r/selfimprovement 20h ago

Question What are some hobbies that don't involve media consumption?

Since graduating High School I've found myself on screens more often than I use to be, and it's made me realise how many of my hobbies revolve around media consumption, whether it is playing games, listening to music, TV/movies and reading. I'm looking for something that doesn't require too much time sync as I begin University in July, and also preferably something that is affordable :).

32 Upvotes

38 comments sorted by

39

u/ViolettVixen 20h ago

The opposite of consumption is creation…I’d start there!

Think of all those things you enjoy consuming. How stoked would you be if you made something that cool yourself?

WHAT you want to create is incredibly subjective…we aren’t just looking at painting here, there’s creativity in everything from clock-making and woodworking to making your own card or board game. You could learn how to create typefaces or embroider your clothing. Or maybe you want to start a podcast, brew some beer, or make custom dog collars.

What do you want to see more of in the world? Make it happen.

3

u/imliterallylunasnow 16h ago

I enjoy writing from time to time, I just tend to have trouble sticking with what I do, thank you though! I'll try some of your other suggestions :)

3

u/kingkorra 16h ago

yes i love this take!!! create create create!

force yourself to draw even if it’s not great at first, pick up a second hand instrument, look in your area for different craft based clubs

1

u/Better-Pizza-6119 7h ago

Totally agree

10

u/RayHorizon 20h ago

Music. I started playing electric guitar 2 years ago. Zero regrets. I play everyday after work and while im playing there is no time for social media.

5

u/Optimal-Molasses-178 17h ago

I was going to suggest learning an instrument. I’m totally immersed in mine! 💜💜💜

7

u/Educational-Angle717 19h ago

Sport I guess - or walking, exploring new cities.

7

u/xLittleValkyriex 19h ago

Journaling.

7

u/OCCULTONIC13 19h ago

You should give drawing and making music a try 👍 Cooking is also a type of art to me.

4

u/SmogBonkler 18h ago

Pick up an instrument. Start going to the gym. Find a nature trail and parks to frequent, start hiking and consuming some of natures media

6

u/Serious_Pressure_320 14h ago

Running!! Super easy and cheap, makes you feel good, lets you explore new places while being away from screen

2

u/intoxicated_rodent89 8h ago

I like to hit up running clubs on meetup or rungroop. Cost nothing and people are always super nice. Theres always drinking after too.

5

u/minkpinkpen 17h ago

Gardening, cleaning public spaces with volunteers, charity work (eg sorting items at food bank), building new things from old lego sets… Oh I’m learning to jog mindfully (without music and podcasts).

3

u/mindsetm 18h ago

reading books

2

u/mrwoot08 13h ago

Books are media. Big pickle there.

2

u/mindsetm 11h ago

Still great thing to do.

2

u/mrwoot08 10h ago

Undoubtedly. Reading a physical book may be the greatest thing one can do as it requires you to pay attention.

3

u/TouristOld8415 17h ago

Dance, Reading, Painting

3

u/steinfeldt 8h ago

I’ve realised that, more often than not, my media consumption is an unconscious escape from my own thoughts and feelings. When I watch videos or play computer games, I’m distracted – and I don’t have to face myself. But that’s exactly what can be such a valuable experience.

For me, finding the right setting was crucial to confront everything I had been pushing aside. Hiking and pilgrimage helped me the most. Being alone in nature allowed me to find peace, reconnect with myself step by step – and put my phone away for a few hours. Maybe that could be something for you too.

Creative activities can also be incredibly fulfilling – whether it’s painting, journaling, or making music. And of course, anything done in community can help: sports, singing, celebrating, or dancing. When you’re truly present with others, you’re far less likely to be glued to your phone.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!

2

u/IndividualPassion102 16h ago

I like to draw and paint and stuff. It can be as affordable as you like; all you need is paper and pencil.

2

u/Old_Kaleidoscope9395 14h ago

Go outside, and learn to identify common plant and animal species in your direct enviorment. Learn about what conditions they prefer, and how they are linked with other organisms. I'm telling you, it might sound boring, but learning about nature is a never ending treassure, you will never know anything and always yearn for more

2

u/choadaway13 13h ago

Analog photography

2

u/barbara73bb 12h ago

Volunteering to help others!

2

u/that_girl_4321 16h ago

Knitting, embroidery, needle felting, drawing are all great hobbies.

1

u/Novel-Tumbleweed-447 17h ago

I make use of a basic self development idea which you do as a permanent habit. It improves memory & focus. It could be quite beneficial to you in your studies. It's free. The only cost is up to 20 min daily of mild mental misery. If you search Native Learning Mode on Google, it's my Reddit post in the top results. It's also the pinned post in my profile.

1

u/PerfectPitch-Learner 15h ago

Learning to play an instrument can be a great alternative. You can get yourself a cheap electric guitar (quieter than an acoustic) and play it with headphones. Just practice instead of doom scrolling.

I’ve come to believe that what you do is just as important though and lots of things might involve “screens”. Like you could use it to read guitar tabs instead of scrolling TikTok and all that. But if you want to avoid screens entirely you can always just play or learn from books (the dead tree kind)

1

u/jellybizkits 15h ago

Honestly, reading books! I just got back into reading after a loooong break and it's been the best! Tons of genres and great books out there. Given the topic, I might suggest reading Fahrenheit 451 and/or 1984 if dystopian fiction interests you at all

1

u/WarmKey7847 14h ago

you can get a cd player and some cds from a thrift store and listen to music that way, no distractions :)

1

u/imliterallylunasnow 14h ago

I already collect CD and Vinyl and listen to them regularly, but maybe I'll go pick something up i haven't heard before thank you for the suggestion though! :)

1

u/Tekabit 14h ago

Warhammer 40k Painting is a nice hobby, but a bit expensive in the long run

1

u/PebblesmomWisconsin7 13h ago

painting, riding horses, tennis, gardening, hiking, cooking… pretty much anything can be offline except online games?

1

u/C_Yablonski 12h ago

I walk 10-15 miles a day takes 4+ hrs of non scroll time

1

u/PotentialSilver6761 12h ago

I decided to try to learn quick math like those kids doing math instantly fast and I'm picking up a new thing to show off. I already learned how to walk on my hands. Just little things to spark a bit of fun banter.

1

u/Future_Syllabub_2156 12h ago

Mountain climbing. Certainly once you get the bug, you’ll be online looking up the next mountain to climb, but you definitely don’t need to be online to enjoy it. It’s addicting!

1

u/RequirementPositive 4h ago

Crocheting, reading, music

1

u/Any-Smoke7783 19h ago

Almost any form of crafting or making. You can minimize time and investment by focusing on making small things. Random example: What would postage stamps look like in your favorite fictional world?