In this age of technology explosion, the boundary between the real and virtual worlds is becoming increasingly blurred. On average, people spend 40% of their waking hours on internet-connected devices, not to mention work time in front of screens.
You know how it goes – too much screen time is not good news. Studies have been sounding the alarm on this “screen addiction” for ages now. We’re talking about disrupted sleep, eye strain, struggling to focus, stress levels through the roof, and even sliding into depression or messing up your social life.
As I shared in a previous blog post (It’s Okay to Be Afraid), I recently underwent eye surgery. After the operation, I had to limit using or doing any eye-related activities with electronic devices for a set period. And more than anyone, I understood that this was not easy at all.
During the period when I was forced to rest and recover, I began to think more seriously about how to limit my screen time.
Okay, what could I do without a phone and other electronic devices?
Believe me, it’s only when you’re really unwell that you appreciate your body. In trying out these new habits, I believe they not only need to be applied for a short period but also in the long run – as a way to protect and maintain my physical and mental health.
I know I have a long way to go when taking a technology timeout, but this period was a great way to kickstart my efforts!
In this blog post, I will suggest you ten beautiful things to do instead of reaching for your phone. It turns out that smartphones, laptops, and tablets aren’t everything. True joy can be found in the most ordinary experiences.
Table of Contents
Reading Books
Reading books is one of my favourite ways to escape reality. Opening a book is like stepping into an entirely different world, where fantastical stories and emotionally rich characters await. Reading a great book is also the quickest way to access a tremendous amount of curated knowledge and experience presented in an easy-to-understand manner. Immersing yourself in words allows you to understand yourself better, cultivate your imagination and creativity, and improve your language and communication abilities – things that mindlessly scrolling Facebook or Instagram could never provide.
Listening to Audiobooks
Since we’re discussing books, I can’t forget to mention this fantastic product of the technology age.
Many people prefer listening over reading, and you may be one of them. If you don’t enjoy reading, try experiencing audiobooks and see if you can learn something from them.
Audiobooks allow your eyes to rest and relax while also being great for reviewing knowledge and reinforcing information. Sometimes, even though I had read a book long ago, listening to the audiobook version afterwards helps me recall and even discover new things I had missed before. I’ve realised this with many books I had read in the past and then listened to later.
Listening to Podcast
The beauty of podcasts lies in their ability to transport you to different worlds, introducing diverse people and perspectives, all while you’re just sitting on the couch or commuting. Although I don’t encourage multitasking, it can sometimes be helpful and efficient. You can listen to podcasts while cleaning, folding laundry, cooking, or doing any other task that doesn’t require full focus.
Regularly listening to podcasts also helps cultivate critical thinking skills – essential not just academically but also for making clear, confident decisions in daily life. Furthermore, podcasts can be an effective means of reducing stress, calming the mind, and inspiring action, all contributing to an overall sense of happiness for the listener. Each morning, I start my day with a short podcast episode from Optimal Living Daily as a gentle reminder to begin with more inspiration. Find a few podcast channels with content that matches your interests. And trust me, you’ll gain a lot from them.
Dancing to Your Favourite Songs
Why wait? Turn up your favourite tunes and let the music move you! Dancing is for all, regardless of whether you are a young or mature person, you are a beginner or a professional. More than anything, all you need is your passion and self-expression to the world. It is a totally insane activity where you burn calories, and by doing some boogieing, you can also forget about stress at the same time.
When you groove to the beat, you’re working your whole body. Dancing boosts your heart health, strength, and flexibility. It torches those calories, too, helping you stay in great shape. Your mind, body, and spirit will all thank you for the electrifying pick-me-up!
Cooking Up Something New
Instead of ordering in again, why not become a “super chef” in your own kitchen? Explore new recipes, get creative with flavours, and cook with friends or family. Cooking brings people together over tasty food and good conversation. You will not only end up with a delicious meal but also make fun memories and bond.
For me, I find cooking really therapeutic. You know that feeling when you’re so stressed about something that you can’t even get back to living in the moment? Well, this is your antidote to that. Cooking lets you use your creativity, fully focus on the dish you’re making, and experiment with new things. It’s time to chill out and enjoy the moment.
Take a Walk and Immerse Yourself in Nature
It’s time to put your phone down and get outside for a stroll. You’ll never know how refreshing it feels to disconnect for even just an hour or two, and simply enjoy the fresh air, blending in with nature until you actually do it.
By practising observing and appreciating nature in this way, it will become one of your top priorities in life. You’ll start noticing trees, flowers, even insects, and much more. Nature will give your mind a break from any negative thoughts you may sometimes get caught up in.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes every day doing this. And make sure you leave your mobile devices behind when you lace up your shoes to go for a walk or exercise outdoors.
Meditation
In this hectic world, taking time for meditation can bring much-needed peace and calm. Meditation helps us focus on reality, on the present moment that we’re experiencing right now. It’s about being grounded in the here and now, without judging anything.
What you need to do is find a quiet spot for maximum concentration, close your eyes, and start relaxing by taking deep, steady breaths. You certainly won’t be able to control all your thoughts right away. But whenever you feel unfocused, try to simply “think” about your breathing by inhaling and exhaling. After practising for five to ten minutes, your body and mind will feel so much lighter.
Plan Something Fun
In the book The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor pointed out the importance of having something to look forward to – whether it’s this month or this year. Just plan something you enjoy. It could be a big holiday or simply meeting friends for lunch, but give it a try, and you may be surprised how much happier you feel.
Gardening
Bring nature into your home by planting something green. Tending to those little seedlings and watching them grow brings serenity, calm, and simple joy into your life.
Gardening is also a great way to de-stress. Give your phone and computer a break; these repetitive tasks create a calming routine that helps you focus on the present moment and leave worries behind. And I must say that the great part is the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies for your table.
Learning a New Skill
Instead of watching the latest show on Netflix, try pursuing the course you’ve always wanted to take. Find something to your liking like drawing, , or playing instruments, or anything that makes you interested. Embrace the idea of challenges – learning new things expands your imagination, thus, making you a better person and increasing your self-confidence. As a result, you can take an advantage of fresh situations.
Moreover, this activity helps make new friends with similar interests and invokes positive feelings when participating with others. You can join classes, clubs or communities to share your passion and learn together.
The Lasting Word
In all truth, I have always enjoyed technology, and it is hard to live without it these days (big thanks to technology for letting me write this stuff you’re reading). However, becoming overly dependent on it can be counterproductive, as it may affect other areas of life. So, we need to balance our time – making the most of technology’s benefits without being overly affected by it.
If you work long hours and your eyes are stuck to the screen, you may miss crucial happenings. Consider a reasonable amount of screen time and try some exciting things to do instead of reaching for your phone. It can totally transform your social life, improve your relationships, boost your productivity, and let your body properly chill out for a change.
☕Head to The Quieter for more insightful articles and inspiring stories on mindful living, personal growth and relationships to nurture your mind and soul.
FAQs – Things to Do Instead of Reaching for Your Phone
What can I do instead of using my phone?
There are lots of things to do instead of reaching for your phone. Here are some ideas:
Start reading the book or other magazines. Discover a tale or enhance your knowledge in an exotic way. On the other hand, immersive experiences allow us to escape into various worlds for different purposes.
Listen to a podcast or audiobook. Many of them are like art forms, fulfilling both the artistic and entertainment requirements while you relax.
Take a walk. Outside air is both refreshing and helps you think positively.
Do some mindfulness or yoga sessions. Relade yourself in a bodily and mental way.
Write in a journal. Narrate your thinking about the day you had or the things that bother you.
Sketch, paint, sculpture or any other sort of creative work. Express yourself creatively.
Play a musical instrument.
Have fun with your friends and the people you love. Talk, play or do anything that lets you have fun with each partner.
Volunteer in your community. We have this responsibility to participate in our community by helping one another and giving back.
Start a new hobby. Take a deep look at yourself and realise your life’s interests and points of enthusiasm.
How do I stop reaching my phone?
To break the pattern, make your phone harder to reach so you cannot get it immediately and notifications are turned off. Discover what activates the trap of mindless phone use and keep a backup hobby, like reading or drawing, handy. It’s best to turn on Do Not Disturb and phone location trackers to monitor your phone usage. Remember, be patient with yourself!
