Why everyone needs a hobby

[@antrodite]

Over the past few months, I slowly started deleting all the social media off of my phone. My screen time went from 6-8 hours a day to under an hour every day. Now whenever I have down time, I’m not just immediately grabbing my phone because there’s nothing on there for me. Just to-do lists and calendars and messages. It feels crazy to admit, but I’ve started daydreaming again. I had my phone as my immediate response for so long that I literally never even noticed that I just… was no longer thinking. It didn’t allow me to think. I never gave myself a moment for just my thoughts. It’s so nice having that “headspace” back. I’ve started writing a new story which I haven’t done in quite some time. I wondered why I never had the inspiration for it, but how could I when I never had any spare moments to just daydream and let my thoughts wander?

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@antrodite YES! We never just sit in silence anymore with our own thoughts. We have to constantly be doing something. Loved this. Thank you for sharing!

[@isaiahcas]

Couldn't agree more, last few months I began reading the LOTR. I've felt so much better and happier in the time I spend reading a compelling story and focusing on personal development in comparison to doomscrolling.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

It’s amazing how we can grow even through reading fiction. I’ve seen so many videos and topics on self help books. But what if reading fiction is even more productive in growth?

[@haydenhunold4698]

I just turned 25 and graduated college last year. What I've realised after no longer having school work and a jobs to occupy my time is how much of it I have and that I don't have any hobbies. Since I've become an adult it has been school and work, and if I did have free time it would be used on unproductive hobbies. For 2025 my main goals are to get my first job in my field and develop productive hobbies to fill my time and hopefully meet people with similar intrests.

[@monochromios]

You pointed out a wonderful spot: the difference between watching a life passing by and making a life. I love to photograph with film and develop it by myself. I have learned to fine tune the nibs of my fountain pens. They are small things, things that will not change the world. But they have changed my world. Thank you for sharing

[@Emferrlop]

I agree 100%. I remember exactly one day I just sat on my phone watching Tiktok and later when I checked the time, 2 hours flew by like nothing. That day I deleted my social media from my phone. I still catch up on instagram in my laptop, but it makes it more difficult to get stuck in social media unconsciously. I started reading a lot more, trying to enjoy it more and stop looking at it as an effort. With a hobby we put ourselves in challenges or simply different situations where we can learn more from ourselves, not just learn a new thing or ability.

[@pxcci3566]

I agree heavily. There's times when I feel like I don't know what to do with myself, but taking time to do my hobbies and things that make me genuinely happy can help with those feelings. I've been rewatching one of my favorite shows and reading IT for the first time, and it's always feels like a treat to sit back and enjoy myself by indulging in something I love rather than mindlessly scrolling for that "next hit of dopamine."

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@pxcci3566 YES 1000 times! It really is a treat to make some tea and read a book and enjoy myself genuinely rather than waste my life away on social media. I really want to read IT as well!

[@pxcci3566]

@Thomas.R.Howell Agreed. Also, you should definitely tackle IT when you have the time. I love all the movies so much, so finally, getting to read the source material and find out that there is a LOT that wasn't included in the films makes it an even more exciting read.

[@decemberrosewriting]

Dude. I love your videos. The pacing and intentionality of your words is so refreshing. Your channel is my new favorite.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Dude you are so kind!

[@nathanhuff9606]

This is now one of my favorite channels. Thank you for existing!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Oh man I feel undeserving of this praise! Thank you!

[@sitka0516]

i deleted social media from my phone about three months ago, and i don’t just do my hobbies more now- i enjoy them more too! i never stopped reading altogether, but it got to a point where i had trouble focusing when i did. now it takes a couple minutes to get into the flow instead of 10 or 20. my stamina is getting closer to what it used to be, and i think i enjoy the stories more because of it. i also started learning guitar and picked up drawing again, which i find more fulfilling when i am consistent with them.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@sitka0516 that is awesome! It takes me a bit to get into the flow of things especially losing myself in a book or video game. The weight of responsibility is often the enemy for me.

[@c.lstrife]

I have been in stoic philosophy for awhile now and in doing so, I learned to "live in the moment," be patient with others, be harsh on myself etc. Reading, writing walking, listening to music, doing chores are all what helps me "be in the moment," (a cup of coffee helps too 😂). Recently my mother wanted to start the year with planting different flowers with positive affirmations (this month is Mexican Marigolds) and say the positive affirmations everyday. She had me be involved in it in the beginning, and yesterday, I saw that they were sprouting. Ngl, I started to get emotionally attached to them and seeing them sprout is very encouraging to me.

[@GoatMan549]

Baby steps. I've been trying to read more in my spare time, practice Journaling, and I hid instagram behind a few tabs in my phone, just so that my mind doesn't immediately see it on my front screen

[@lobesteral]

I feel I’m too reliant on social media, and I always feel like I’m missing out if I stray away from it. That being said I’m trying to limit my time on social media apps to focus on my old hobbies, while possibly discovering new ones. I’ve gotten into reading (I’m currently reading Dune), and it’s opened the door for me to check out more novels in the future. I love storytelling through mediums like film, video games, and even TTRPGS, so it feels nice to dive into a good book now and again.

[@iamarnold3577]

I love videos like this. Quiet peaceful videos of people talking about life. 😊

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@iamarnold3577 you’ve come to the right place :)

[@Dark-rl8rg]

I am sorry to hear about your mum. Hope she is fine and full of joy.

[@carlee3958]

I couldn't agree more! I read, journal, crochet, write, play videogames... And I do get those days where I am so mentally exhausted, I fall victim to the doom scroll. And social media doesn't always have to be mind-trash. It can be a community, a way to share what you're doing, a way to connect with people, especially if, like me, you live in an area with very little people and very little interest in the things you're interested in. I have reading groups and crochet groups where we share and talk and help each other. But it is so easy to get pulled into reels and shorts and threads and arguments with people who have nothing better to do than troll and argue. And that itself is exhausting...

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@carlee3958 such a great point! I Should’ve mentioned that in this video! Social media CAN be good. Community. Ever since I saw this channel grow I wanted that to be the goal. Make this channel feel like a community. A book club. Yup it’s those dang shorts getting in our way! You start your second play through of Dragon Age? I’m deep into Elden Ring! Just beat the second main boss today.

[@carlee3958]

@Thomas.R.Howell I have not lol! I am almost finished reading Dracula so I will probably start it again after I finish that...give my brain a break. I need to try Elden Ring again. I also have a puzzle to finish. Too many things to do....!

[@Mark-bj9gt]

Your channel is very refreshing, just watched this and your video about the Witcher back to back and really enjoyed both. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Mark-bj9gt what? Seriously? You’re so kind! That means so much! Thank you for watching and hanging out with me!

[@danielvaldez1683]

Im at work and I watch your vids here, when I get home i set my phone down and read and spend time with my partner, also this year Im going to keep a diary and planner and also finally start writing that book I want, your channel and another book tuber are my fave book tubers to listen to, always listen to your positive attitude and advice so thank you

[@Lee-hd7js]

In my work i help people with their mental health and not having a hobby is often a reason for poor mental health. I spend a lot of time helping people to rediscover and bring back hobbies into their life. Great video :)

[@glauer42]

It's weird that I've never considered reading a hobby for me (I just do it!), but I guess it is. I have so many hobbies: listening to music; playing, writing and recording guitar/music; skiing; running and weight training; playing (and sometimes designing) games, watching movies; so many more... it's endless! 😆

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@glauer42 honestly me too. I don’t consider fitness or reading a hobby. It’s just a part of my life. I gotta ask since we have had wonderful conversations. What is your favorite film? Or films?

[@glauer42]

@@Thomas.R.Howell Oof, such a long list. But to give you an idea: Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back, Blue Velvet and Lost Highway, Seven Samurai, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, 2001, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien and Aliens, A Clockwork Orange, Memento, This Is Spinal Tap, Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, The Terminator...

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ ugh seven samurai is on my list to watch soon

[@glauer42]

@@Thomas.R.Howell So great, and so influential. If you also watch Hidden Fortress, via both you'll see where Lucas got ideas he used in both Star Wars and Phantom Menace. Btw, I sent you an email to boot. Conversing through KZbin is a pain🙂

[@lachy1383]

Been binging your videos since last week and have enjoyed every single one. Hearing your takes on reading has been so refreshing and I also completely agree with what you have stated in this video. Hobbies are an essential part of what makes you you, they are what get you out of bed in the morning or excited to get home from work. Could not imagine life without them.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@lachy1383 thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words! That is such a great point that I wish I had put in the video. Hobbies get us out of bed!

[@RandomReadingPathways]

Well said. I definitely think that hobbies, or at the very least having one solid hobby, is key to fulfillment and even purpose. The only time I can say I’ve felt a level of despair in life is when I’ve felt myself losing a grip on having a current hobby, or, relatedly, an old hobby not paying off anymore. I think that’s important too, reevaluating and discarding hobbies that no longer give that sense of fulfillment in favor of new ones. An example of a simple hobby of mine that can provide endless hours of enjoyment: making “all time album” Spotify playlists, where each track on the compiled “album” has to be placed in the order at which it appears on its own album. Thanks for sharing.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@RandomReadingPathways I love that! That was a point i forgot to cover in this video. “Juggling hobbies”. I never have that issue. I just put one down or put a couple away. So I can focus on one or two during a particular season of life. Then return to them later. That way I’m not trying to do all my hobbies at once!

[@TRDPro1995]

I deleted all socials (other than KZbin, if that counts) a couple years back. So great. I don't miss it anymore but it took awhile to wrap my mind around not having it and being okay with it. I think the biggest thing I felt after the newness wore off was that my mind was so much more productive and restful.... as compared to constantly racing and feeling discontent prior to deleting socials.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@TRDPro1995 exactly! Social media just makes us feel like we are missing out on things. We get in this habit to scroll and find nuggets of content rather than sitting in silence. Sitting in our own thoughts. Eating a meal without having something on in the background.

[@TRDPro1995]

@@Thomas.R.Howell Instagram used to be much more catered toward creatives and was a useful tool for inspiration/creativity. Wish it was still that way.

[@nyamiles5423]

awesome vid tommy

[@thatprofyapper]

Thomas, i have to say this. This year i entered college, and until last year, i was so distracted by social media and all. But i discovered your channel just after i entered college. And now im addicted to reading. Right now im reading Caraval by Stephanie Garber (in the second book Legendary right now) and its good. Just letting everyone know that its not that hard to stay away from your phone and social media. Just put up a book or a serious job to do and you're good to go!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@thatprofyapper no way! That’s awesome! Glad to have a fellow book addict!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@thatprofyapper id rather get lost in the world of a book than scroll my life away on social media! Such a good point.

[@Justin_Rose]

Great thoughts, man. I love that you included KZbin as a potential vice on your KZbin video. Sounds like you have a really neat family. It helps to be surrounded by people like that, people whose own pursuits and labors inspire you to stick with yours.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Justin_Rose thanks dude! KZbin is essentially my social media. Which I take breaks from for sure!

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

I'm on internet just on certain time of the day and not very often. My hobbies are reading, gaming, coloring and listen to "true scary stories" on KZbin and watching booktube. I don't do a lot obviously, lol. Great topic.

[@sirbenticles8952]

I'm a thrill junkie. I skydive, race motorcycles, speed climb and I'm really into alpine mountaineering. The only problem is I'm broke and those hobbies suck away my money. That's part of what I love about books, I can live vicariously through them while I save up money for my next track day or my next jump or my next mountain trip. (I'll be tackling the Taebaek Mountain range in South Korea in just under six months and I'm hoping the Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu will hold me over until then.)

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@sirbenticles8952 and here I’m on the opposite end. A home body. I’ll venture on morning walks. Drives to coffee shops. Hikes. But my extreme adventures are through other worlds in books haha

[@sirbenticles8952]

@@Thomas.R.Howell No matter what you do, I think the important thing is that you love to do it. My interests have definitely changed over the years but I've found that actively working towards things that bring me joy helps me to get through each day. It's why I think hobbies are so important. People need things to be passionate about.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ I love that! I totally agree!

[@ShawnDackery]

Needed to hear this!

[@BookswithSam1]

THIS! Needed this, great video

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Thank you!!

[@Bryan-qz4np]

Good video. One thing I might add is that a hobby should be distinct from what you do for work. If you're a photographer or a mechanic as your day job and you do some of that on the side, you're not doing that as a hobby, you're just working all the time. A hobby should recharge you and refill your cup, and needs to be something other than what you do for work. Other than reading, my hobbies are singing and playing D&D. I used to have more hobbies, but having kids has forced me to pare things down to the essentials.

[@Ritwik-h3c]

Hey sir I am a big fan of you O would like to thank you as you were the person who got me back into books and I am really greatfull for that and you are probably the reason I was able to beat elden rings Thanks a lot man

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@Ritwik-h3c what!? That’s amazing! What kind of books are you into? What are some of your favorites? Oh wow. Well now you’ve encouraged me to beat Elden ring in honor of you! Just started last weekend. Loving the game!

[@Ritwik-h3c]

First of all thanks a lot for responding , I would say my book taste revolves around fantasy fiction and thrillers you know books like silent patient and final empire and do beat elden rings its going to be hard but it will probably be one of the best video games you'll ever play

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ that’s awesome! Yeah Elden ring has been so rewarding. It’s beautiful yet challenging. It’s horrifying yet cozy and calm at times. Nothing else like it. It’s been a nice break since beating the Witcher!

[@Ritwik-h3c]

There will be moments when you will think that you have beaten the game and then you will realise how much more there is left and that's probably the time where you will take a break, and this is the beauty of elden rings and its similarity to the real world

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ that’s awesome I heard the main game director say the world isn’t meant to be explored in microscopic detail. Knowing that, That’s helped me enjoy the game more. Go where I want and only that. Not feel pressured to scour every dungeon and corner of the map.

[@SirWonderBeard]

I believe reading is an actual cure for anxiety that no one ever talks about. Put the dang phone down and open a book people!

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@SirWonderBeard totally agree!! The phone can cause so much self induced misery!

[@LeonC0704]

damn man, I have been really thinking about this. I have been trying to break into the tech industry and it is chaos now. I want to transition, to try something different, but I am 32 and I have no idea what I can do or where I could find... fulfillment.

[@DavidMadara]

I gravitated to your channel a while back, but now it makes sense; my hobbies are: books, Magic the Gathering, and coffee =) Just curious how you like to play Magic; i.e. MTGOnline, Spelltable, or of course the GOAT: paper! Thanks for the video, cheers

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@DavidMadara whoa! That is what I like to hear! We play the true OG way. Physical cards. And no proxies either although I’m not against those. What kind of books do you like? What are some of your favs??

[@BarryPLAYz]

I try so hard not to watch youtube shorts, I lose track of time and the next thing I know its 1am. I feel like I have too many hobbies; gaming, reading, painting miniatures, learning Japanese, fish keeping.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@BarryPLAYz that’s good to have multiple hobbies!

[@FinnMichael-s2b]

in the new year I would love to find some hobbies that are sort on earth I guess you could say. I love DND, I love video games, and I love reading, but those are all hobbies that take me away from this world and I would love some more that would allow me to interact with things in the real world a little more now that we're in 2025

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@FinnMichael-s2b what a great point! I didn’t even think of it like that. I have those same hobbies and you’re so right. They immerse us in other worlds.

[@Dragonmoon1598]

Outside of DND and reading . . . I just took up drawing (3 day streak) where I follow one online tutorial a day. Just started yoga. And, I've been writing short stories, so I can start my own KZbin channel. In addition to that, need to learn an instrument (piano or guitar) and a foreign language (spanish). So, big plans this year.😁

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Dragonmoon1598 that is not only amazing but inspiring. You’re already marching through this new year!

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

Watching this made me want to pick up my leather bound two column book.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Twiceborn_by_grace love it!

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

@ I had to be vague because it seems like everything good on the internet gets flagged and taken down. But I think you know what book I’m reading.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ it is quite odd what KZbin does. I have mild moderation on my channel and what KZbin decides to hold for comments confuses me. There hasn’t been remotely anything offensive in my comments. So weird!

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

@ and that’s what I like about your channel. It’s so good and pure.

[@amanytalaat7044]

Social media is my first demon . it make me numb most of the time and unable to refocus . it isolates me from real life .. i want to learn chess , draw and read books but what hinders me that im terrified from the lifestyle I'm sticking to .. iam afraid of the amount of information i don't know and the amount of time i wasted through my life not knowing a bit of it ...i call social media with" trash " and I don't really enjoy the time i spend on it ..but what should one do when feel intimidated and bored ? it's really painful and even I can not enjoy social media like first ...iam between to stages that i donot enjoy social media any more and i can control my face time but I'm terrified from the future and from the unknown as well ..the more i dig deep into hobbies etc the more the hole inside my heart is expanding....can any one relate 😞

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@amanytalaat7044 what activity do you like to do most? You say you want to start chess and draw and read books? That is an awesome place to start! There are so many books and tutorials on chess for you to get started. What tv shows and movies or video games do you like? Maybe start with those as subjects to draw! Draw your favorite characters or landscapes. What genre intrigues you most? Start there. Find a book in that genre and you’re off to the races!

[@amanytalaat7044]

i appreciate your reply it enlightened me a bit thank you ❤❤​@@Thomas.R.Howell

[@Netflixtmoney]

I wanna learn to play the flute, buy a super cheap one to see if it works

[@yutellan]

Thanks Thomas, I’d like to know your opinions on The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie if you read it

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@yutellan not yet! I’ve heard that trilogy is deep and some of the best written characters!

[@yutellan]

@ I feel like you will love it. 😊

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@ I also heard his second trilogy is even better!

[@yutellan]

@@Thomas.R.Howell oh, I will definitely check that one out after I finish The First Law.

[@joshuagillam9486]

ALAN WAKE II REVIEW LETS GO 🔦

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@joshuagillam9486 let’s goooo I was hoping we’d film it tomorrow but our schedule just keeps getting booked. Hopefully we will shoot it soon and out within the next couple of weeks. 😭

[@cdomenicci]

You wasted and hour of your life ouch 😢😢😢 hits very hard 😭 but it's true

[@healthyminimalist]

KZbin video on social media suggesting not to use itself. I'm tripping out

[@Rizzatooga]

A hobby? In this economy?

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

Lol Exercise and fitness doesn’t cost money? You got a floor. Push ups. You got a side walk. Walk or jog. Library is free. A piece of paper and a cheap pencil to draw and sketch or write. I can go on and on! So many ideas!

[@Rizzatooga]

@Thomas.R.Howell i agree. Not to mention the entire Internet to learn.

[@Chance.Dillon]

Oh wow I just noticed that coffee cup-scout has some of the best espresso. First time I had it was in Morro Bay 🫡

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

@@Chance.Dillon I love scout! Had to get one of their mugs!

[@Chance.Dillon]

@ we brought one back to the east coast with us!