Asklemmy

Go to a pet shelter and volunteer to walk the dogs.

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

I picked up plants when I got depressed. Not only are they cool, but it is nice seeing something grow and nurtured. Plus, I learned that there isn't enough sunlight in my home which contributed to my depression.

The only thing I recommend is not to get a hard starter plant like calathea/goeppertia but like a spider plant. Really cool seeing them explode with growth!

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.

Go swimming in the sea

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

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

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.

Kernel mainlining

For me its gardening. If you don't have a an outdoor space, get yourself a couple of pots and plant some veggies and place them by the window.

If you're looking for something you can do while watching YouTube, origami. It lets you ease into a hobby, without completely taking away your vice.

Here's some i made yesterday while watching schadenfreude vids about the Netflix Cowboy Bebop disaster...

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.

@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.

Ultimate Frisbee

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.

Learn programming?

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.

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!

Dancing. There were dark times in my life where the dance practice was the highlight of the week. You get to know people too and when you choose a style of music you like it's almost impossible to feel bad. I know of people I met there who need it as well to stay positive.

Also it's physical and mental exercise in one. Perfect.

Whenever I feel this way, which is often, I tinker with my homelab or play music. Oftentimes I don't feel to motivation to, but I know once I start I'll get sucked right in.

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.

Meditation.

It's been shown to be a very effective remedy for depression. It's also a useful tool for getting in control of your mind. If you meditate regularly, you'll find more enjoyment in the things you're already doing.

Also, since it's just you and your thoughts, you may discover something you're interested in and find a hobby that way.

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.