Asklemmy

Working out

try programming. starting to learn python is easy and then if you like it keep on learning.

For times when you want to do nothing but watch youtube, learn to knit or crochet so you can feel a little better about doing something.

Firstly know you are not alone, lots of people feel like this. I suggest a hobby which includes exercise and meeting people. Exercise releases endorphins and generally energises you. Meeting people helps bring you out of yourself and focus on something else. I do gym classes as it means I am around people but don’t have to interact too much. It’s the same people so I say hi and maybe chit chat a little. A gym buddy is good if you can find one, we never liked to bail on each other so used to go quite regularly. Swimming always makes me happy and my cat! (She likes to paddle but not really what I meant!)

Kernel mainlining

Try martial arts.

Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.

I say martial arts because it sounds like you're having trouble being self-directed and finding motivation. I also have trouble being self-directed. I don't go to the gym because I get there and I'm overwhelmed by the options and don't know how to use the machines and get really self-conscious about everything. I don't like outside sports because I live where it's hot. Martial arts classes are set up to teach you in structured lessons, with instructors to plan what you're gonna do and keep you motivated.

Plus, you get to hit stuff.

Reading books. I enjoy it so much because it distracts me from depression, but depending on the book, it also can be enlightening in some ways and doesn‘t require me to really do much or go anywhere.

Go for a bike ride.

If you can afford it, I highly recommend getting an ebike. It can open up a larger range where you can travel if you aren't in the best of shape.

Uninstall/disable the YouTube app. Trust me you will be a happier person

Knitting. The basics are really easy to pick up and you get something out of it surprisingly fast. As an added bonus knitting supplies can be gotten for around $10 at walmart all in

How do you feel about finding things difficult and failure? Because that's really important to consider when thinking of suggestions. It also depends how dedicated or how hard you are on yourself.

Go swimming in the sea

Making something. I'm taking lessons on metalworking, and it's really satisfying to have something that I made which can be useful in my daily life.

I play a video game (usually a retro one) on a low difficulty level. Then beat the computer over and over again. Bonus points if it’s a game I usually avoid because it’s too hard.

Gives a constant feeling of satisfaction at beating the computer over and over.

Juggle. You must have 3 similar ball shaped items around the house. There's lots of tutorials online. You get your blood feeling, body moving. Such a nice rush when you finally get that new pattern or trick you were working on.

Anything creative, as a lot of people have suggested. It's highly satisfying to see a finished product you crafted yourself. And they really make you get in the zone and hyperfocus.

Scrapbooking is a good one. Sift through your photos, find some that bring back good memories and get them printed. Invest in a small spiral bound scrapbook, some acid-free coloured paper and decorations (you can get these from poundshops/dollar stores). Look at other people's scrapbooks online and shamelessly copy their designs until you can come up with your own.

Maybe you could even make some for the people you care about. Added bonus of being able to go over good memories with them. Maybe you can bring a smile to both of your faces.

Another cute one is making models out of greyboard (the grey cardboard on the back of refill pads).

Best of luck, I hope you feel better soon!

but im probably dreaming too big

No you're not. You underestimate yourself. There is not "too big" when it comes to having a hobby. You don't need to prove anything, just do something you enjoy and that makes you feel good about yourself. The difficult part is getting out of the house, not the actual activity. I won't recommend anything specific here because lots of people in this thread have already, and also the activity does not really matter, only that you do something that engages you.

Learn programming?

@QuietStorm
Group activities. People who are depressed should endeavor to be around people even if it is not what they want. Loneliness in a depressed person will turn to self loathing. Playing card games and board games with friends is a great activity because it forces you to be socially active and think about something other than what is depressing you.

Physical hobbies like sports are very good, I went to a "martial arts club" for 2 years to train boxing. They shut down the boxing part of the gym during COVID and never started back up. So naturally I started singing. I had been singing in my car to and from work for almost 2 years at the time, so when COVID hit I started singing much more. Now Im in a choir and Ive been part of 2 concerts. You always have your voice with you so its easy to just put on some music and practise. I was still quite depressed so I got a dog, even though Im allergic, and have just gotten into university to get a degree in something completely different from my previous job. I feel amazing these days.

My hobbies change with the seasons. Woodworking, tinkering with electronics, amd gaming in the colder months. Biking in the summer months. Anything that requires your undivided attention helps forget about depression.