Remember the times when we could actually have fun outside??
Nowadays, we spend wayy too much time on our screens.
Like wayyyy too much.
There are literally a million things you could and should be doing instead of scrolling on your phone all day.
So here are some simple yet productive activities you can do to reclaim your time instead of doom scrolling on your phone all day. Your mental health and overall well being will thank you.
15 Screen-Free Activities to Get Back to The Real World
1. Crossword
I’ve really enjoyed getting back into crosswords lately. They’re so fun to do and have great cognitive and mood boosting benefits.
2. Bake something!
It’s always a good time to bake a nice treat! Put on your apron, get in the kitchen and whip up something yummy! You can also experiment with some new recipes. If you need some inspiration, check out some delicious dessert recipe ideas you can try right here.
3. Take a walk
Put your phone down, go outside and get your steps in.
Walking is a simple yet effective way to get your heart rate up and move your body. So you kill 2 birds with one stone: stepping away from the digital world AND making progress on your fitness goals.
4. Journal
Some time away from your phone is the perfect time for some self-reflection.
So grab your journal and just write your heart out.
Literally.
Write whatever comes up. Worries, fears, dreams, exciting things that are coming up.
You will feel so much calmer and more focused after!
Here are some tips to help you journal effectively if you don’t have much experience with it.
5. Clean/rearrange your room
If you’re a teeny bit disorganized like me (I’ll be honest here!), I’m sure you probably have some cleaning or re-organizing to do in your room.
If your room is already in perfect shape, why not experiment and do some redecorating. You can read more on how to spruce up your bedroom and make it your cozy sanctuary in this article.
6. Do some laundry–don’t let it pile up!
No you can’t put it off till “tomorrow”.
Start that pile of laundry now and just GET IT OVER WITH!
7. Read a book
I will always advocate for the awesome benefits of reading!!
It’s literally one of my absolute favorite things to do in this world!
If you’re a big reader like me, pick up your fav book and lose yourself in it for a while.
8. Do a fun workout
Be productive and start making progress on those fitness goals.
Even better if you can stay active AND have fun at the same time? My favorite ways to do that: dance classes and at-home workouts!
9. Sit down outside and listen to nature
When was the last time you sat outside and just spent some time taking in your surroundings?
I feel like we’re losing that in this highly digitized world we live in.
So put your phone off for a while and go outside. Spend some time in the sun, listen to the birds and enjoy the stillness.
It will do you a world of good!
10. Learn something new
Use your phone break as an opportunity to learn something new or try a new hobby.
Maybe practice learning an instrument or take up a new language. I’m currently learning to speak my native language and I’m having so much fun repeating the words out loud and having slightly botched but still very funny convos with my family!
11. Plan something with friends
Instead of exchanging texts and Tik Toks with your friends, how about you guys actually connect in real life?
Plan something fun to do with your besties and create some memories. To help you decide here are some ideas for cute best friend date ideas at home or outside!
12. Do some gardening
Growing up, I was responsible for taking care of some lemongrass plants we had in our backyard.
It was a simple task but so relaxing and wholesome. Gardening is such an easy way to ground yourself and help you be more present so I’m excited to get back to it soon.
13. Create a business plan
Even if you’re not actually trying to start a business, let your imagination run wild and write down ideas for your dream business.
Don’t be too serious with this and don’t restrict yourself. The sky is the limit!
14. Do some creative writing
Use that time away from your phone to experiment with some creative writing.
Write down some lyrics for a song. Or pour your heart out in a heartfelt poem about something that’s been on your mind lately.
Again, this should be fun so don’t overthink it!
15. Whatever else you’re procrastinating on
If you’re spending a lot of time on your phone, most likely you’re avoiding doing something else.
Maybe you need to work on your resume. Or finally start writing that book you’ve been talking about for months.
Endless procrastination won’t do you any good so get started on that to-do list!
What else do you like to do on those rare days when you take a break from your phone? Feel free to share in the comments!
