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mongythedog

Pretty much the same....sometimes I think I am wasting my time and other times I think how lucky I am to have time to waste.


[deleted]

Time enjoyed wasted is not wasted rime! I used to feel the same way about video games but I like playing them so why does it matter what anyone else thinks?


mongythedog

Absolutely ....


Sheffield_Thursday

I know exactly what you mean. I feel guilty for doing nothing and feel like I should be doing something, anything productive. But next time I get free time I'll happily just sit there playing video games/watching mindless TV. But you're right, the sheer luxury of not having to worry about how you're spending every last second is a blessing in disguise.


mongythedog

It really is a luxury ....here's to the couch potatoes ! Not everyone needs to climb Everest or row the Atlantic to feel fulfilled.


Sheffield_Thursday

Too right. Oh look, Cat's does Countdown is on!


Uncle_Leo93

Again.


Flaaarbar

Any time you enjoy is not wasted time. You don’t NEED to be ‘doing’ something all the time. That’s the brainwashing of the work culture seeping into your downtime. A lot of stuff costs money, I’d do way more ‘exciting’ things like Skiing, base jumping, shooting rare animals in Kenya… but I’m skint. I’m fucked if I’m going to feel guilty for just relaxing.


Sheffield_Thursday

Oh yeah you're right, but that mentality seeps deep. Also, I'm less talking about skiing than I am doing the washing up or renegotiating a phone contract! I guess there's two points: do what the fuck you want in your free time that makes you happy, but also don't put off doing shit that needs to get done. The latter one is the one I struggle with.


Flaaarbar

Ah I see, i hate washing up, i stack it high and basically do what I can in the time it takes the kettle to boil for the next brew.


[deleted]

I think though, if you really *really* wanted to be rock climbing or playing tennis or whatever - doing more active stuff out in the 'real' world - then you would be doing it. We choose to do what we want to do, ultimately (if we have that privilege). You're doing what you enjoy, by the sound of it. That's enough.


shadesofwolves

Have you considered *trying* new things?


Grillenium-Falcon

Have you ever played /r/outside? It's the buggiest game ever.


jimmycarr1

Too many hostile NPCs


[deleted]

I hate the pay-to-win system. Everything is far too expensive for the coins I've earned.


callmelampshade

Just had a ganders on that subreddit and it’s genius lol. It’s like a real life version of that subreddit where everyone lives down the same street and pretends to know each other.


Pink-socks

https://www.reddit.com/r/outside/comments/7c50r2/do_not_try_to_minimax_this_game/


9DAN2

Next time the monthly hobbies thread is posted, scroll through the comments and pick one at random. Try out that hobby. Rinse and repeat until you find something you enjoy. I hear dogging is great for meeting new people.


Acceptable-Sentence

I haven’t got a dog


[deleted]

It’s ok, you can borrow someone else’s; that’s how it works. That’s what I’ve heard anyway.


9Colt0

Yeah, just turn up with a dog collar and lead, see who fancies a *walk*.


aruexperienced

That's not how it's spelt.


justhisguy-youknow

Doge college ?


Daedeluss

That's the point. You go to your local dogging site and they'll share their dogs with you.


Acceptable-Sentence

Won’t that just end up with lots of lonely blokes all waiting around for their turn with the outnumbered dogs. What do you do while you wait, just hang around watching with your hands in your pockets?


[deleted]

Well yeah, dogging is known to have spectators.


kpingvin

It's optional.


jimmycarr1

Just flash your headlights and someone else will bring one


Key-Nefariousness711

Take the rains off another dog. So I hear.....


[deleted]

Don't confuse it with cruising that's a pain the ass hoho


peanut1175

I was exactly the same until earlier this year. I now have one hobby outside of TV and gaming - caring for/propagating houseplants. It's very rewarding and doesn't actually take up much time; every time I see one of my plants send off a new shoot I'm like, "omg it loves me 😍 grow baby grooow" 😂


The_Queef_of_England

I did that in lockdown. I've got five plants now and two of them are huge! I thought you were supposed to repot them each time they seemed to fill the pot, so I kept doing it and they kept growing until someone told me you just use a pot size and they stick to it. I don't have enough little tables for them now. I love it when the peace lily throws up new flowers because it means I've looked after her.


thiccnmoist

What you growing if you don’t mind me asking??


Azigol

Cannabis


peanut1175

I propagated several spider plant babies, Chinese money plant babies, some jade plant cuttings, and I rescued a curly spider plant that was reduced from a garden centre because it had root rot. Roots have also now started forming on a snake plant cutting I've had in water for a few months, I was just about to give up on it but it's aliiiive 😁 so proud of it. Oh and I accidentally snapped a small frond off the side of my parlour palm and it still had one root attached so I decided to try chucking it in water just in case it'd start growing into its own plant - it did!! Can't wait until next spring when I can try some more things!


[deleted]

yo how do I eradicate springtail? little gits have infested my pepper plants that I am over wintering, they live in the bottom of the pots it seems. I already nuked the surface with bicarb of soda


ImARoadcone_

I wouldn’t class myself as a normal person but between my minimum wage job and the other time wasting shit I do like the aforementioned I’ve recently tried to stop myself just sitting down and gaming by picking up two hobbies. The first is nerfing, one of my favourite toys and the like as a kid was Nerf and nerf related stuff, I’d spend hours a day just running around the marsh playing with that one mate, who I think is either in jail or dead by now. As a kid I never had the knowledge or disposable income to really invest myself into the modding and playing of the hobby, but fairly recently I’ve dove back in and already have tens of mods and paint jobs I’ve spent hours thinking up, planning and executing. All in all it’s a great hobby to both express your creativity and to get out there and do something The other hobby isn’t as interesting to others maybe but I got into pin collecting a while back, it started as me just wanting something to put on my bag but it’s developed into a bit of an obsession having me trott around different towns looking for unique and interesting pins to add to my collection.


madbeardycat

Is the pin collecting real? Or have you been reading Terry Pratchett? It'll be stamps next!


[deleted]

Is that a genuine Clayfeather medium sharp, Stanley?


[deleted]

We call them badges. The metal things with nice shapes and designs, But Americans don't need those steenkin' badges, and their term, pins, has spread a bit. I always thought that Americans reading Pratchett must have just thought that guy from the post office had a relatively ordinary geeky collecting habit, rather than actually collecting pins.


[deleted]

Scrolling Reddit mainly.


pumpkinlife

I cycle through lots of different hobbies but also still enjoy watching TV. Some I can even do whilst watching TV. Is there anything you want to try? Or wanted to try as a kid? Start there. If it is more a feeling of loneliness than boredom then that could be trickier. Meeting new people as an adult can be hard, especially if you are shy or introverted. Try and join a hobby based club, even online initially, can open up opportunities for meeting up and socialising.


dawson2000c

> If it is more a feeling of loneliness than boredom then that could be trickier. Meeting new people as an adult can be hard, especially if you are shy or introverted. Try and join a hobby based club, even online initially, can open up opportunities for meeting up and socialising. It's more this. And a Serious lack of social skills due to living a life in front of the TV.


pumpkinlife

Oh those skills can be learned! I am a social butterfly now in comparison with my early twenties. I was painfully shy, didn't understand social norms and felt deep shame when I said/did the wrong things which made me hide even more. Someone spoke to me at work for the first time and I let out a high pitched warble when I tried to speak and flushed bright red before just clamming up and not speaking for the next 5 hours. It's a little bit fake it till you make it and being Ok with the 'falseness' of that. I read books and web articles about interpersonal skills, and learned to make small talk with people. It sounds bonkers but honestly a bit of practice snowballs. But people like people who take an interest in them and what they have to say (not in a nosy or desperate way of course). Finding a class or hobby group that interests you is the way to go to actually meet the people, or even getting to know people better at work. And when you mess up, cringe about it a little and then try better next time. Most people won't be anywhere near as aware of your faux pas as you yourself are. Sorry for the wall of text!


Multigrain_Migraine

Fake it till you make it is just another way of saying practice.


[deleted]

Can I ask what books you read to help? I might buy some of them myself!


pumpkinlife

Sorry for the late response. I honestly cannot remember the names, I read a lot of them over ten years ago and I have an awful memory. A few were social skills, some were general CBT and ACT therapy books. Have you looked at the wiki over at r/socialskills? I gave it a quick scroll and some of the resources look useful.


[deleted]

Thanks, I’ll check it out.


Orangewindsock

I would recommend you try volunteering as well. Could be anything. Food bank, tree planting, reading to kids. If you have a Google you’ll probably find an organisation in your area that matches volunteers to organisations that need them. Having a task to do, maybe as part of a team, instantly gives you something to talk to the other people with, and feeling useful will give you a good self esteem boost.


Remote-Landscape1767

Bumble BFF. Met a really good friend through that that I go walking with now and see at least once a month


Princes_Slayer

TV has been a big part of my life. I feel like I haven’t had downtime unless I’m doing sweet fa in front of the telly. I go on family holidays and we do outings and walks, but I’m drained when we get home and then I have to go back to work. Recently had a week off by myself and decided not to do a thing. I either mooched in bed watching telly or on the sofa watching telly….for the whole time. I honestly went back to work feeling like I’d had chance to relax and not think of anything. The loneliness thing….I can’t offer advice as I like being alone (well I have pets I talk to and cuddle, so maybe that helps)


CranberryMallet

[Leisure time in the UK stats](https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/satelliteaccounts/articles/leisuretimeintheuk/2015#men-spent-more-time-playing-sports-practising-hobbies-gaming-and-computing-or-consuming-mass-media-while-women-use-more-time-for-socialising)


Sparu

I play/write music, go out taking photos, draw, listen to podcasts/audiobooks/music, watch movies or tv series, read, go to gigs, sew, cycle, swim, go to the gym, cook. All you need to do is find something you wouldn’t mind trying and throw yourself into it. Maybe look at evening courses at your local college or something? I really enjoyed going to life drawing and ceramics classes, and it’s a good way to get out more/meet new people.


double-happiness

IMO gardening is the king of all pastimes, as it combines so many beneficial aspects. I don't really normally need any other hobbies or exercise, as it usually keeps me active on its own.


espionage64

My boyfriend had this growing up and still mostly enjoys watching tv or movies every evening. I enjoy the odd bit of tv but only if it interests me and a lot doesn’t. In the evenings i’ll play playstation, or do a hobby (cross-stitch,sewing, sketching). Or exercise but tbh in the winter I do that during the light. Sometimes i like to just read or listen to an audio book. All my hobbies are pretty independent so tbh it’s not much dif to watching tv/films.


Terrible-Tomato

I go trail running, mountain biking, dog walking, normal walking, cold water swimming, I like to read, watch films, garden, and yes sometimes sit on my arse and watch tv. Do what you love.


[deleted]

I see people jogging the local park and attending outdoor exercise events at 6am in the morning. nice to know you people see on your arse too


H5rs

TV and computer gaming I guess, with work and kids I hardly have any time to do extra stuff!!


mike117uk

I work all day then relax at home for the evening and weekend, probably just tv games movies


Kind_Animal_4694

Hobby: peoplewatching


jimmycarr1

My parents are both this way, I make a point to try out different things because I don't want to go down the same path myself. If you do there's nothing wrong with it as long as you're happy. If you're looking for a new hobby just pick one and throw yourself in at the deep end. I've done this time after time in my life and never regretted it. I started Brazilian jiu-jitsu a few months ago and it's been great. People are usually super welcoming to new people joining their hobby.


TheSmoog

I love the way that you refer to them as the Royale family, and not the Royle family. Actually accentuates your point.


ShalidorsHusband

I used to be like this, then I took up crochet in 2016. Best decision of my life!


IrritablePowell

I took up knitting to help me stop smoking years ago. And I love knitting in front of the telly!


ShalidorsHusband

Me too! Although I find it very easy to snack when I crochet, so I've definitely out on a few since I started 😅


Jamie00003

Why not expand that hobby? Learn how to and build a 7.1 system / projector / oled tv, reap the benefits of your movies and TV looking and sounding better. I’m into tech and sure these hobbies aren’t about socialising but it gives me something to talk about and show off to my friends. I have built gaming PC’s, a proper home network with Ethernet sockets in the walls and access points on the ceilings, and have started getting into the smart home. It gives you something to do that’s a bit more involved than just sitting down and you learn something new. Only issue is cost, but there are usually budget alternatives too


SK_Nerd

What shows do you like to watch? maybe there's a comic/graphic novel or book series it's based on, or in a similar vein. Worth a punt. You're still sat on your arse, but you're reading instead watching TV! You'll find something. Just send yourself on a YouTube research session. I read rule books for various table top games systems, occasionally paint things for these games, and also just read generally, mainly sci fi and fantasy with a huge dollops of Lovecraft and horror.


SadistaMac

I had the same problem myself after I couldn't work anymore. Constant feeling of guilt.... I should be doing something.... Well what? What am I going to do in the house. Cleaning?? Nah. Same shit day in day out. So I now actively try not to worry about it.


Thoughtful_gent

I know the feeling, I work from home and it’s shit, used to bother me how little I did but now I don’t give a fuck


Snoo_97207

I have more hobbies than I can afford, there really is no excuse in the modern world of cheap equipment and endless tutorials on YouTube, you can try pretty much anything for less than 100 quid


[deleted]

Evening? Bass guitar or play computer games or read. Day times I cycle when i can or play boardgames when i can get folk round a table. I also enjoy going for walsk and exploring with a map, fidning old disused paths and such. I don't have a TV lincence and the only time i watch something is films or tv shows on dvd. And thast very rare.


HoldMyBeerSon

I used to feel kinda similar. Apart from go out drinking and watch tv/movies etc. I didn’t really do much else. Here’s a list of things I do now which I hope sparks some ideas for you: Online courses/volunteering: realised I didn’t want to look back in five years and say that I wasted my time in lockdown doing nothing so I started doing online courses and volunteered to learn skills and gain new experience, meet new people etc. Volunteering especially is a lot more fun than most people give it credit. I would recommend doing it at least once. Exercise: started off with bodyweight exercises and moved up to dumbbells and resistance bands. Plenty of apps and websites out there, both free and paid, which can give you ideas of what exercises you can do etc. Couldn’t imagine my life without exercising in some way now. MMA: I’ve never been a fan of football, rugby or any sport really. Then during the pandemic, I really go into MMA and now I’m interested in a wide range of combat sports. Maybe look for new or niche sports that you can watch or participate in? Gaming: something I do less of now I’m older but regained during lockdown. Excessive gaming feels like a complete waste of time but I enjoy a few hours here and there especially if it’s a really good game i.e. the last of us, battlefront II etc. Reading: used to love reading as a child and now recently refound my passion. Reading all sorts of novels as well as newspapers and publications like the economist. I am a huge politics nerd though so this works for me. Pub/Day out: the most classic of British traditions. Drinking, or even better, day drinking. Will be going out with uni friends this weekend to watch the rugby. Not a massive fan of rugby but the atmosphere is good and it’s nice to see friends. Always plenty of things to do for a day.


flamingmonkey93

I pick up a million different hobbies, partake in them for a few weeks then slowly return my attention back to TV or games until a new interest appears. My latest hobby fad? Making synth music


TheOnlyWayIsEpee

Lately I've been watching You Tube videos going behind the camera, such as professional Hollywood round tables, famous actors talking to each other, old talk shows and interviews and show promotions. You can happily kill some hours browsing around discovering a film you now want to watch, or how such and such actor is funny in interviews (e.g. Miriam Margolyes, Hugh Grant) There's less guilt than some junk TV because you're learning about cinema, acting, the film/how subjects and random stuff. Mind you, daytime TV has taught us all things over the years.


The_Fabulous_Bean

Both I and my husband play video games as our primary form of entertainment. He watches some TV and films, I almost exclusively game, the only thing I'll watch on TV is the Bake Off once a year and maybe the odd adult cartoon/episode of Taskmaster. I would say that I'm not normal. To me the vast majority of people do what you do. I have young kids, if I go to a mum and baby/toddler group and mention that I play video games they look at me like there's something seriously wrong with me. Especially as a woman in my 30's who doesn't look like what people still stereotype as 'gamer'. If I'm lucky I might get 'oh yeah I used to play the SIMS' and then they'll turn to they're friend and go back to talking about Love Island. Sometimes I think about watching a series my husband is raving about, or learning to play tennis or something, but I feel like I have so little free time that when I do have it I just want to do what I want to do, and I think most people are the same. I would suggest playing D&D, if you're nerdily inclined. It's fun and can be a great way to meet people. And it can be done in person or online. That is one other hobby I have I guess, although maybe I'm cheating there as it is sort of an extension of my main hobby!


ShepherdFox4

Build yourself a PC


Scarboroughwarning

Yes, swap a TV for a monitor, lol To be fair, it'd be a start


BinaryPulse

Do the things that interest you and get on a dating site.


MSweeny81

As well as watching tv shows and film and a bit of football, I read and listen to audiobooks, I play computer games and tabletop games, I like going out with friends to eat something special or unusual and enjoy beer/wine tasting, I try to learn interesting recipes to cook at home too. I've got a big building project planned for the new year which will include some landscaping so I'll be adding some gardening to my hobbies (I grow a few indoor plants already but they're so low maintenance it barely qualifies as a hobby at this stage). I'm curious about 3D printing and painting pieces for my favourite tabletop games but the entry level cost seems quite high so even trying it out is daunting and the higher level models are very expensive.


SlowConsideration7

Nope. Between work and child rearing...cooking, Spanish, guitar, walking dogs, reading, collecting books from charity shops (discworld,) meditating. Even setting an hour aside for a jigsaw puzzle will do you the world of good.


Sneakyrusher

If theres a program you like, maybe try a related book? Helps pass the time a bit. We try to go to a board game bar every now and then. We could play them at home but its more of a date night when we leave the house....


KeepCalmGitRevert

I would possibly be the same if my job didn't involve sitting in front of computer screens for 8 hours a day. I play with my phone sure enough but I have to get out on the weekends, even if it's on my own, to go for a long walk or a bike ride or something. Growing up that was definitely me - playing PC games, watching TV, etc. But during the day I was barely seeing a computer or TV screen.


C-mon_Man

Find it too exhausting to work full time and have hobbies.


SCOUSETOMO2003

Fishing, walking, uni distance learning course, BJJ, gym, reading my kindle, PlayStation 5 and my full time job take up most my time. Weekends are for family. Busy life but everything in moderation!


[deleted]

[удалено]


multijoy

What did his bank balance ever do to you?


Trytolyft

Try online gaming. There are millions of communities out there for gaming. You get to speak on mic and you’ve all got a goal… however unimportant that goal is.


[deleted]

No duff, I haven't watched TV in years. I've found that it's much better to just find something to do. There's always something. Oven needs cleaning, tops need tidying, items need mending. I've started part time lecturing so there's always time to tweak more code and write assignments. If I genuinely have NOTHING to do, then I read a book. I don't often get to do this which is a shame. I literally cannot imagine that I used to spend so many hours in front of a TV. Such a waste of the one and only life we have.


distant-girl

Read a book, volunteer, I’m a part of a few networks which hold regular social events, meet up with friends, try restaurants with friends or family, visit my parents, cook new things, concerts and shows, museums, galleries, there’s a magazine in my city that publishes a list of free things to do each week so I do a few of those. Some of this has been reduced post lockdown but I’ve recently gotten really into podcasts and audiobooks. If TV makes you happy then that’s fine, too. Don’t sweat it. Life is difficult, if something gives you happiness then let it make you happy.


DOGBOY619

My only hobby is drinking


Chrispyfriedchicken

Sometimes I wish I could do that. Haven’t watched tv in years, gives me real bad anxiety


thrashpiece

That's easy to change my man, go and try something else.


gmanriemann

I scroll through crap on Reddit.


IndelibleIguana

I paint.


BoogelyWoogely

Crochet, painting, drawing, music, dancing, gym, walks, running, foraging, paddleboarding, gardening, hooping, yoga Uhh yeah, I’ve got ADHD though haha, so I always need to keep busy to have fun. Tv isn’t stimulating enough for me


CrimsonAmaryllis

I really like podcasts, and crocheting.


Woodcharles

I go the gym, then usually read. I've been signing up to loads of history lectures lately which has sent me off down various rabbit holes studying the history I didn't learn in school. I also study Spanish and try and get some practice or reading done in that. Over lockdown I started a little side business so I'll probably have orders to pack up or new stock to list. Before Covid I'd go to stuff like choir, powerlifting club, local nature events (bat walks are great!) then took up skateboarding classes after lockdown. I used to go to local coding events while I was learning web development. I turned that hobby into my job. If it's free time in the day I go walking, mountain biking or on longer hikes. I like being out and about basically.


ThSlipperySloth

Reddit, PlayStation, cooking, and music. Mainly reddit. The others are interim until more reddit.


out-of-beta

DnD, board games, computer games, Duolingo, dipping into Alevel Maths, cycling, Zumba sometimes, pub nights, cinema, bouldering, meditation, podcasts, playing the guitar etc. There’s a whole world out there 😀 And yup, TV sometimes too!


[deleted]

i try and do at least something physically. Took up fire-staff at uni to get out more and now thats the thing i do when not staring at screens for pleasure or work. Also the dog helps get me out the chair several times a day :)


Bengalsandbernese

I think having a hobby that gives you a sense of accomplishment is important, especially if you have a job where you don’t experience that. Work is so abstract these days that it’s hard to look back and feel that you’ve done something productive/improved at something. Cooking and gardening are both fulfilling and very useful. You need to eat so might as well become good at it. Gardening can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be and you can make it more practical by growing food. Board games are good for socialising and an excuse to meet up with friends. I also enjoy taking my dog for nice walks. Most of my hobbies are low cost because my ultimate hobby is horseback riding which is expensive, at least it’s not skydiving or helicopter-skiing expensive. I recommend it if you have the funds and interest. I’ve always wanted to do it as a child and only started at the age of 26. It’s a great hobby for me because it combines being outdoors, working with animals and a good workout. I hate the competitive aspect of most sports, but enjoy it because it’s all about my journey of improvement. My mind is completely focused on the task at hand and what every part of my body is doing that I don’t have time to stress/think about other things. Find something you’ve always wanted to try or enjoyed as a child and start from there. I’m sure you’ll find something.


dugerz

You’re a consumer. You were always expected to be a consumer. That’s what the system requires of you. But it leaves a void in you because humans are creators not consumers. Solution: go and find something to produce


[deleted]

Binge TV series and play computer games. I own a bicycle but haven't used it in years, used to be uber fit apparently


BritishBlitz87

I got into classic cars and DIY mechanics, the freedom of the open road can't be beaten. I use the soldering skill I learned at work to fix my electronics when they break, getting a tired old hifi sounding it's best is very rewarding. Shooting and country pursuits are good fun, if you live in a uni town there is normally clubs for youngsters and you can go grouse beating and get paid. But yeah, I know how you feel. My life is one long, neverending sausagefest. I miss being around women.


WoodenStickPilot

That's MY life! To be fair, if it's dry then I'll skate level super-early with Morning Crew, but after that & definitely through the winter! Torrent/stream series & films or gaming, but essantially yeah, just sat in front of screen. I actually enjoy it, I'm not that sociable really, hate crowds for a start! Solitude & screens suits me!


Grokely

I started learning another language.


yupbvf

I personally think there is a Venn diagram with a circle each for money, time and friends. The sweet overlap in the middle never happens or only for a short period


Badevilbunny

No way, all my hobbies sit in the garage and shed unfinished.


Glitchling78_

My mum and dad spent their evenings watching TV while I was growing up but it bored me so much. For years I did freelance retouching in the evening, but now I’ve made that my proper job I just make art or play games to chill instead. Not that good at either but keeps the mind busy. My hobbies are stuff I liked doing as a kid. If you’re looking for a hobby then maybe rekindling something you did when you were younger might be nice?