I spend a lot of time on the computer. Like 16 hours a day sometimes. I know that isn't great for my health, but I don't have a lot to do that isn't playing games, coding, or watching Netflix.
As such, I am looking for a new hobby. What kind of stuff do you like to do that doesn't involve a computer?
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I'm much the same as you, aside from the gaming, I do very little of that now. I am a full time developer, I code as a hobby too.
Possibly an extreme hobby to jump into but i'm also into motorcycles in a big way. Maybe not the best choice for someone that lives in the UK, we're not exactly blessed with good weather but if i'm not riding one, i'm working on one and it's nice to escape into the sunset (or the garage) to get away from it all for a bit!
I like plastic model painting.
Definitely BDSM.
Not for me personally, but in general it's an affordable, accessible, available year round worldwide, away-from-computer hobby that is established to be very conducive of software development, and for good reason.
~ me, providing no sources whatsoever.
I'm usually involved in one or two social sports leagues. My current mix is flag football and softball. Generally they're not super serious, and most folks are just looking to hang out, run around a bit and have a beer afterwards.
Other than that, writing/playing music, gym, running and randomly checking out open houses in my area.
Some of mine, past and present: Martial Arts (Judo, Jujitsu), Reading, Biking, Shooting, Gym.
I don't have any musical talent. Also found there's some overlap with tech and shooting. As an example, went to the range this weekend and two people mentioned they liked my linuxacademy.com t-shirt.
Look into creative pursuits if physical activity isn't the main objective here.
I like to occasionally draw random things. It doesn't have to have a purpose for me, sometimes I just want to take my brush pen and draw imaginary characters, or look up a google image and try to draw it with my own unique flavoring.
Try an instrument! I like to pick up my guitar (self taught) and mostly just mess around with it for a little bit. Sometimes it's a good stress reliever too, or you can use it to work through problems in the back of your head while you tune in.
Golf, stained glass, woodworking.
Learning to be handier. I still get to fix and improve things, but this time with my hands, instead of moving symbols around on a screen.
Like others here, I love to play music: mostly jamming on guitar or my upright bass, (though I also have a programmable midi synth pad, but hey — no computers 😉 haha!)
Anyway, I generally approach music without much structure or discipline — I like to just make things up and try to keep cool rhythms, but I rarely learn actual songs. I improvise tunes that I enjoy and it feels good to release that creativity without having too much of a plan. I think it's particularly fun if you have some friends that you can get up with and play... and hey, it's never too late to learn!
Aside from music, I've always enjoyed hiking and getting outdoors. I've thought about trying to get into photography to make my nature walks more productive, but honestly, I think that would make my outdoor time feel a bit more like work. Again, technology creeping into everything. And kind of like my approach to music, with random walks in the woods it's nice to just get a good unstructured release.
Which brings me to another one of my hobbies — swimming. Swimming is another one of these activities with zen-like qualities. At times when I'm swimming, my mind drifts off to other places and my body is just kind of going through the rhythm. It's an awesome exercise... undeniably a great workout, but also I like the freedom it allows your mind to drift while you're doing it.
Another runner here. In addition to that I read a bunch and draw/paint when I can. I find having a more 'right brain' hobby can help keep my brain balanced. (There is no science there I'm aware of but shrug). I used to play music (mostly piano) but I have to young children and they usually want to play with me when I play. That is fun but hardly good practice. Drawing, painting, reading can all be done quietly after they're in bed for the night. I also enjoy, but am terrible, at chess (an other abstract strategy games as well) but AFK I don't get many opportunities to indulge that hobby either.
Airsoft with friends. And lots of guns. :D - Masterchief_DW87.
I've got a side-gig tutoring! Mostly it's middle/high school kids learning math (algebra and calculus). A little Python too. It's fun. :)
My other favorite thing is playing Ukulele! It's little and musical and makes me happy. Currently, this is the coolest song I know. (Caveat: I don't play it nearly as well.)
I began learning west coast swing over a year ago and let me tell you it is really fun. Found some amazing dance communities locally and made a tons of friends. You just have to be brave to consistently put yourself out there for the first few weeks when you have absolutely no idea what to do.
Indoor climbing/bouldering is something I've been doing for a month now. It's super fun and great exercise.
I also play a lot of Disc Golf. I usually walk 10 or 15 miles a week just from playing Disc Golf. It's a really open community and a great way to make friends too. It's everywhere, you can find courses all over the world and it's really cheap to get started and play forever.
😨 !
Doing sport, spending time with the family, going to the cinema, drinking beers with friends, gardening, tinkering in the house,... Or just sleeping!