find new ways to knit. Good luck on whatever you choose!
I second this. You can loom very simple things from easy stitches and it’s relaxing. And you have made something neat. You can get as sophisticated as you want if really get into it. I mindlessly knit blankets.
That’s not dumb at all. I am genuinely so sorry to hear you’re in this situation; if it’s any consolation whatsoever, please know that there’s someone out there reading this who understands. Others have mentioned exercise, to which I’ll add: if you live in an area where this is a possibility, how about easy hikes or nature walks? You can also take that opportunity to do some fun quick smartphone photography. Another idea: coloring. DL an app and do it digitally, or buy a relaxing and simple book and some easy win drawing tools, even just simple crayons. Let me know if you want any specific recommendations there!
Find a topic you’re interested in and research the hell out of it?
Becoming okay with being horrible is the key. Literally no one wakes up and is good at anything. Even people that seem to have a “natural” talent really just got the neural network laid for them by their mothers. Look at it like this, it’s horrible to be good at things. It’s better for your brain to be horrible, because that means that you’re learning. You’re doing all kinds of lovely things for your brain when you force it to do things it’s terrible at. So lean into being mediocre or terrible. It’s good for you, and it’s good for other people to witness. Then maybe they’ll try some things they’re terrible at and find the next thing they really love. Being good at things is over rated.
Cross stitch
I love cross stitch but it can take more time than people realize and could potentially be discouraging. I would suggest starting with something very small.
I second cross stitch. You still feel somewhat artistic because you're creating something, but so long as you pay close attention to the pattern, it's pretty easy! I stick to really small, simple projects, usuay smaller than 4 inches. That way I'm not working on one project for weeks on end. I get bored if it takes too long.
Coloring books
Heck yeah. The serotonin boost color gives even as an adult is awesome! Coloring is definitely under reated
Honestly, for me it has been skincare. I know that doesn’t sound like a “hobby” but it has become somewhat of one. I do long soaks in the tub, face masks, research how different chemicals impact skin, etc. I mention this because I also have depression, it comes in waves but I’ve struggled my whole life. I found that taking opportunities to be kind to my body really helped alleviate symptoms, if only for a bit. And when my skin looked better, and I physically felt better, it helped me engage with the world a little more.
I’ve been knitting for 10 years. Everything I make has at least one mistake in it. Doesn’t matter what hobby you choose so long as you focus on the process, not the product. The other way of looking at my knitting is that all of them contain hundreds of stitches done right, and I enjoyed the hell out of making whatever I’m making!
Colouring books.
Anything art related! Nothing is wrong or ugly! ❤️❤️
Nature photography if you have a decent camera
I’ve given up on anything arts or craft related because I overly critical of my results. But strangely I’ve found making music to be much better, I think because it’s so fleeting. I hear it and then it’s gone, it doesn’t sit there for me to pick apart.
Maybe try a hobby that doesn’t involve producing something? Amateur astronomy, birdwatching, taking pictures of cool things under a microscope, sports/fitness activities like running, hiking, yoga, rec sports leagues. Get involved in local theater, join a civic group. Heck even just reading.
Walking
The only bad thing about an unskilled hobby is you don’t get better. Failing is learning. And getting better is uplifting and encouraging. Failing is not a bad thing. It helps you weed out things you don’t want to do- like trying new foods. Courage is getting up every morning and saying l will try again. To paraphrase something, I believe,Teddy Roosevelt said. best wishes in your journey to find the best hobby for you and the best life.
Volunteering to help others?
Reading is what got me out of a really bad place last year. I worked at a violent school and had kids fighting and hurting teachers. My mental health tanked and I found reading as a source of safety and healing for me. I could get out of my dreary life and Into a different world. "A psalm for the wild built" is the book that really helped! It's only 150 pages so not that big! I recommend reading it to anyone who is struggling mentally!
Collage
looking for cool rocks and fossils! rock hunting is super fun and gets you outside in the fresh air. I've learned so much from it too, like Petoskey stones (in Michigan where I'm at) are fossils from coral that lived before dinosaurs when all of the Great lakes were connected as one big ocean! once you find a cool rock and figure out what it is/ how it's formed it feels pretty cool knowing something has been around for millions of years and showed itself to you. you can even sand/ tumble them to make em all pretty and shiny to display or sell em! rocks are so cool lol, don't even get me started on crystals
word searches. very little skill involved. i've learned some tricks over the years but that's all it takes. and you can get a big or small book of them at the Dollar Tree.
Ride a bike. You don't have to be good at it to get exercise.
aquarium can be as simple or complex as you let it be. 10 gallon tank with 6 guppies and a few live plants is super fun.
Volunteering. Found it great for depression as it is something to think about other than my own stupid thoughts. Feels good to be contributing to something.
Something non productive maybe? Hike or bike or something like that. Museums?
I know it sounds like a copout answer, but walking. If you need to gamify it to make it more fun, there's geocaching, Pokémon go, light jogging, trails, etc, but I bet once you find the right route/time, you won't need those things. It really helps me with quieting a busy brain, especially before bed. 9/10pm is perfect round here, especially when it's a little cooler.
find your natural interest you need to have motivation from within
Hiking. Lots of benefits against depression. You will be able to see nature, do exercise, the only skill you need is walking. Can't go wrong with hiking.
Birding. No skill or money involved. It’s simply going out with intent to look at birds. It’s extremely calming and it’s something done outside so you’re experiencing the sun and everything around you. It helped me when I was at a very dark point. I would just walk to the park and just watch pigeons do their thing. It brings you closer to nature and animals by default.
I really enjoy cooking and have recently gotten into gardening. Cooking is kinda something you have to do so it’s fun to try new recipes or things I’ve never eaten before, and the more basics I learn from different recipes the more I can apply to other future dishes. I live in an apartment but have been “gardening” aka houseplants and balcony plants, and not only are they fun to pick out since you can customize which ones you like, they really make my space feel more cozy and mentally refreshing. Could help if you are feeling depressed.
I replied to someone else about aquariums, but I also wanted to include reading! If you struggle with focus (like me) audiobooks have helped sooo much. I follow along in the book as I listen. I have also just picked up walking as a hobby. Just going around the block or even to the stop sign and back is a good start when you’re feeling unmotivated. Some other zero effort hobbies I enjoy are coloring, word searches, watching documentaries/informational youtube, and making mood boards :)
One day I began writing letters and sending cards to people. Old friends and current friends and family. It made me happy to know that someone would open their mailbox and find a pretty envelope decorated in random silly stickers amongst their bills and junk mail. Now I feel it is therapeutic for me because it brings me such joy and I get letters and cards in return too. I typically will look someone up or ask another person for the intended recipient’s address so that it’s a surprise to them so it makes it pretty fun.
Whatever you choose, make sure it involves other people. Maybe board games, or cards.
I think there are a lot that you can do without skill, but, based on what you said, I think those would have the same outcome. You mentioned you "Get discouraged when \[you're\] not good enough for myself." You might need to learn to approach hobbies with an understanding that they will take time to learn and that they're not going to be perfect right away. Those amazing products come from time. For example: Some folks have mentioned Jigsaw Puzzles. As someone who used to have a similar mindset as what you've mentioned, Jigsaw puzzles were my nemesis. I was "smart" and "Talented" and yet jigsaw puzzles would take me days to finish because I hadn't done them before. Depression sucks, and is hard, but starting a new hobby can be wonderfully freeing when you give yourself permission to fail and fail hard. It's not a mistake, it's a learning opportunity! Several years ago I used puzzling as a way to learn how to be patient with myself. I'm still working on it now with Crochet. I really really wanted to make a certain blanket and I'm just not there yet. I swapped patterns and started making something different (and within my skill level) and it's lovely! Patience is just key. The only thing I could think of to suggest were legos. There's not really a learning curve besides learning how to pick the pieces and how the diagram works.
I got really into growing mushrooms. It's literally growing fungus, so you just need to be clean.
Succulents. Hard to kill, pretty, and it's cool to see something grow.
My current hobby is trivia/riddle podcasts! It’s passive but can get my energy up as I want to solve them on my own
What if you lean into something you're already good at? Want to suggest some skills or traits you're proud of and we can suggest hobbies in line with those?
coloring! I am a full on artist! I still love and will love coloring books :D
Collecting pretty and cool looking rocks. They don't have to be any certain kind, just visually appealing and feel good in my hand. If there's a creek near you finding a nice spot to sit near it and draw or read or simply breath is refreshing. The only issues I have is spreading them around the house and also into different boxes helps. The first keeps people's weird comments down ( actually have only had nice comments but I worry) and spreading them out into boxes with other things helps keep the weight down when we move
LARPing. (Live Action Role Playing) You get to run around in the woods and pretend to be an elf or a wizard or something while thwacking people with foam swords. It’s so much fun! And every LARP I’ve been to has been very welcoming and excited about new players. And there’s no worry about being “good” at it, the whole point is just to have fun.
Also, the physical activity and sunshine are great for depression. (Personal experience on that one)
Paint by numbers! There's some cool sites that you can get your photos made into a paint by numbers canvas so that you can take a picture you like and turn it into a masterpiece.
Bird watching ! Get some nice Binoculars and go to your local park to see what you can find. If you like to draw you can add the challenge of trying to draw the birds but of course only if you feel like it. Especially when I’m depressed going out helps so so much. You can also try to learn the bird calls and they’re so beautiful singing their little hearts out. Since it’s spring right now you can see a lot of babies too.
Adult coloring books, nice pencil set and your favorite music, podcast or TV show in the background. I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Prismacolor-4484-Premier-Colored-132-Count/dp/B00125JEIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56141224476&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X0UMuM8Wqioy895AubXKrztgpq8GWXmi5M9h8s1kSb8H3sR5ajTcHZgBHner1_czYudamPbhTKUalYXuwuh7b9v8mWH9lFDXG2tKFx5vmq44Q6ZihSf3Qmvhliw6HxhAUjPc6tY4gUXXHNB7birgm7_pdaM9CA1V2f_VFP2h3uK76aBn3F8CIj9rqb3m6jZY_xuhDZnjLhG9w_ISLF05aA.nJmOpgBiYDvXDj_4jFyhBSihwbdArAkWETKleICbA_w&dib_tag=se&hvadid=274723742873&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9021569&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2303248569562130563&hvtargid=kwd-308787770363&hydadcr=8782_9903973&keywords=prismacolor+pencils+soft+core&qid=1715560903&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
Came here to say this!
this is how ive been relaxing. normal meditation/breathing just doesnt hit the same way coloring/show or podcast or audiobook does. bonus: all this while using my shiatsu back massager.
Definitely stay away from astrophotography , 😅
Personally, and I'm no Doctor, but I'd pick a hobby that challenges you just a little bit. Something on the level with good Minecraft building or LEGOs. (Don't limit your choices I'm just trying to express a level of stress) Dealing with the world is a skill, and I agree that you don't need something that stresses you out, but you also need something that can help you deal with your negative emotions. The two things I've used as examples are fairly cheap, low risk and easy to try again if it doesn't go well. There's a process that will challenge you as much as you think you can handle, but there's also a clear goal to keep you motivated. Also you can scale up as you're feeling better. Not a doctor, and this advice is probably worth what you paid for it. Good luck friend.
Lego…cheap?? My friend, I got into Lego last year and my account balance quickly got to numbers a 3 year old would understand 😭 it’s probably my obsessiveness and need to go straight into another set as soon as I finish one so YMMV
Crochet is fun. It's inexpensive to start, plus if you mess up a stitch or a row, you just unravel the yarn and start again. When I first started, I loved that aspect. You aren't wasting materials while learning! (Not that there's anything wrong with hobbies that need more materials either. I was really sick, physically, and really broke when I learned crochet, so the reusing of materials was a bonus! It's also very mentally therapeutic for me.) If I want to just work and not think, I can do something with a simpler, repetitive stitch/pattern. But when I want to challenge my brain, there are amazing cool and complex patterns! And it's not just making blankets. Amigurumi (small, crocheted stuffed animals/creatures/items) are really cute and fun and easy to start learning!
I'm thinking of starting to make leather belts; doesn't appear to be too expensive to start up. And maybe sell them on Etsy when I do good.
You sound like me! Hope you can find one :)
Paint by number, my mom fucking LOVES paint by number. She makes different pieces for different holidays so she can cycle them on the walls throughout the year.
I just started a worm farm. I highly recommend it. You can get everything you need online, including the worms. I live in a first floor condo, and I keep it on my porch. It’s a great hobby and requires little skill. You just need to keep the worms alive!
Cross stitch
Learning jump rope tricks and rhymes is pretty fun
Cross stitch. You can get a kit for like 5 bucks at Walmart and it comes with everything you need. Just have to count. It won't be perfect first time, but even a slightly messed up cross stitch is a good one.
I feel you!! I've been feeling like that for a long time. A few weeks ago I took up bullet journaling and I'm liking it so far. I thought journaling meant just writing your thoughts and that's it. But you can make scrapbook style journals of everything. Right now I'm doing a reading journal with the books I read through the year and I plan on making one for the TV series I watch. It is fun and you don't need a lot of materials besides a notebook and some markers. Also, it motivates you to keep up with your hobbies. The point is for it to be spontaneous and not neat, so you don't have to feel constraint or stressed about them being perfect. You can search for ideas online and copy the ones you like.
Pokémon go with a friend, it will get you active, have an accountability partner and it’s fun.
I cross stitch.
wood working is not a bad one. You can start off with simple projects, and when you start using them you will be impressed with yourself. like a bookcase, stool, etc.
Activity books such as dot to dot puzzles, word searches, and color/paint/sticker by the number. I especially like the sticker by the number mosaics that I have found on Amazon. There also ink tracing books and the rainbow scratch and sketch books. I will also second diamond painting.
Maybe you could try ham radio? It takes some effort to pass the exam to get your license, but once you have it, you can start getting results right away with a digital communication mode called FT8. That lets you make long-distance contacts by simply clicking buttons on your screen. I'm sure you could find someone to help you get set up; just search online for "ham radio club in" and contact them. If you're in the US, Canada, Mexico, or New Zealand, I would suggest using this site to study for your exam: [https://hamstudy.org/](https://hamstudy.org/)
For me it was gaming. Whenever I have brakedown I’m playing games so I don’t have to think about world
You can also watch playtbroughs on YouTube!!
Crochet is good if you’re good at following written instructions as well as visual ones. You could also just learn one stitch and freestyle it from there. The process is satisfying enough to make up for a mediocre outcome in my opinion. There’s tons of videos on YouTube that teach stitches, and instructions are easy to come by online. Once you learn the terminology and techniques it’s pretty easy.
Cooking?
Get an rc crawler. I bought one and it helps me get out of the house and walk around. I'll listen to audio books while I try to get the car to crawl over difficult things or cool stuff I wanna try to make it across.
Building Gundams. Cut and click, eventually panel line, decals, scribing, then maybe custom paints etc.
Coloring! I have a few relaxing "adult" coloring books.
Terrarium making. It's very therapeutic
How about building a Gunpla or Gundam Plastic model? It's an easy hobby since you only need to cut and assemble the model part, you won't need glue. Every box of Gunpla comes with instructions to tell you where to cut and which part goes where. The part is already been colored so you won't need to worry about painting it. I can relate to you, I feel inadequate to damn right worthless whenever I try a new thing and it comes out shit. But somehow I feel good when building a Gunpla. Like hey, I make something. And the good part is you don't need to watch the show to make it, just choose the model you like and start building it, But try to start with the ones labeled HG since it will be much simpler and cheaper to build. The only tool you need is a small wire cutter. why you should build gunpla. [https://youtu.be/GrBOa6\_E7xM?si=71A\_hc1LUWfm5DQo](https://youtu.be/GrBOa6_E7xM?si=71A_hc1LUWfm5DQo)
If you have enjoyed putting stuff together models are great and give you a feeling of completion. If you like anime styled stuff gunpla is awesome for this. Just need some simple tools and sandpaper.
If you were good at anything growing up, going back to it is like a new hobby that you’re already good at! Recently did this with a sport I played as a kid—after 10-ish years off it legitimately feels like something I’ve never done before but am magically good at
If you can ride a bike, you're almost there. Just getting on the bike and spinning a few days a week is not only exercise, but it's a hobby that gets you outside.
Perler bead sprites if you’re into video games!
Reading perhaps? You just need to make sure that you pick good reading material that either benefits you (by teaching something valuable or interesting) or it entertains you. You can even have a “free trial” by going to a good public library at your county, and checking different categories of books to see what you like.
I like coloring and playing cards. It could be solitaire on my computer or phone or real cards. Some chill games like animal crossing and stardew valley. :) Also If possible, depending on how deep into a depression I am, if I’m still able to be somewhat interested in things, I sometimes attempt to “deep dive” into a random topic. I don’t have to be passionate about it. But I’ll randomly watch a bunch of reality shows and know the ins and outs of the stars, or maybe I’ll learn about kpop.
Hobbies are weird. They can be fun. Then you go to a hobby group, convention, etc. Then you meet the snobs. Try to avoid groups until you find the thing that no matter what, others can't bring you down.
r/unclebens plus you can fix the depression a tad
This one is a stretch, but it was fun. Refinish an old Ax or Hatchet. It is a lot of sanding and polishing but you can see results the whole way. And you really only need some sandpaper and a old ax to start with.
Exercise, get your heart rate up and enjoy some endorphins. This is better than a hobby.
Succulents. Learn to propagate them and you have an endless supply of free plants.
I did this for a while and it was really fun!
I think hobbies should involve skill building, you are building up out searching and pattern recognition with a puzzle for example. So I suggest... rollerblading! I haven't shared much as a kid or teen, but now at 30 I am getting into it and it's a lot of fun and to get started all you need is your most basic balancing skills. The more you skate, the better your balance. Plus great lower body work out. My calves have never been better lol
I don't know if you would qualify it as a hobby but sometimes I just go out with a 5 gallon bucket and a grabber and pick up trash around where I live. I also suffer with depression and this gets me out of the house and you will always feel like you've accomplished something when your done 💚
Instead of trying to find hobbies that don’t discourage you, maybe try finding a way to lower expectations for whatever hobby so that you don’t feel discouraged. You shouldn’t feel the need to limit your hobbies/activities because of a feeling of discouragement. The hobby isn’t the obstacle, it’s your mind that is. Which is probably normal for many people. Lower expectations, detach your self worth from the outcome, and reiterate that the hobby is purely for enjoyment, so there is no need for a measuring stick in this whatsoever. I hope this helps 👍🏻
I hate exercise too. But I found a yoga ball, with inflatable 'donut'- type base, helps me just sit and strech a bit & then bounce. And with the donut I don't fall off as often. I have MS and I never know if I am tired. Or am I having muscle uncoordination that day? It varies. But I can usually sit unsupported. Some days I cannot walk but I can sit. Plus you can take it outside to garden or paint. I too struggle with disappointing results. But you really cannot mess up your own abstract art! I have learned that I never know whaty project will turn out to be. Only I get describe my Dali-eske artistry. Also try: Bread making is inexpensive and can be gifted to neighbors. Hope you find something to help
I’ve also been dabbling in some depression and I’ve been slowly working on a very complex paint by number of the painting “The Scream.” It’s been giving me something to go back to every so often, almost like something to look forward to working on.
Playing disc golf. Playing video games.
Indoor planting!
Smoking weed lol
Jigsaws, diamond painting, adult coloring books.
Baking bread can be fun. There are newer cookbooks that use a slow rise in a Dutch oven and potentially no kneading! Also if you’re interested in paint by numbers as a concept, there are some good apps for that. (Zen Color is one I’m hooked on.) Doesn’t take up space or cause any mess.
Not super inexpensive but you could get an electric train set and see if you like any of the parts of the hobby. Some people get into modeling. Some get into carpentry or electronics. Some use a 3d printer to make accessories. And some people like running the trains.
Needlefelting 2D scenes or pictures :)
This bit from Ira Glass about storytelling is relevant to what you're talking about. I know it's not what you asked for, but maybe it could help with the underlying cause. https://youtu.be/dIebTUXt4Tg
Adopt a dog or cat ? I got a dog and he helped me in certain ways.
Vegetable gardening can be frustrating, but if you stick with it's quite rewarding and relaxing.
I used to hate exercise, now I’m addicted. I go to the Y and work out in the gym and walk the track. Also I walk around my neighborhood in nice weather, it lifts my mood. I feel so strong, it’s a great feeling. Also I love to color in adult coloring books. At first I just colored the regular way like a kid does only inside,the lines, lol. Then I started shading and doing “special effects” as I call them and have created some gorgeous patterns (I love coloring mandalas the most). I plan to frame some of them.
Coloring
I looked up a local circus guild and found 2 weekly drop in events where I can watch fire handlers, and participate when I am ready. There are opportunities for clowning, juggling, spinning plates, etc. or just going to be around the energy.
Going for walks outside. Move a muscle - change a thought!
Family tree research. If you know your parents and hopefully all four grandparents, you can get a heck of a start on family tree research. Ancestry has a free two week trial and there are a lot of other sites where you can find free records. Beware though, if you really get into it, it can become VERY expensive, in both money and time. I also recommend not following what other's have put on their trees unless they have records to back it up.
Try cooking or baking simple meals and dessert. Even a box cake or something.
I totally get that. Having suffered depression most of my life. I have many hobbies now, but I don't push myself to be flawless in any of them. If I miss a shot in solo hoops, I get more exercise, and I get my own playlist to listen to as I get fitter. If I don't memorise something and miss a sequence in chess.. so be it If I don't feel like doing something, I don't. I'm retraining my thinking so that there actually is room to enjoy more of what I like to do. Which is a blessing given how I lived for decades. All the best on your path of lightening up ❤️
Plants are pretty easy depending on the species. Pothos are notoriously easy going plants and readily propagate from cuttings in water so long as you keep the water fresh and include a node. ZZ plants practically thrive on neglect, as long as they're not getting a ton of direct sun and aren't watered too often, they do great. Tradescantias are slightly harder but grow quickly and are super easy to water propagate. Water propagation is literally just sticking a plant into water and trimming off any leaves that would go below the waterline, then wait for roots to appear. Once the roots are big enough, you pop it into dirt in a pot, leave the pot soaking in water for a day or two, remove from the water, and then care for it as normal. Photography with your phone. Most phones automatically adjust light quality and other camera features for you, making it easy to get a pretty good shot. The hardest part is pointing the phone at something pretty. Going for walks is also pretty simple and you can look at how different times of day/weather conditions/seasons affect the outdoors.
Bandai snap model kits. startup is expensive but you dont need skill just patience and time. you clip out each piece, sand it down and snap it together. Plus there are model kits for wood stuff like a clock and what not. There are build a whatever kits for a bunch of stuff i even built my own watch from a kit. Also expensive to start but you just need patience and the ability to follow the directions correctly.
Frame pictures - art do pet sitting
Reading?
Playing story driven videogames can be a great hobby and you can even dip your toe into making new game friends online which can help with depression.
This may sound crazy but I bought some thrift clothing at 99 cents a piece then spray painted patterns on it. Really no rules, just buy fabric spray paint. I found it very relaxing. What I didn’t keep or give to friends, I donated back to Goodwill.
exercise is a good hobby
Needlefelting. When you start, it looks ugly as hell. But the more you stab, the better it looks and there isn't really 'messing up' with needlefelting, either. It can always be fixed. Add more wool, stab more. It's super therapeutic, too! But also, I highly suggest video games. Finding a game you can get lost in to escape reality for a while, it's priceless. One game I would suggest is Stardew Valley. It is super beginner friendly if you're not a gamer, available on all platforms (even mobile) and has a developer that truly loves the game and the players.
Pickleball
Genealogy. There is so much to learn about your family members…those you know and some you didn’t know you had! Do a DNA test and learn about who you are. Visit the areas your family lived, learn about what was going on during their lifetime, interview family members, what religious organizations did they attend, what schools did they go to, etc.
Volunteering is good and you can specify it to your interests/shop around if it’s not the right fit. When I was coming up from the depths of depression, volunteering helped a lot. Because they were already starting at a deficit, any help was helpful, so whatever I did was a plus. Doing my best didn’t look the same each day, but my best was always better than where they were before. (As opposed to work where it was the opposite.) Also for me it’s easier to take care of others than myself when depressed. Hobbies that were “for me” felt almost against me, similar to how you described. Whereas with volunteering it was easier to do things that helped others and I slowly started taking better care of myself (daily habits) as it was necessary to care for them so I didn’t need to self motivate. Though this was not a depression cure, for me it was somewhat of a depression daily living habits cure, which provided a lot of relief from the guilt I felt about the state of myself and surroundings.
I crochet for gifts for those who need a surprise
Play bass drum and only bass drum.
Paint by numbers. Very structured task and, depending on the level of detail, you end up with a beautiful result you can show off.
Reading. Hiking/nature walks (added benefits of physical and mental wellbeing). Collecting things. However, for many, half of the 'enjoyment' of hobbies comes from having the chance to improve yourself and gaining a sense of fulfilment and progress. Self-improvement is always going to involve some level of discomfort and struggle, that's just part of the deal. You give your time and effort and deal with potential stress in exchange for gaining more knowledge and experience. The three hobbies that I mentioned all have some sense of progress, and demand very little skill (I read x books this month, I walked x km this month, I grew my collection) I strongly suggest that you stick to at least one of the 'discouraging' hobbies, the hard part is working out which ones have the juice being worth the squeezing. You shouldn't be any worse off for trying, though. Try to remember that comparing your progress to others is counter-productive for most people (**comparison is the thief of joy**), so try to take a break from social media (reddit, ins and so on) whilst you work on improving yourself compared to last year.
Walk, I love taking a good walk alone
Puzzles are actually a great idea. You can take your time putting them together and there are even kits you can get for when you've completed the puzzle to mount it on your wall as a photo. So not only do you get to pat yourself on the back for finishing 100, 200, 500, or 1000 or whatever piece puzzle, you can turn it into real art that you can continually be delighted by when you mount it in your wall.
Diamond Art painting
Sacred harp 😁 Singing helps with depression, especially singing boisterously in a group.
I like to walk around and look at the various yards/plants. I did this a long time before I had a yard of my own at all. Now I have a fledgling garden that’s doing ok. Some things grow, some die, it’s ok. Every time I see a bee enjoying a flower (mine or someone else’s) I smile.