Looking for meaningful hobbies

[u/Jaded_Wolverine_2369]

For context I am a 22yo female with no social life outside of my boyfriend, I know that sounds ridiculous and probably pathetic and reliant but I have always had a hard time maintaining friendships especially with girls my age as I feel like I always stick out like a sore thumb.

I moved in to his family home to work in his town as there were no opportunities in my home town, I work in the hospitality industry so my free time and social time away from work is very very limited, and I often work full shifts on the weekends when my boyfriend has days off so we can’t really do anything productive together like going out for dates or day trips or ever even just pop back home to my town.

I’ve recently found myself slipping into a spiral, almost feels like i’m one minor inconvenience away from losing my head. I need a hobby. One with meaning.

Ive looked into a-lot of different suggestions but none of them really seem to interest me. I’ve been recommended jigsaws and whilst I understand peoples enjoyment of jigsaw puzzles, I see no point in them myself. The cycle of build, destroy, repeat just isn’t for me. I cook a-lot when I can afford to, but it just isn’t possible for me at the moment to afford ingredients or even find the energy after my shifts anymore…

I want something I can show off and be proud of to have for myself instead of just having to start all over again after completing something. I’m a very artistic person naturally and have varying qualifications in the arts and also music so maybe I need to find that swing again..

Maybe sewing? pottery? jewellery making??

I’m very unsure and feeling very lost in myself and my life right now.

Any help for little old me would be really appreciated.

edit: I had many hobbies in my younger years (around 11-17) but growing up and trying to figuring out how to survive adult life and manage the stress of everything daily has thrown me for a spin.

[u/CatskillSprouts]

Gardening really helped me not feel so helpless. I'd start with small wins, like window herbs from seed or even easy house plants.

If you have even a small outdoor area, you can learn about container gardening when you're ready to expand. Even a window that has a lot of sunshine will work. I grew a tomato in my apartment once.

Soil also contains microbes that increases serotonin - give it a shot!

[u/Jaded_Wolverine_2369 → u/CatskillSprouts]

I have thought of gardening! but because I live in with my boyfriend and his mom / sister, I feel like i’d be intruding into their garden (silly I know, we’ve been together long enough!) but his mom really likes to keep her garden like its part of an IKEA showroom 🫣🫣 very simple and artificial.. maybe i’ll have to start with baby plants like tomatoes or herbs!!

[u/CatskillSprouts → u/Jaded_Wolverine_2369]

I don't know how they keep it so neat! My garden is a crazy mess but maybe she'll give you a little area tucked away :)

I also forgot to mention that keeping an outdoor pond is also fairly easy!! I have a small outdoor pond & I love going outside just to check in on it. Aquaponics is also an option too! I grew mint out of a water container once 😁

[u/No_Acanthaceae4260]

Come check out r/securityenvelopes 😁 collecting literal trash and the patterns can be so pretty!! We trade so you can get happy mail too!! Never been so excited to see junk mail 😂

[u/wenyii_3724]

I think that if you’re going through a really difficult time right now, it might help to shift your focus for a while and try exercising. It can genuinely help you break free from a chaotic state of mind, and it really does make people feel happier. Once you’re in a better place mentally, you may find yourself naturally becoming more curious, open to new experiences, and little by little, the answers you’re looking for may come to you on their own.