I’m looking for hobbies that aren’t just fun but also help clear your mind or improve skills in subtle ways. Anything offbeat that people swear by?
2 Likes
People these days have forgotten the importance of reading for pleasure. No one reads anymore. No one continues to improve their worldview and vocabulary. It’s still one of the best hobbies anyone can have as it only benefits.
Read anything that interests you, but keep a balance between fiction and non fiction. There’s way too much braindead content out there. Reading really helps you center and remind you how and at what pace you should be living.
16 Likes
Music production, although right now it is about battle-testing (ergonomic) hand shapes and various keyboard-like layouts.
1 Like
Self hosting things is a a really good way to learn more about tech, linux and privacy
3 Likes
I didn’t realize we had an off-topic section on PG where we’re allowed to talk about things unrelated to privacy and tech. It’s good to know.
I would also recommend reading. Especially fiction. I know “productivity” is the keyword here, but I know a lot of people who only read non-fiction because “fiction doesn’t help you in life”. First, the latter is BS. Moreover, reading fiction for pleasure has its own intrinsic value.
5 Likes
I read a lot of non-fiction at the start, but these days fiction is basically the only thing I read. It is my escape from reality - it’s calm and relaxing. On the other hand, reading non-fiction feels like a chore. And I’m not here to hate on non-fiction, it definitely has it’s place in my heart.
Like @ToughBird has said, it’s ideal to keep a balance between fiction and non-fiction. I think the main reason I don’t read that much non-fiction anymore is because I exclusively read later in the evening, when I want to relax, so fiction is just more fitting.
2 Likes
I feel like retro gaming should be mentioned here. Especially if you grew up playing those games. But otherwise, playing a retro game feels like jumping back to a time at which everything was better. If you have some free time, this is definitely something worth trying.
But also, hobbies that are underrated for staying productive? Honestly, sleeping well is a very underrated hobby that will help you in all areas of life.
4 Likes
Chess is nice too.
5 Likes
Khan academy supernova badge, 100% glitchless
2 Likes
i would say reading is esp important due to the overwhelming amounts of short form content melting attention spans. sudoku is fun!! chess as well. try doing some word games too
2 Likes
I enjoy what I do professionally so I find continuing education activites (studying for new certificates, reading or watching new material etc) to be fun and productive. Hell, sometimes my employer even pays me to do it.
1 Like
Not sure it would qualify as offbeat, but I enjoy dribbling watercolours on potato slices, letting them dry out and then taking macro photos of them. Blow up the images and they kind of resemble aged artsy-fartsy paintings. One day I’ll print and put these up for sale for six figure sums, mocking the entire fine art industry. Muahahaha!!
3 Likes
bruh, im gonna go out on a limb and say it qualifies 
I’d be interested to see those photos if you ever post them
2 Likes
Last summer, I had alot of fun with StreetComplete driving around the countryside on my motorcycle It’s was a fun way to learn more about my local area and a good excuse to get out. 
4 Likes
Exercise. Trying to be cut things with a blunt knife is not as effective as taking some time to sharpen the blade.
4 Likes
I liked this gamification
Tropical fish tank keeping.