In today’s digital age, getting stuck in an unhealthy cycle of spending too much time on our phones and devices can be easy.
Although phone use has become an integral part of our lives, it’s important to remember that too much time spent with screens can have a negative impact on your mental health.
It also takes away from the valuable time you could spend doing more meaningful activities that can help boost your health and well-being.
Here are ten activities you can do instead of spending hours on your phone:
Creative Hobbies
Artistic hobbies and other creative activities can allow us to express ourselves in unique and meaningful ways. These hobbies can also reduce stress, boost self-confidence, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Whether it’s painting, photography, playing music, gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, or any other creative activity, these hobbies can provide a better way for you to connect to yourself and the world around you.
See a Live Show
Instead of watching videos or looking at photos on your phone, take the time to experience something in person. See a concert, play, festival, or other live events in your area.
Live experiences provide us with an opportunity to engage with the world differently and make memories that can last a lifetime. They can also be a great way to meet new people and explore new places.
Exercise
Exercising is an excellent way to boost your mood and get healthy. Sitting down all day for long periods can have a terrible impact on your physical and mental health.
Health guidelines generally recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That works out to about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Even more is usually even better.
Any kind of movement can be beneficial, whether it’s jogging, biking, swimming, weight lifting, yoga, or any other type of exercise that you enjoy.
Walking
If you don’t feel like engaging in a sweaty exercise, going for a walk can still be an excellent way to get moving and reduce stress.
Instead of thinking of it as a workout, you can treat it as an opportunity to explore and appreciate the world around you. It’s a time for you to slow down and take a closer look at your neighborhood, a nearby park, or anywhere else in your area.
Ground Yourself in Nature
Nature has a calming and restorative effect, so it can be beneficial to spend time outdoors. While a hike through a wooded area can provide enough scenery to take your breath away, even just sitting in a nearby park can be beneficial.
Observe the sights and sounds of all the plants, trees, birds, and other animals around you. This can help to restore your sense of calm and provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
In-Depth and Long-Form Reading
Instead of surfing bits of social media, find something that you can really dig into for an extended period. Find an author, book, or subject matter that you can immerse yourself in for a while.
It can be something educational, such as a non-fiction book on history, philosophy, or science. Or it can be something lighter and more entertaining, such as a novel.
Getting lost in a book can be much more fulfilling than quickly scrolling and jumping from one piece of content to the next.
Journaling
Writing in a journal can help you to understand your thoughts and feelings better. Keeping a journal can also help to make sense of the events that unfold in your life and provide an outlet for reflection.
There are no rules. You can write about anything—your hopes and dreams, your worries, the things that make you happy, or even just random observations. It is your journal; you can use it however you’d like.
Share Experiences With Friends
Phones and social media are often used as a way to connect with friends and family from afar, but nothing beats being in the same room with them.
Whether it’s a quiet brunch, an outdoor adventure, or a movie night, find ways to spend quality time with the people you care about in person. Sharing experiences with others and creating memories together can be a great way to make new connections, deepen relationships, and fill your day with laughter and joy.
Acts of Service
Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help someone else. Performing acts of service, such as volunteering in your local community or helping a friend out with a project, can provide purpose and joy to your life. There are always ways that you can provide help, even if you don’t think you have much to offer.
These kinds of activities can help to expand your perspective, allow you to make a meaningful contribution, and build meaningful relationships with others.
Mindfulness
Put your phone down and just be present in this moment.
Take a few deep breaths.
Focus on the thoughts, feelings, and sensations that are present in this moment. What sounds do you hear? What does your body feel like in this moment? What emotions are passing through you now?
Don’t try to make them go away or over-analyze them. Just observe them and their presence in your life right now.
Mindfulness like this can help to provide a sense of peace and clarity. It is an opportunity to take stock of the present, appreciate what you have, and permit yourself to let go of any worries or anxieties that may be holding you back.