Digital Detox: 99 Things to Do Instead of Reaching for Your Phone
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I got 99 problems but my phone ain’t one.
I will say, if there’s ONE thing social media has taught me, it’s that there is an ABUNDANCE of ways we can choose to spend our time that does not involve a smartphone or social media.
Believe me when I tell you, THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO INSTEAD OF SCROLLING ON YOUR PHONE!!!
And once you realize this, your life will become so much more fulfilling.
Some of these things I didn’t even know existed until I was researching for this post, like floral LEGO arrangements?! Incredible.
Here are 99 ways you can spend less time on your phone and more time living your life.
Choose 3-4 hobbies:
- One to keep you in shape
- One to let you be creative
- One to expand your knowledge
- One to make income (optional)
Creative Things to Do Instead of Scrolling on Your Phone
- Paint something from scratch or try your hand at a paint by numbers.
- Whip out an adult coloring book and get to work.
- Learn to draw.
- Make something unique with origami.
- Try your hand at fiber art. Macramé, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, cross-stitching, punch-needle, sewing, quilting, oh my!
- Capture your favorite moments with photography.
- Create things out of clay. Magnets, polaroid picture stands, candle holders, mugs, plates, vases – whatever you fancy.
- DIY some décor instead of buying it.
- Take up woodworking.
- Learn how to make jewelry.
- Play an instrument
- Sing a song.
- 3D print something useful or something fun!
- Assemble your favorite memories in a scrapbook.
- Handmake gifts and wrap them yourself.
- Express yourself through writing.
- Write poetry.
Activities You Can Do at Home
- Become a plant lady (or lad).
- Solve a puzzle. Jigsaw, wordsearch, Sudoku, crossword.
- Assemble some LEGOs!
- Play a board game.
- Host a game night with friends.
- Snuggle up in a cozy spot and read a good book. *insert link to my favorite books post? Or e-reader supplies*
- Learn a new language.
- Take up gardening or landscaping.
- Start a blog.
- Cook delicious meals.
- Bake the day away.
- Spending quality time with your pet!
- Meditate and practice mindfulness.
- Plan a party.
Chores to Complete Instead of Using Your Phone
- Change your sheets and make your bed.
- Water the plants
- Empty the dishwasher.
- Tidy up your workspace.
- Deep clean the house. I’m talking baseboards, ceilings, light fixtures – the works.
- Clean out the fridge.
- Declutter your home and donate excess to charity.
- Finally organize that closet you’ve been throwing everything haphazardly into for 3 years.
- Clean your car (inside and out).
- File all those documents you keep piling up.
- Clean out the junk drawer.
Self-Care Activities to Do Instead of Scrolling
- Get dressed.
- Do your hair.
- Use some essential oils.
- Take a bath.
- Use a sugar scrub.
- Put on a face mask.
- Sunbathe.
- Listen to a guided meditation.
- Take a nap on a hammock.
- Stretch.
- Journal.
Activities to Get You Off Your Phone and Out of the House
- Volunteer.
- Go thrifting.
- Go on a date.
- Take yourself on a date.
- Join (or host) a book club.
- Visit a library.
- Join a meetup group.
- Visit a museum.
- Take a camping trip.
- Take a moment to stargaze.
- Take up bird watching.
- Go to a farmer’s market.
Physical Activities to Keep You Occupied and Off Your Phone
- Take a hike.
- Go for a bike ride.
- Hop into the water. Swim, water aerobics, snorkeling, surfing – just keep swimming.
- Go for a run (or jog, or walk).
- Release tension with some yoga.
- Play a round of pickleball or tennis or squash.
- Go rock climbing or bouldering.
- Dance it out.
- Lift some weights.
- Take an adult gymnastics lesson.
- Find a local sports club. Volleyball, basketball, kickball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby – whatever you feel like you wanna do.
- Jump on a trampoline.
- Throw a frisbee or play a game of disc golf.
- Or play regular golf.
- Strap on your skates.
- Go bowling.
- Jump some rope.
- Try a new (or tried and true) fitness class.
- Train for a race.
- Compete in a race.
- Learn martial arts.
- Hit the slopes and go skiing or snowboarding.
- Hula hoop.
- Play catch.
Automotive Activities to Stop You from Scrolling
- Sign up for an autocross or track day.
- Check out Cars and Coffee in your city.
- Attend car events and shows.
- Get your hands dirty.
- Go overlanding.
- Find some cool off-roading spots.
- Take your dirt bikes out.
- Play with RCs.
- Design a new component or improve an old one.
- Help a friend or family member with their car.
- Go to the dunes.
Literally, the possibilities are endless.
If something – anything – on this list stands out to you, go do it! What are you waiting for?
Your phone will always be there. These opportunities won’t.