In this digital-obsessed world we live in, most forms of entertainment involve staring at a screen. As a result, most of us spend a huge amount of time on our phones and gadgets. In fact, studies have shown that we spend around a third of our day on our phones. I think you’ll agree – that’s way too much time being wasted! Believe it or not, before there were gadgets people still found plenty of things to do. In today’s post, I’m sharing 20 fun things to do instead of looking at your phone and why non-tech related hobbies are so important.
Why Technology-Free Hobbies Are Important
It’s very beneficial to our health and happiness to have some time away from screens. I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear that technology makes us feel more stressed. Our smartphones make us reachable by anyone 24/7, so unless you turn off your phone you may feel expected to answer anyone who calls.
There’s also the issue of social media. Many of us enjoy browsing social media sites in our spare time (I don’t need to tell you how addictive Instagram can be!). Although there are positives to social media, such as the fact that you can connect with like-minded individuals and keep in touch with old friends, there are also negatives to it. It’s way too easy to compare your life to others on these sites. Because of the need for more likes, followers and re-tweets etc, countless studies have linked social media use to depression and anxiety.
Physical health-wise, experts advise that prolonged screen usage can be seriously detrimental to eye health. Furthermore, spending too much time looking at your phone is bad for your back and neck. As we tilt our head down to look at our phone, it increases the pressure we put on our spine, which has been shown to increase upper back and neck pain.
So the next time you reach for your phone in boredom, why not try one of these activities instead? –
20 Fun Things to Do Instead of Looking at Your Phone
1. Read a book
2. Write in Your Journal
3. Draw or Paint Something
4. Go for a Walk Outside
5. Do Some Exercise
6. Learn a Foreign Language
7. Pick Up an Instrument
8. Try a New Recipe
9. Make a Scrapbook
10. Solve Crosswords and Wordsearches
11. Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle
12. Play a Board Game
13. Take up Sewing, Crocheting or Knitting
14. Start Gardening
15. Visit a Museum in Your Town
16. Write a Letter to Someone
17. Complete a DIY Project
18. Catch up with Family and Friends
19. Volunteer In Your Community
20. Take Some Time to Reflect
I already enjoy a few things on this list, but I am definitely planning on trying some more in my spare time! I hope you found something on this list that interests you too. What are some non-tech related hobbies that you enjoy doing?
I love museums! Something about their atmosphere is so relaxing, It’s peaceful and quiet and it always feels like a world of their own.
I also love the atmosphere of museums and it’s always great to learn something new.
Haha the irony that I’m commenting from my phone! I love to be crafty and often spend time crocheting to get away from my phone.
Sounds great! I’m planning on learning to crochet soon.
These are some brilliant ideas. I often find myself picking up my phone when I really could be doing something else.
Thanks! Yes — it’s very tempting to browse the internet/social media when bored.
I would absolutely love to learn another language. I think i’d probably choose French.
It’s a great skill to have! I know a little French, and would love to learn more.
I love solving crosswords and wordsearches – but I am very guilty of often looking at my phone!
Crosswords/wordsearches are really good for keeping your brain active!
I have just got back into reading and am loving relaxing with a good book
That’s great! I also find reading very relaxing.
Technology free time is super important. your list has some great ideas which are much better than tech time xx
Thank you! Yes, it’s good for us all to get away from screens regularly x
Tech-free time is a must! It’s the simple pleasures like reading a book which are so undervalued.
So true! I completely agree x