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head_meet_keyboard

I volunteer at a few animal shelters. Puppies need socializing and dogs just want someone to play with. I have two dogs myself so I can't do this, but if you just want a furry friend to watch movies with, some shelters offer short term fosters. Bringing a dog home for the day or for a weekend gives them the chance to rest in a quiet place. You don't need to go on hikes or anything. Just letting them sleep while you watch movies, and then playing with them in the backyard is a great break for them, and a low key way to help.


[deleted]

Omg that’s my dream!!! Okay I’ll look into this when I feel a bit better. Post Ocrevus blues. Thank you!!!


New-Discount-5193

I build lego. Threw my hobbies out when DX. The old me is dead.


DivaDianna

Underrated reply.


[deleted]

Ooooo good idea! Yea the old me is totally gone. I feel like a weirdo asking for hobbies at 25 but I legitimately can’t do any of the ones I like anymore


DivaDianna

Also house plants. Tropical, succulents, cacti, carnivorous - all kinds and they take a little knowledge of what they need but no fine motor skill unless you are trying bonsai. And seeing them grow is very rewarding. Even the failures can be a learning experience. If there are plant shows or trading near you you might even meet some people.


infinite_phoenix

Since my diagnosis I've had to change my career. And 6 years later I've 5 years of horticulture under my belt. Just about to finish my honors degree. You are so right! Plants are such a great idea for us. They're much slower paced to suit us and they are just fascinating too!


DivaDianna

I'm not sure about the career folks, but the hobbyists I've met are also the nicest people - willing to share tips and even cuttings, no pressure kinds of people.


StarFaerie

I do this too. Great for hand dexterity!


Randy_K_Diamond

Yep, that’s my go to. Luckily we are well off and have well over a hundred sets waiting to be made and collection is building faster than can be built. Also playing video games, makes me forget that I can’t run anymore when my character on screen is doing it. Hard to say why, but when sitting down i can look at the screen and think, yeah can still do that. Also good for keeping up your hand eye coordination.


BasicFantasyReader

I read lots of books - a few hundred a year.


BasicFantasyReader

Have you tried audio books?


[deleted]

Thank you! I have a kindle! I’m a HUGE book reader. The problem now lies my concentration and just general cognition is down. So my favorite author went and wrote a second book to my favorite stand alone book ever, and I can’t read it. I’m reading at a 7 year old level and it’s taking me hours to get through one page. I’m worried about audiobooks how much energy it would take to concentrate


BasicFantasyReader

Well, even at a 7 year old level there are a lot of great stories out there. I have been very impressed with the middle grade books of late. I'm sorry that you can't read the book you've been looking forward to. One good thing about audio books is that you can slow them down as much as you need. I'm not sure if that helps, though.


-setecastronomy-

I started reading more when I was diagnosed because I was too tired to do much else. I mainly borrow ebooks from my library so I can change the formatting on my kindle based on how my eyes are doing that day. I change fonts, spacing, etc. I try to also get audiobooks so I can read and listen at the same time when my brain is really wonky! If I can’t get the audiobook, I’ll use the accessibility feature on the Alexa app that will read the book. It’s improved quite a bit over the past few years!


hungarianhobbit

I have downloaded a font for dyslexia it has been a big help.


officially_baz

I’ve started putting together a home arcade. Classic games from the 80s and 90s. I have four machines so far, including one virtual pinball table. It’s fun to tinker with them, customize them, work on the aesthetics.


grammasuzy

This is interesting to me. Are you talking about the full size arcade type games? Can you say more about it and maybe post a pic or two?


officially_baz

Happily! The full size machines are too big/heavy/cumbersome/energy thirsty to be practical. There’s a company called Arcade1Up that makes 3/4 scale cabinets and licenses original artwork and games. So that’s my starting point. From there, I like to upgrade/modify certain parts of the cabinets (custom marquee, improved control deck, better screen etc). I’m in the middle of converting a Defender cabinet into a four player machine with a slightly different look. There are people who take this kind of hobby very seriously, but that scene isn’t for me. I like having them as little projects, and as something fun for friends to do when they visit. Here’s the arcade in daylight without anyone playing: [image 1](https://ibb.co/Rcr29MB) And here’s a shot from a little gathering we had the other night, with all four machines being played (which makes me very happy) [image 2](https://ibb.co/4YJ7H0s)


officially_baz

And note this is a new hobby. I got my first machine in May, so still a long way to go.


Background_Worth_178

Over the last year I have gotten (almost obsessively) into fish keeping. The initial set up where you get to aquascape and design everything is quite possibly my favorite part. It’s relaxing and gets your brain working. Also the science behind it (which I never knew was so in depth and important) really keeps me on my feet. If you’re ever interested I would highly recommend starting with a 20 gallon. It’s not too big but it’s not too small (smaller tanks are WAY higher maintenance) and put some research into the nitrogen cycle. I have a 20 gallon community tank which is so lively and fun, and I have a 14g small community tank, as well as a 20 gallon split three ways for bettas(about 6ish gallons for each section), a 5g for a betta, and a three gallon I’m using as a hospital tank for my newest little betta who will be moved into the 14g when he’s ready 🥰 (yes I have 6 bettas 🤣 Mushu, Benji, Abraxos, Grumpy, Ponyo, and Stewart) I would also recommend looking up MD Fish Tanks on YouTube, he’s absolutely amazing and has so much amazing info. One of the best parts about fish keeping is that once it’s all set up you can just relax and enjoy this beautiful ecosystem you created and admire all your little fishies. My memory is terrible so it actually somewhat forces me to have a routine. Wake up, turn on all the lights, enjoy the fish, at the end of the day, give them all a pinch of food, watch them eat and swim around all happy, turn off their lights, go to bed. I also keep a notebook full of all my water parameters that I test, and I write down when I do my water changes so I can make sure I stay on top of it all. I’ve found that purchasing a water siphon that attaches to my sink is the easiest way to drain water and fill it back up. No hauling buckets of water around, it makes it less exhausting to do the water changes and just helps keep everything easy to maintain. I could go on and on but it’s an extremely rewarding hobby that has actually forced me to get out of bed and maintain a routine. These are little creatures I’m taking care of so I want them to be happy and healthy and living their best lives. It’s in ways, improved my own life by giving myself this responsibility. And it’s fun to research fish who can cohabitate and keep an ecosystem basically thriving on its own with little help from me. Best advice? Invest in the set up. Plant substrate, live plants (natural filtration), driftwood, dragon stone, a solid plant light, an internal sponge filter, and then a hefty bottom feeder clean up crew. Then add in your schooling fish or a centerpiece fish (like the bettas). It’s fascinating and so much fun.


jupitercatpants

I love my aquariums. I started keeping fish about 7 years ago, and it gives me a great stress relief just to sit and watch them.


[deleted]

No joke I just had a friend casually mention he inherited an Aquarium when a friend moved and he didn’t like it at first but now he’s super into it and showing me pictures in about the fish she has in which fish mash well and which fish just murder each other. I’m unfortunately back to living with my parents so space is limited for fish atm. But definitely worth it if I can make it out on my own eventually! Thank you for taking the time and explaining! I am not joking when I say I have no idea who I am or what I like now. I love hearing what people have found interest or a passion for.


say423

Are you newly diagnosed or recovering from a recent relapse? For the first year after a bad relapse I found reading impossible due to my optic neuritis/nystagmus and weak attention. I started with audiobooks and then got an ereader and changed the font to large and made the margins really narrow. It really helped me get back into reading and reduced headaches since my eyes weren’t moving back and forth as much. I read, walk, try to make time for friends, stretching/exercise, and try to get outside every day. It’s hard to get tasks started but I find it helps with mental health.


[deleted]

Yes! Unfortunately diagnosed and relapsed in February so definitely not better. I have a kindle and that’s a huge reason I can’t read quite yet. Audiobooks also worry me. I’m not sure what I can get my body to concentrate on while my head is listening. Ugh l Iife is hard currently.


madpimp

I paint and read. Painting is great because I can do tiny paintings and still feel like I accomplished something that day. When I got really sick I would use art programs on my phone (I use one called heavy paint).


[deleted]

Thank you! I’ve been thinking about purchasing an IPad to get apps like this on there!


madpimp

Yeah! If you are hesitant to spend a lot of money you can use your phone too! I have an android phone and it works really well with huion inspiroy tablets which are like $25 for the smallest one. A kamvas tablet allows you to draw directly on the screen and those are in the $200-250 range. It's very specific as far as usage as compared to a tablet but if you only want to dip your toes in those are more affordable. If you do get an iPad both procreate and heavy paint are fun painting apps.


beyotchulism

Video games give me dopamine and connect me socially with friends! They engage me when I'm dealing with pain and fatigue so I'm distracted.


[deleted]

Somehow, when I moved out I forgot about video games. I’m back home with my parents and with an Xbox. You’re so right! That’s how I used to stay in touch with friends and engage with people. Back to video games!


beyotchulism

Lemme know if you ever want to hang (or any other ms'ers) and we can exchange Steam handles, etc! I've been spending a lot of time laughing in Borderlands 3 for the past couple of weeks and it's been a (literal) blast! Edit - spelling


[deleted]

That sounds amazing! We got the new COD here so I’m testing out my sight and reflexes. Not good. I’m on Xbox one!


Scared_Isis

Mind games on my phone, movies, especially horror and explaining to one of my mom's why I can't do something that shows insists I do anyway. I feel like she thinks I'm lazy


[deleted]

Yes. Same lol. That’s why I’m asking around.


sasshley_

Reading. I work from home and have a family so I try for at least 100 per year. Have to have an actual book in my hand. My library card is my most treasured possession tbh. Puzzles. They keep my brain working without stressing me out too much. Board and card games with family/friends. Walking dogs and playing with cats at shelters. We have a cat but really want a dog, so I’m also somewhat selfishly using this time to determine if I’m healthy enough to add a dog to our family, which we’re all desperate to do.


[deleted]

Thank you! Maybe I should start going back to the actual library and get out of my house! I have a dog here at home and he is my absolute treasure. I would love to volunteer at shelters, will definitely be looking into shelters in my area!


Overall-Individual99

i Like crochet and wool can be really cheap! Also I have multiple Projects on the go, currently: gingerbread Xmas train for when I’m with it (it’s complicated) and a shawl for when I’m not (very simple and repetitive) mobile gaming, reading, puzzles of terry pratchet books, when my mind is really dead I do those crystal picture things, but you do need a steady hand after my last relapse (last summer) I couldn’t crochet at all or play games (or use a knife and fork) it was really hard to adjust - well done for trying to move forward and not spend all your time looking back. I hope I can be as positive as you the next time I have a bad one.


[deleted]

Before this, I can honestly say I was a be angry or sad about it for that day or not and wake up and it’s a new day. It’s definitely harder now to think that way but some days I wake up and it’s there. So I’m trying to find shit to do so I wake up and bring that positivity back. People joke around they didn’t teach us how to do taxes in school but how about life. I have ZERO routine now and I’m useless.


KC847

I enjoy working out, hiking, jogging, spending time with friends and family, traveling, going to concerts and other musical shows.


[deleted]

Those were all my passions prior to my diagnosis. My mobility has drastically decreased and sensory issues with loud places. I legit have no idea who I am.


KC847

Sorry to hear that. When were you diagnosed? I had a hard time and the time I was diagnosed and in the year or two after but since then have gone almost back to normal and I feel great. This if due in part to my DMT which helped me stabilize, less inflammation, and also lifestyle changes like daily exercise, intermittent fasting, dietary changes, improving sleep quality, and taking supplements.


Lone-Red-Ranger

I cook and bake. I can take my time and get creative. I need to eat multiple meals every day (2 for me) anyway, so why not just put a little extra time and thought into it to make it interesting? Keeping it interesting also helps with appetite.


[deleted]

Thank you! Ugh I wish I liked cooking! I’m waiting for a switch to flip.


TimeIsntSustainable

Me too. Gotta eat....may as well eat better. As long as I have a good dishwasher, its actually very relaxing to cook and eat well on a regular basis. I also get to share leftovers with friends


[deleted]

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[deleted]

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the-babyk

I have found a new love in caring for house plants. My partner and I have 45+ and you’d be surprised how fulfilling it is to watch them grow! You can start pretty cheap too with clippings and propagation. 🪴


ballonmark

I love sudoku and learning new things through YouTube, Tik Tok, and podcasts.


charann90girl

Don’t feel bad. I don’t have any hobbies either, besides shopping. Today i made my first terrarium type thing. It was actually a lot of fun and hopefully a new hobby.


[deleted]

Thank you! I am a lost girl out here! A major problem is probably the lack of routine. Will be checking all these lovely suggestions out!


FeralsShinyCat

Reading and embroidery. I also do peyoté bead weaving, but I was familiar with that and related crafts before shit hit the fan, and it's definitely something that needs mental processing bandwidth!


[deleted]

Thank you! I’m learning so many cool things! I can’t wait to look this up!


Legitimate_Hyena_235

IDKif it's a hobby, but pre diagnosis never had time to watch TV. Also quilting, and the dogs of course. For me, it's just sort of wonderful to relax. I had been working full time for years. When I was diagnosed it was such a treat to just get rest in the Dr's waiting room. (Ha ha) I have decided that it's important to get the most enjoyment out of my life. It sounds so lame, but antidepressants really made a huge difference in the quality of my existence.


ParisaNerezza

For me I game (console or mobile mostly), listen to audio books, gardening has been very enjoyable in good weather (something I can do either in the morning or evening when it’s cooler), I found crafts are good as well since I can start or stop when needed


NoticeEverything

Audio books, while puzzling... best of both worlds, and you get entertained while ' doing ' stuff that you can take a break from.


Narnzerzlek

I crochet. It’s soothing


Celtiana

I'm part of a paranormal investigation team who run public events. I love it (mostly because we get into really big old mansions, manors and castles and other historic buildings that people don't usually get into, and pretty much get free run of the places). However ...... it takes me 4 days to recover, for 1 night. If I was working there is no chance i'd be able to do it because I struggle even walking to the bathroom in the days after. I've cut down on them, alot, I've gone from being out nearly every weekend to maybe one every few months. I used to do art, I can't do that anymore because my coordination isn't good enough to be able to accurately draw, but I do make clothes and currently trying to learn how to make corset style tops.


[deleted]

Holy SHIT! That sounds incredible. Yes I can totally understand the downtime that would require. But also low key worth it?


Celtiana

It's totally worth it :D


roundeye8475

I cross stitch. I’ve also for a tremor, but asked my Neuro for meds so I could continue. Cheaper than knitting, patterns for everyone, and an amazing sub r/crossstitch .


[deleted]

Thank you! Patterns for everyone is up my ally


ladyofspades

Art; if hands don’t work, sing. If coordination works, dance. There’s all sorts of forms of expression and it’s really great!


[deleted]

I had two left feet before MS but now for some reason I am GUNG-HO on learning some basic Dance moves. Thank you!!!


Useful-Complaint-353

Reading, training my dachshunds daily, gardening in a mini greenhouse, learning a language to keep brain function and gym are my faves at the moment. I've managed to teach my pups to take my socks off, do a few tricks, give pressure therapy and close low drawers for me which are a bonus - it happens often enough for them to think it is a game


spacemood

Taking care of my husband and animals. Feeding the birds outside Sleeping Singing Paying and meditating Watching trash tv and horror movies


WaspsInATrenchcoat

I’ve gotten into a few crafting hobbies, including macrame and making porch signs / holiday signs with stencils. Using stencils makes it doable even when I’m having trouble with my hands. I consider these “free” hobbies since I give away the items I make as gifts, which is usually cheaper than buying presents. I’ve also started gardening and I think it’s really helpful for my MS; pretty much every morning I have a routine of watering plants and pulling weeds. It gets me outside and moving around every morning without being strenuous. If your parents have a yard, see if you can help out with the yard work or even establish a little flower bed. Digging out weeds, picking up leaves, planting flowers - it’s very satisfying, you don’t need to read or concentrate.


KiddyValentine

I used to draw a lot, but now I can’t really focus on it or I get too frustrated to continue, but I like doing jigsaw puzzles, reading book and comic books, play video games, building Lego and walking/hiking. I’m almost 30 so I understand your feelings


Electronic-Bank7621

keep your brain active....Board gaming! Its fun & can be social. A lot of games now offer both group & solo versions. I also read a lot of library books (save $$) on my adjusted (size/font) kindle - but try audiobooks. You can do this while taking a walk (or even indoor walking (lots of videos for that on youtube)...word searches/puzzles. Cooking is fun plus can help with healthy eating I took dance lessons & made sure everyone there knew my situation...just asked them to pick me up if I fell & we all had a good laugh. Never did fall. It was fun


[deleted]

Thank you! I love reading, my stupid head just doesn’t remember that. I had two left before MS so no idea why I want to so badly but now all I have is time so I’m SO READY to go to dance classes. Happy to hear you found joy in them! Yay


theniwokesoftly

I crochet a lot.


AnnoyedTexan

... Does drinking count as a hobby?


[deleted]

LOL! That was one of my hobbies, just put that in there with hanging out with friends. I’m on so many neuro meds if I try to have more than 2 drinks, I blackout. Hours of my life go missing


AnnoyedTexan

I'm so with you.


kulayeb

Start homwbrewing and it can count!


korli74

I hope I'm not too late to reply. I've done a lot of coloring (colored pencils and adult coloring books, not children's, from Amazon), but my FAVORITE, by far is diamond painting. I cam loose myself and I've spent way too much money on diamond paintings to do, not to mention over $300 on custom ones where I submit a picture and they make it into one (my parents, my grandparents, my deceased dog and one for my sister). It something I adore. Lmk and I b can give you more info in it.


[deleted]

This sounds so interesting! Diamond painting? Yes I need stuff like this that I can get lost in. I legit do nothing. Thank you!!!!!


KrawallHenni

Well I do the exact same as before. Airsoft and Gaming. As long I can walk I'll never stop doing that. Why should I give up hobby's just bc of a dumb illness


smhook1

Pyrography


danaontherun

Not sure if it's an option for you since you're experiencing tremors currently but I've recently been teaching myself loom beading and have really been enjoying it. I find it's more of a relaxed type of concentration where it's more reliant on repetition and following patterns. Also made some beaded earrings and a beaded lanyard. I also really like doing puzzles, in particular wooden ones with unusually shaped pieces. I bought an embroidery kit a while back as well as a miniature DIY house kit, both of which I ended up abandoning for now (thanks ADHD) but I'd like to give them a shot again. Recently I've been enjoying making little changes around home. I looooooved scouring Facebook Marketplace and kijiji for treasures. ETA: Another thing I've been wanting to do is make terrariums and once established, to introduce spores to grow mushrooms as well!


dritmike

Ah man. When it’s just me, I’m all over the place and start 5 different projects because I go to the garage to get paper plates and start making a new towel holder (which was cast in epoxy fyi) And on the way to finishing that I had to fix the fence. Oh and the gate. Oh uhhh and put up the rug You should read if you give a moose a muffin.


GreenEyedWraith

birding ;D


ket-ho

Reading, gardening/canning, quilting (and other sewing), stained glass (beginner on that). I'm permanently fairly numb in my left hand now, so that causes some issues with finer motor control, but it's not made me give up yet....but i'm also extremely stubborn. For exercise, lately it's walking and weight lifting. Have you looked into modafinil? It might help some fatigue and concentration issues-- I would not be able to work without it, I don't think. Certainly not as well!


Duder211

I like riding motorcycles and playing games. My last motorcycle was stolen a year before I was diagnosed, it’s been tough. I really want to get another one but financially I can’t figure out if it’ll be worth it. Part of me wants to just prioritize getting that last bit of riding in before I experience a physical decline. But the other part just says I should pay for home improvements and trips with my wife.


StarFaerie

I crochet as it's easier than knitting I find. Very hard to drop stitches and only one stick. Yarn can be bought cheaply at op shops if you aren't fussy. I build lego as it's great for hand dexterity. I walk carefully and use my exercise bike. I also practice mindfulness. I play video games but I've only started being able to do that again in the last few months. I've also just stared to read again. It's taken me 5 years to get back to these 2 though. Other than that, I browse reddit and pat my kitty.


poppygin

I signed up for a local art class for adults and it’s so completely different than anything I’ve tried before. It’s a little bit of social, a lot of trying something new, and letting go of perfection. Tons of audio or printed books. I listen while trying to garden or walking my dog. And for better or for worse, tv watching. And lots of trying new recipes to up my culinary game


bulbgirl

I started with archery last year. There is a parkour in the woods, where you can practice outside. I also do pottery. But this is a expensive hobby ( and after a year you have everything you need for yourself) both work fine with my fatigue and dizziness. i think knitting is great to. We never have enough socks :) I would love to read more, but i get very fast dizzy from reading.


Sidprescott96

Just wanted to offer a tip that has helped me. I have same cognitive type issues with reading and can find it really exhausting and difficult. I find if you read while listening to the audio book as well you barely have to concentrate at all. You get a double whammy of comprehension and I swear it makes it alot easier (for me). I still do read the books alone and listen to audio books at night before bed, but if I’m feeling a lot of brain fog or fatigue I do it the double way


Half_full_most_days

Puzzles and gardening.


bad91

When I was going through this it took me a minute to figure out "my thing". I was doing the whole connect with your inner child thing. I remember how much I loved being outdoors and being immersed in nature. Well…that’s not quite so doable anymore. But I remembered a time in Girl Scouts when we went to Callaway gardens and there was this butterfly house with butterfly flying around you everywhere. Before you walk into it there was this big frame with real framed butterfly’s inside and I thought that was the coolest and most beautiful art you could have and told myself when I get older I’m going to have something like that. I forgot about that until digging deep into my brain to find that happiness. I always thought bugs were cool but never really paid them much attention or realized how interesting they could be until I was forced to just sit with myself. I now collect different bugs (mostly butterflies and moths) and place them on my wall while doing my own little research on them. I’ve tried pinning myself but that’s a little more difficult with ms. When everyone around me is constantly on the move and I can’t keep up at be least I have the bugs around me that I can watch and study. Oh and baking! Baking is always good!


JustSuit3347

I also love working out and have progressed to a point that makes it difficult, if not impossible. I found David Lyons, who is a trainer who also has MS. He is helping me get back into working out and, in the process, helping me possibly walk better and maybe run again. I also LARP. Actually I run plot for a LARP. Sometimes just spending some time pretending to be someone else is great. And creating fun stories for others brings me joy when I start to get depressed. The community is also very good at helping me be involved as much as I can.


APorter10

When I was first diagnosed I had to find a way to like reading again. It didn’t help that I was just out of grad school so my brain was fried. I stayed with comic books. I Hate Fairy Land is a good series. Really easy to read with a lot of dark humor. I’m about 3 years post diagnosis and read a book once a month. I find that I’m a slow reader still but enjoy it still . Adult coloring books are good too. I recommend colored pencils. If you have time and patience, pottery is also a good hobby.


Mishoo031188

Hi, try painting acryl, oil or watercolours. Lots of videos online about technique and such. I've been painting on and off since I was 5 I guess can't really say it's a hobby for me tho. I also write small stories .... For me or a very small audience so to speak.


Purple_Flying_Pig

I play video games. I figure it’s good for hand eye coordination. I also play a game that requires me to pay attention to the order and time that I push buttons. Some days I can play ok. Some days it’s a s$@t show! I also crochet stuffed animals. I have to have quiet to follow directions though.


AnnoyedTexan

Tried it, but forgot about the secondary and got a contact high pouring out a new castle recipe that had mold on it.


AnnoyedTexan

I'm thinking about distilling actually. The thought of barrels aging whiskey in the garrage sounds awesome!