Doomscrolling, or spending an excessive amount of time on the internet scrolling through negative content is a habit that many college students have used as a replacement for hobbies.

Two of the main reasons why we’ve seen this rise in screen time can be attributed to the accessibility and low cost of internet usage.

Fortunately, there are still many low-cost resources and hobbies available to students that span several categories.

Media Consumption

While you shouldn’t limit yourself to just media consuming hobbies, they are certainly the easiest ones to pick up. 

Rather than going to the internet for book recommendations, try going to the library instead. As a St. John’s student in New York State, you have free access to the University library as well as the New York, Queens and Brooklyn Public Libraries.

Although hobbies like listening to music or podcasts typically involve a screen, the ability to turn off your phone and complete another task while listening to either type of media neutralizes the mindless and unfulfilling nature of doomscrolling.  

Studies have shown that podcast listeners often listen to podcasts while completing household and other mundane tasks, leaving them feeling productive and fulfilled. Studies have also shown that listening to music can improve cognitive functions and reduce stress levels.

When listening to music, you can always find new artists and new styles of music, learning about their history.

Depending on the genre of podcast you listen to, there is always an opportunity to learn. 

For example, “Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!” on Spotify combines the history of classic and Greek mythology with comedy. While “BBC Inside Science” discusses discoveries and controversies within the science community that have the ability to impact our world at large.

Creative

In conjunction with media consumption, there are creative hobbies as well. 

Some creative hobbies that students can participate in include yarn crafts, such as crocheting and knitting. Journaling, drawing, painting and baking are other great ways to exercise your creative side.

Physical Activities

Junior Emily Llivicura  likes to be active in her free time, “I enjoy going on hikes, swimming in the summertime, biking, running, going to the gym on campus and playing badminton.” Demonstrating the many options students have to stay active.

What’s great about being on a college campus is the ability to try new activities and being able to learn from others around you.

What’s even better is that there’s no need to worry about equipment or participating in these activities solo because St. John’s has several student organizations dedicated to activities such as badminton, running and even k-pop dance.

Intellectual

While reading certainly falls into this category, there are plenty of other types of hobbies to stimulate your brain, including language learning and playing games.

From online instructional videos to textbooks to resources at your local library, in today’s world it is easier than ever to learn a new language. Living in the melting pot that is New York City, we all have the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in almost any given culture.

As for playing games, sophomore Keagan Ragoobar mentioned chess as an inexpensive hobby “…since all you need is a chess set with pieces.”

The University’s Chess Association, like many other clubs, provides these resources, meaning it’s a hobby you can try as a student without taking any major financial risks. 

Other kinds of games you can pick up as a hobby include crossword puzzles, sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.

Besides curing boredom, playing puzzles and brain teasers can help improve memory and visual-spatial reasoning.

Skills

When all else fails, learn a party trick. Besides the excitement that will ensue when performing a card trick or juggling for a crowd, learning a skill takes time and can always be further developed.

With nearly every one of these hobbies mentioned, there is always an opportunity to meet people and form a community around your interests. However, it’s not just about bonding with or impressing others. Hobbies are an investment in yourself and should be an outlet for you to express your creativity and interests while also supporting your well-being.

It is only when you stop scrolling that you can truly realize what you are capable of.