If you take a look around in public you may notice that the people around you are on their phones. While there are benefits to toting around these little handheld devices- such as for looking up directions and getting in touch with a friend, there is also too much of a good thing. We previously wrote about the health benefits of doing a digital detox… and now we are giving some ideas of fun things to do while you’re off your phone! If you’re an iPhone user you probably receive a notification every week about your screen time usage. This can either be a reassuring statistic or a hard reality check. If you are trying to cut your screen time down, finding a fun activity could really help. Here are 10 Fun things you can do instead of being on your phone:
Reading
If you enjoy reading your timeline on Twitter and being able to refresh to see tweets of the latest news and drama then maybe it’s time to swap tech for a good book. When was the last time you were excited to go and browse through the pages of a new read? Reading can also benefit your health, see why here. The best part? You can lose yourself in a good story anywhere in the same way you would a phone.
Learn a New Recipe
Normally one would just Google a recipe for the evening but when was the last time you dusted off those cookbooks gifted to you by a friend, family member or that was just laying around? Brush up on your skills in the kitchen by grabbing a cookbook and learning a new dish or cooking technique during a technology-free evening. The best part? Cooking at home can be beneficial to you as well.
Reconnect with a Family Member
When was the last time you called your grandmother? Or take your sibling to have lunch and share the best part of your week? With a fast-paced lifestyle and busy work week, it can be easy to lose yourself and lose touch with family. Drive to see them, pick up lunch, and share your life with them. Don’t let your phone get in the way of quality time.
Go For a Walk
With Spring upon us, the Sun is out and ready to shine some much-needed Vitamin D on everyone in its rays. Instead of opening the blinds and just admiring from the sidelines, lace up your sneakers, put on your favorite workout gear and go for a walk. The fresh air and endorphins from moving your body will put you in a better mood than your phone ever could. (plug for walking article)
Self Care Session
When was the last time you did something nice for yourself? Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode and find what makes you happy. Whether that entails a candlelit room and a bath bomb, a trip to the grocery store in silence, or a quiet meditation session. Find ways to make meditation easier here.
Find a Free Workout Class
If you’re feeling like you’re in a workout slump and want to shake things up in your exercise routine maybe it’s time to give a trial run to something out of the ordinary. Have you wanted to try a spin class, pilates, or a high-intensity workout class? Some establishments have a free introductory class that gives you the opportunity to find a new way to move your body.
Plan a Picnic
What better way to take advantage of a beautiful day than to assemble some finger foods, a charcuterie board, and a bottle of something bubbly to watch some people at the park. This is a great way to spend some time outdoors and away from your phone.
Journaling
Sometimes we need to reflect on our daily lives and get our feelings out of our mind. Journaling can be an extremely helpful tool to channel our feelings, express gratitude, and take a step back to evaluate ourselves. This would be a wonderful way to replace some screen time and you can even read up on the benefits of journaling here.
Plan a Pool Day
Spring is here which means Summer is coming soon to bring in sunny, scorching weather for all Houstonians. Give your air conditioner some time off, break out the sunscreen and cool off at your closest pool. You can even organize for a few friends to come and join for some quality time with some of your favorite people.
Rock Climb Session
If you’re looking for something to switch up your hobbies, perhaps a session at a rock climbing gym would be the perfect addition to the mix. The best thing about a rock climbing gym is that you get a controlled environment with professionals to learn something new. Also, you’ll be too focused on your next step and hand position to worry about your phone.
