Hi Chevrah,

After a solid clean streak this week, I’m finding myself getting pretty bored.

My mind keeps going blank, and I’m stressing out just trying to constantly steer my thoughts away from inappropriate places.

I’m looking for hobby ideas—something healthy, exciting, and engaging that can really serve as an outlet when the urge hits. Not just a quick distraction, but something that actually channels the energy and keeps me busy.

Here’s what I’ve already tried:

Instruments – didn’t click

Exercise – not my thing

Art/graffiti – short-lived

Hiking – really helped, but not always accessible

Still looking for something that’ll stick and really keep me grounded.

If anyone here found a hobby that helped them stay busy and clean, I’d really appreciate you sharing it.

Your idea might be the key to my next step in recovery.

Thanks in advance and wishing everyone continued strength!

Hey Ari,

Are there any topics, in Torah learning or otherwise, that you feel you might want to put kochos towards? Perhaps a side profession of interest, or attachment to a chessed organization?

What are your skills and what past experiences might you be able to recall that gave you that taste of true, satisfying living?

For me, there are two separate categories. One is the day-to-day lifestyle choices and schedule that keeps me feeling healthy about life overall. The second is more of the reactionary in-the-moment need for a temporary distraction. I need both, but the day-to-day if by far the more powerful force in keeping me feeling good. The distraction, if overused, either stops working or become a different way to numb my emotions and escape instead of processing them.

You mentioned Mario, so maybe you like vidoe games. I do, and I use them sparingly when I really need a break. But in general, the energy I put into my family, my GYE family, and my learning sedarim - including relationships with my Rabbeim is what keeps me feeling good so that I don't feel so often that I need distractions.

Kol Tov

I sometimes listen to a good Shiur, or some politics on Kol Mevaser

writing is an incredible tool.

I would love a partner to work out and lift weights 

1. Interesting appropriate books allow me to really disconnect

2. Exercise...while listening to Rabbi Orlofsky show or an interesting podcast



A couple people where I live are into woodworking