These days it’s so easy to feel like our phones and TVs are our only source of entertainment. If you’re feeling a little too attached to screens or social media, let me offer up some options instead:
Get Active:
You can grab a friend or take time to yourself. There are so many way getting active can be fulfilling. You can take your time to think about life or take this time to socialize. Whether exercise to you looks like a new workout class, a walk outside, trying a new sport or something in between–just make it enjoyable!
Puzzle/Board Game/Card Game/Crossword:
Any of these are good ideas, some of them you may need another party to participate but it’s a great option to get the cogs turning in your brain!
Catch up with friends and family:
This can be as minimal as calling up but you can also go so far as to get out of the house. You could try going to a restaurant or bar with friends/family, going on a picnic, inviting them over for a glass of wine, or combine another fun activity with catching up!
Go to a museum:
Museums can be very liberating. They can spark inspiration or teach you something about history. Regardless, it’s a great way to get out of your head and off your phone!
Create:
Draw, paint, color, make jewelry
Plan your future:
If you’re sitting on your phone thinking ‘why am I wasting away my life on my phone?’ Firstly, you’re not the only one. Secondly, put the phone down and start dreaming! It’s time to think about what you would rather be doing instead. It’s so easy to feel like you’re experiencing the things other people are doing on social media. What are you seeing that makes you jealous? Jealousy can be a great indicator to lead you to what you desire. Take that desire and think about what you can do with your free time to get you there!
Create new goals for yourself:
This is the necessary step to planning your future, starting a new habit, or just changing your lifestyle. Creating goals for yourself is beneficial in so many ways. It helps you track your progress, helps you reward yourself and feel accomplished, helps you look forward to things. If you feel like you’re in a rut, doing the same old thing on technology, creating a goal (and tracking your progress along the way) is a great option for you!
Journal:
Journaling is a great practice. It gives you the opportunity to be reflective, mindful, and in the moment. It can really help release built up emotions and trauma, or serve as a way to find gratitude in your daily life. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, but if you need some guidance, feel free to ask me!
Spa day:
You could treat yourself to a luxurious massage or facial, but a spa day doesn’t always have to be expensive! If you’re trying to be money conscious, you could do an epsom salt bath, pedicure, or face mask at home. You could also treat yourself to a massage gun or neck massager!
Bake or Cook something new:
This is a great way to try some new dishes! Baking/cooking can spark your creativity, while also getting to try something (hopefully) delicious! If you think you’re not a good cook, don’t overwhelm yourself–start small and work your way up to the harder stuff.
Farmers Market:
This is a great way to spend your free time. You can bring along a friend or go alone, but you’re supporting local businesses and combining that with exercise! Plus you can find some really great deals.
Thrifting or Shopping:
This option is a fun one! Go checkout some local stores, or if you’re on a budget stop by a thrift store! Sometimes you need to treat yourself to a little something.
Read:
This is a really great option to learn and/or get out of your head. It’s a great form of entertainment that doesn’t include screen time. Reading can reduce stress and if done before bed it can improve your sleep.
Hopefully one or more of these options suits your fancy. While it’s okay to occasionally allow yourself to indulge in electronics, we can all get carried away sometimes. It’s good to spice things up in life as there is a big world out there!!