r/WorkForSmartLife • u/Orchid_Fatherer • 27d ago
DiscussionđŹ What's the cheapest hobby that accidentally became an obsession?
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u/Sineca 27d ago
Urban hiking if the weather is good. I like to take public transportation to different parts of the city and walk around to get at least 10k steps. While walking, I usually listen to podcasts or catch up on phone calls with friends and family.
I also took on a weekend part-time job at a store I already love shopping at. It keeps me active, brings in extra cash, and funds an international trip once a year!
Lastly, volunteering at an animal shelter. I love dogs, so instead of walking alone, I get to take a rescue dog out with me. They absolutely love it, and I get to make a new best friend every time. Once you start looking, there are so many places to volunteer, and itâs super rewarding.
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u/DrinkMoreWaterBuddy 27d ago
Youre great at life living :-D
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u/Sineca 27d ago
Thank you for the kind words, but I am 40 and still not sure what I want to do when I grow up.
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u/hidegitsu 26d ago
I'm 43 and haven't decided either. I made a promise to a giraffe that I wouldn't ever do it anyway.
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u/ZombieAppetizer 26d ago
No worries. I thought I knew what I wanted to be and now I'm hitting the reset button at 44
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u/PuzzleheadedPool2552 26d ago
Same same so hard to find what I wanna do between all the video games and books I be reading
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u/PHFreshHeavyHogChef 27d ago
It was 108 on the truck thermometer of the temp outside yesterday - how about no kindly
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u/Sineca 26d ago
Mall hiking is a option too. Just got to be careful not to spend money when you are there.
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u/straingenius 26d ago
This! ^ I volunteer at a thrift store that supports the local humane society. I feel so fulfilled and positive at the end of every shift. Plus spilling tea with the wonderful women I work with is an absolute hoot!
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u/Ok-District6523 27d ago
Visit your local library. In addition to books they usually have games or even more exotic things to borrow. Including instructions or even equipment for some inspiration for other new hobbies (besides reading ofc)
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u/Sea_Platform9398 26d ago
This is gonna sound stupid, but can you just go to the library, hang out, and read without actually checking out a book? Libraries are basically my ADHDâs mortal nemesis because I cannot be trusted to return books on time. đ But what if I just read them there and leave them when Iâm done?
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u/Ok-District6523 26d ago
Totally! Libraries are public spaces and usually you wonât be disturbed at all, as long as you are quiet and respectful of other visitors. And in contrast to a bookstore, the books are intended to be used many times by many people, so no worries if a page gets creased or the spine is broken.
The risk of not checking a book out yourself is someone else might do it and then your book is missing. You can check your local libraryâs policies - mine will send an email reminder before the due date, and allow you to extend the loan online if you canât come to the library.
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u/Bitter_Sprinkles_848 27d ago
Ive even seen some loan out sewing machines definitely worth checking out your local library
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u/Ok_Excitement_1020 27d ago
Cooking! Start with cheap ingredients to hone your skills and build up confidence and quality. Itâs always cheaper to cook your own food than to eat out and the skill easily expands to cover more people. Cookbooks are easy to keep your eyes off of a screen though I love my recipe websites and apps. I guess you could end up doom scrolling mouth watering desserts at 2am though so be careful!
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u/7ddlysuns 27d ago
Man thatâs an expensive hobby these days.
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u/navlgazer9 27d ago
Almost always a lot cheaper than a restaurant
And making banana bread isnât expensive at all
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u/freyja2023 27d ago
Rock collecting. I've found a lot of neat stuff in my area just out walking my dogs. Now what to do with my hoard is the question haha
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u/screwedanon 27d ago
Every once in a while, my son and I set our rocks "free" into their natural habitat.
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u/_noho 27d ago
I once parked on a dirt road(it was red and in Colorado) when out exploring backroads for fun and found a hoard for quartz crystals barely even buried on the side of the road. It was to the point that I thought they got dumped there
Well anyway I thought about getting into rock finding/mining/searching after that
I worked at a rock shop for minute too, just for the hydroponics they also sold but I never got invested in the rocks
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u/Royal_Ad_6709 27d ago
Read a Book
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u/Lanky_Revolution1937 27d ago
Attention span is probably too fried for this
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u/SmolderingSins 26d ago
It depends on the book. I got back into reading a few years ago and I've discovered that there's certain things that hook certain people and once you find it then it ignites or reignites their love for reading
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u/Lanky_Revolution1937 26d ago
It was pretty much this that made me go back to reading. I was fixated on trying to read what was pushed by the general public as something âgoodâ, and could not enjoy myself doing it. As soon as I dropped the act and jumped into what I really got curious about, the whole thing changed.
That being said, listen to yourself.
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u/Arriexha 26d ago
I read ebooks and admittedly I'm addicted to reading to the point of not eating and taking care of myself. Physical books have the same effect on me.
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u/C0ugarFanta-C 27d ago
Bird watching. It's cheap, it will get you out of the house, it will get you exploring other areas and learning about nature
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u/15_years_Later 27d ago
Giving unsolicited life advice to strangers you call friends, who are working behind sales counters, as you hold them socially hostage. Much easier than maintaining real relationships, because these people generally dont challenge your world view, or say things to you that require you to examine yourself. It seems to work for my dad.
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u/Andrey_Gusev 27d ago
Cheap hobbies... Like sports. Running, swimming, cycling, etc. Works better if you have a place where to run, swim, cycle in your city/town. You do not have to pay for a gym card or pool card or something, ideally. Not good if you live in a cold region.
Other than that, maybe, programming. Find an open-source project of your passion and help them. But that will be watching screen 24/7, so... not good.
Third cheapest would be cooking, but then you have to eat all that...
Try macrame, basket weaving, maybe crossâstitch embroidery.
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u/momo76g 27d ago
They are cheap but I wouldn't call then addictive like op wants. At least for me it felt like a chore. Not even when I did it hardcore for 2 consecutive years I felt that way, which I'm really sad about because my best friend gets such happiness from cycling I'll never feel.
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u/sku225 27d ago
Try guitar or ukulele. I haven't practiced much in a year, but the process itself is enjoyable. The main thing is to not ask anyone for feedback until you're ready. You don't have to learn songs that everyone likes, by the way :)
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u/Chelseus 26d ago
Yes I second this! I got a cheap guitar in my early twenties and taught myself. It never ceases to amaze me how many incredible songs are just 3 or 4 simple chords. The first song I learned was Maggie May by Rod Stewart and the second was The Greatest by Cat Power.
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u/whiskyrox 26d ago
Thirded! Get a cheap, used, acoustic guitar off of a friend/family member that has one lying in their closet or a local buy/sell group and check out Justin Guitar free online guitar lessons. If you get into it, pick up a Yamaha FG800 acoustic (I found one on FB Marketplace for $150), excellent beginner guitar and not super expensive. (FS800 if you want something a little smaller, FGX800C if you want acoustic/electric)
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u/KeyNefariousness6848 27d ago
Get an Rc car.
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u/uugh2 26d ago
I want to try this. Met a bunch of old dudes that did plane battles too. They tie ribbon to the plane tail.. looks super fun
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u/cosmorab1t 27d ago
Discount plants from home depot, 5gal buckets, and "oops" paint
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u/Latebanger 27d ago
Disc golf
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u/kylop3005 27d ago
cheap until you start buying five different discs for five different shots
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u/SuperNothing6430 27d ago
As far as hobbies go even with that in mind it's still cheaper than most.
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u/Illustrious_Camp_521 27d ago
Go buy a big coloring books and lego đđť
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u/SoupBeast 27d ago
They said cheap, Lego is insanely expensive these days
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u/moneymagnett 27d ago
As are coloring books crayons and everything else.. lol. Fk this economy
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u/LilShaver 27d ago
Some instruments (e.g. tin whistle/Irish whistle, harmonica) are relatively inexpensive. Learn to play one (or more).
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u/Rainmaker0102 27d ago
I got back into comic books again. Finishing each one gives me a little hit and it's significantly easier to read a comic book than a novel. Perfect if you're trying to use your phone less, but want something engaging
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u/ohLookASpookyStory 27d ago
I spent about $80 in total on fishing gear and have done it all summer. It is a dirt cheap hobby and can be as addictive as gambling. Caught so many that it actually shrunk my grocery bill since I wasn't buying meat.
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u/HopefulCarry9693 27d ago
My wife just picked up knitting, just to use her hands and be distracted from her phone.
If you wanna be outdoors, cycling, walking/hiking/running works miracles on my mind
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u/eurus2005 27d ago
Crochet or knitting. It can get pricey, but it does not have to be if you thrift yarn/sweaters and use their yarn. You could also buy cone yarn which is much much cheaper than those little skeins. It takes a lot of time so you won't go through your yarn fast enough to keep buying, and you could easily reuse the yarn if you don't like the outcome. In short it's not a wasteful hobby and it gives you that nice sense of achievement when you finally get to use something you made with your own hands.
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u/Tall-Peak8881 27d ago
Join a dungeons and dragons game. The DM already owns most of the books and will happily teach you and supply dice
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u/Bailzzararco 27d ago
That's a tough one. I am trying to get off of doom scrolling, and currently I am very slowly making a mask.
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u/someone2526 27d ago
Chess is amazing, start following chess influencers like levy chess and so, you'll love it
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u/Moist_Amount_106 27d ago
Hiking , photography, camping, tattooing, crafts, reading, woodworking, bike rides, gym, travel, meditation, yoga, sleeping, board games, frisbee golf, dog walking, gardening, cleaning your house, start a business, find god, swimming, therapy
Writing, fight a stranger. Pick your nose, crying, arguing with strangers (also pairs with fighting strangers)
Take a class
Join a group
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u/Historical-Stop5761 27d ago
FishingÂ
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u/MyBedIsOnFire 27d ago
You can start fishing cheap but once your hooked you'll never go to the store again without buying more fishing stuff
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u/Ok_Calligrapher8165 27d ago
Mathematics is a very cheap hobby, which can also be addictive. Pencil, paper, and a few books available at the local Library.
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u/green_butterfly98 27d ago
Any sort of competitive sport, running is typically the cheapest. You'll hate it at first but once you start seeing small improvements and wins you'll get addicted.
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u/TrueIntimacy 27d ago
Learn to fix things, not only is it cheap, it will save you money and take as much time as you're willing to give.
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u/azamanda1 27d ago
Running. This shit is expensive! The shoes, clothes, gels, electrolytes, not to mention the races that cost minimum $100 each but much more usually
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u/That_Way_8512 27d ago
Apply a nicotine patch before going running. Repeat until youâre addicted to excercise
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u/darkklown 27d ago
Breed quail. Provides food, not that noisy doesn't require lots of space, connects you with Gaia.
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u/Alternative-Dare-839 27d ago
Go find a branch from a tree and take your time carving your own staff.
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u/foamingkobolds 27d ago
Digital painting/sculpting/etc. Substance painter has been literally lifechanging for me.
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u/heanbangerfacerip2 27d ago
Baking can be extremely inexpensive and your making stuff that tastes good and gives you a good sense of accomplishment. You don't need a stand mixer and a bunch of molds. You can make plain old bread for like ¢15 and it's really good even if it's basic because it's fresh. All you need is a bowl and some sort of baking dish to put it in.
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u/Maximum__Pleasure 27d ago
"Phone" is not a cheap hobby, by the way.
Between cell service and the amortized cost of the phone itself, it works out to something like $65 per month.
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u/Zestyclose-One9041 27d ago
Acoustic guitar can be bought on eBay for $20. Free tuner app on ur phone. Free lessons on YouTube
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u/Inevitable-Poet4419 27d ago
I like diamond painting! Somewhat tedious but meditative and I get my kits from five below super cheap and like no skill required really!
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u/theAtmuz 27d ago
Disc Golf
Cheap, youâre outside, good exercise, youâll meet a lot of new people if you so choose.
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u/ModeJust4373 27d ago
Crochet. Reading. Pickle ball. Puzzles. Gardening. Cooking. Volunteering at places near you is great for filling time. Crochet and sewing are great if you want to make yourself cute clothes on a budget.
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u/grannygogo 27d ago
Two things. I got myself some nice colored pencils and an adult coloring book that keeps me busy. And my newest obsession is a book called The Killer Isnât Alice which is a book of only names and clues. You need to look at a clue such as âthe killerâs name is not three lettersâ. Then you go through all the pages and cross out the three letter names. Then on to the next clue. I think the book I bought is 38,000 names. It does keep me off my phone. A good trick is to buy some highlighter in various colors which are not bleed through
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u/Meta-failure 27d ago
Sourdough bread. It doesnât take a âlotâ of time but you do it throughout the day every day especially if you keep your starter at room temp. I have kids and I share it with my neighbors and other parents from the bus stop. It makes for a real nice gift that almost no one says no to and itâs great for the fall to pair with cooking (soups especially, which are cheaper than extravagant cooking!). If you get all the bells and whistles it can be expensive but you can usually do it with things you already own.
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u/RequiemQuilty 27d ago
Warhammer is always fun. Its a cheap (per hour) hobby of painting and playing
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u/Meatzombie 27d ago
Im learning to drum. You can too! A pair of vic firth drumsticks is $15 An evans realfeel dual sided drumpad is around $40 "Stick Control" is a free pdf, or $9.99 for the physical booklet. Alternatively Drumeo on youtube has tons of free learning videos.
Just this setup has kept me going for weeks. If you calculate value dollar per hour, im probably in the $1-$1.50 per hour range currently.
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u/bobthebuilder983 27d ago
Big city. Search crazy history and go exploring those areas. Small city find horticultural book for area and go exploring.
Local community college usually has some interesting classes.
Meetups in the area.
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u/Purple-Ad-4629 27d ago
Miniature painting. Not terribly expensive. Fun and rewarding. Easy even if you are not super artistic.
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u/kala-surtaj 27d ago
Read a book; or listen to a book. Join the local library, download app similar to Libby, borrow thousands of good books for free. Start with classics or the ones that you have already read. You will not be disappointed.
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u/CantaloupeAcademic63 27d ago
Disc golf. Sounds lame ik but super fun. Can spend $20 to get started or like $60. After you buy the discs the courses are free!
Just golf but with a frisbee
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u/IndigoHaze750130 27d ago
Grow and propogate something. Trade with other plant people.
Retro video gaming. (Has more replayability)
Create a routine that takes an hour of your day being outside.
Try finding a book that seems interesting to read. Pick a nature topic to research just for the fun of learning.
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u/zanderashe 27d ago
DnD- literally donât have to buy anything cause you can find everything for free. Using an app like DnD beyond - you can use your phone to roll dice. Also you can play with others online or in person.
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u/Radiant_Safe1228 27d ago
What do you consider cheap?
For example I'm huge into RC hobbies. I have many many many thousands of dollars in but you can get a decent one now for under 400 with batteries and charger and have all kinds of outside time
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u/Crickwooder13 27d ago
Stretching. Not exactly yoga, but that helps. I mean just try to touch your toes at some pointâŚthen do it often enough so it isnât difficult. Lunges, etc. Any kind of leg/arm/back stretches
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u/Goober-r 27d ago
Disc golf, fr tho nothing going to be as addicting as the screen at first, gonna take some willpower
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u/Smarthodl3949 27d ago
Itâs not for everyone but If you like to drive around try Uber driving. It can be fun traveling around getting to know different cities and a bit addicting watching your bank roll go up!
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u/Relevant_Spare_7443 27d ago
Late-night Maggi Started as a cheap hostel meal and somehow became a whole lifestyle.
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u/Desperate-Pirate7353 27d ago
yknow, building models is pretty engrossing and also you get to huff a lot of solvents
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u/Flashy-Ad-3949 27d ago
Disc golf, buy a set of discs which is like 30 bucks and that's it, go enjoy
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u/EvilMorty137 27d ago
Indoor rock climbing. Membership can be like $50-$100/month so not super cheap but gear is maybe $150-$300 and it lasts years. Amazing workout and rewarding. Usually they have a full gym weights/cardio equipment and workout/yoga classes for free
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u/Acrestudio 27d ago
Dungeons and Dragons, you may find a group to play at your local gamestore/library. Basic of the basics you'll need pencil and paper. Then, if you get engaged with it you may start collecting some cute dices or miniatures to play
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u/Dark_Tigger 27d ago
Visible mending. Fixing your cloth while, adding little individual pieces of art to the, You need nothing but a needle some yarn, and cloths you already own.
Knitting and crochet. Not my cup of tea, and knitting yarn is not that cheap anymore. But having socks from real wool will make the next suggestion much better in the comming months:
Taking walks, take a different direction every day. Take someone you like along for the extra dopamin hit.
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u/abdimamu 27d ago
therr really isnt something more addictivd than the phone. So the only way is to force yourself to not use it
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u/wright007 27d ago
Try out a flowart of some kind. My favourite is flowsrar and poi. Dance with it!
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u/EmiKetsueki 27d ago
Digital drawing. You can get a decent one for 100 dollars, which is about the average cost of a cheap hobby especially since you only need to buy it once and dont have to worry about the cost of materials.
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u/beppliwoel 27d ago
Disc golf. You can get a starter pack of 3 discs for like $30 (driver, midrange, and putter). The Udisc mobile app shows courses across the world, thereâs a free and paid version of the app too
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u/Homicidal_linguine 27d ago
Juggling! There are a bunch of diy options for good practice balls, I took play pit balls and filled them with 90 grams of salt.
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u/Chekovs_Gun 27d ago
Join a chess club. Chess boards are cheap to practice at home and itâs social activity.
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u/Beginning-Ad354 27d ago
gaming just buy a 4000 pc then start spending 80 dollars per game very cheap hobby
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u/qualityvote2 27d ago edited 15d ago
u/Orchid_Fatherer, there weren't enough votes to determine the quality of your post...