I don't have many hobbies or interests. Is this normal?

@BnBSpringer09 Yeah, those kinds of circumstances would definitely zap your interests away. But kudos to you for being a good friend. It's rare. I'm used to people running away when I'm feeling low.

An important thing to know is that you can sort of hijack your brain's neurochemistry to get out of this rut you're in. Motivation comes from dopamine. It's the expectation of a reward that makes you get excited and put in the effort to take a challenge on. Being depressed or socially isolated interferes with your production of dopamine and thus makes you lose interest and motivation.

Finding ways to challenge yourself can create this dopamine release and give you the energy to keep on trying. Most people do it through exercise, as I'm sure you've heard of the 'runner's high'. Another way is by doing something you're not used to or that's very involved. Like cooking a complicated dish or starting to write about a topic. The more you push yourself, the more your brain pumps out little neurochemicals to keep you going. It's less about getting to the finish line and more about getting to the next step. All the same, the little steps add up toward the end product.

This boost in motivation takes a while to completely die out, which is why people can feel like they're on a roll when things are going their way. It has a compounding effect.

I'm sure you've seen something on TV or talked about something with your friend that you'd like to try at some point. Maybe if something is doable or within reason, you might be able to motivate and push each other towards trying it and possibly gaining an interest or hobby in the process. I didn't start painting until last year, and now I can't wait to put my next idea onto a canvas, even though my skills are pretty subpar

@TinyViolins Thank you so much! That sounds like great advice, and I've talked to my friend about getting out and trying some new things. On the occasion we do it, we always have fun, so I think we will make some plans! We were thinking about going to the pool tomorrow, which we've been talking about wanting to do for over a month but haven't been able to do yet!

@BnBSpringer09 Sounds like a great idea to me. You might have to nudge your friend a little, but once the ball gets rolling it'll be easier to commit to something

@Stereoguy I'm sorry to hear about your wife's health problems. :( I am glad you still have things like Bible Study and going out for breakfast and lunch though, those sound enjoyable! I'm thinking of getting involved in a church around here, myself.