According to tech companies, we check our phones about 80 times a day. At this point, if you can spend more than 30 seconds without looking at your phone, you’re practically a superhero. For us to understand each other, know that this is bad.
A study from the University of Granada found that spending too much time in front of a screen can lead to “tech neck pain” (chronic pain in the upper back and neck), reduced attention span, and even weight gain. So, try one of the best ways to have fun away from your phone, which we’ve rounded up here.
Things to Do to Pass the Time
- Read
Newspapers, books, magazines. Do you remember them? Let’s do the math. First, do a speed-reading test. (It’s relatively easy to find free options online.) If you’re like the average American, you’ll reach speeds of 200 words per minute. Next, determine the daily waiting time. It’s easy to spend 30+ minutes a day just standing around, between commutes, lunches, and coffees. Instead, spend some time working on your prose.
2. Zone out
Contrary to its image as an act of utterly stupid laziness, there is growing evidence that daydreaming can help lift your mood and sharpen your mind. Now go ahead: Imagine you are on a beach in Belize.
When you zone out, you get to imagine things that you want to have, places you want to explore, and even adventures that you want to try. To make this more relaxing, you can zone out along with some pod too.
3. Exercise
Yes, it may look silly. But if you have 15 minutes, and of course the space, you can schedule a workout. Much more effective than swiping right (or left). Consider basic movements such as squats, lunges, and push-ups.
4. Practice mindfulness
Meditation can help increase mindfulness, but it’s not the only way. Simply put, mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. And apart from immersing yourself in social media and email instead, you can be in the moment every day. Step back and enjoy the sights and sounds around you.
5. Reorganize
Your wallet may not be as organized and streamlined as you might think. (This is often caused by crumpled receipts or loose items.) Take the time to set up your system so that you always know exactly where everything is. And it can save you time later, especially after going to checkout.
6. Play sudoku
Keep a pocket-sized Sudoku book in your back pocket. By the way, you get bonus points for playing this math bender with feathers. It cannot be erased, so every move must be done with confidence for perfect results.
7. Write a diary
By simply writing down your thoughts, you will not only spend a dime on your thoughts, but you will begin to understand the inner workings of your mind. Many writers owe their journaling habits to discovering hidden stories and wisdom that may have been lost in the mists of everyday life.
8. Call your mom
Yes, technically it’s a waiver – but at least you’ll be making better use of your phone. What’s more, one study found that oxytocin receptors, the stress-relieving hormone, overreact when you hear your mother’s voice. So, listen to your mother and call her often, know that doing so will not even need the use of a smartphone.
Finding things to do aside from scrolling through your phone may be challenging for you. However, if you look outside the box, you will realize that there are far more interesting things that you can do aside from checking your social media. So, make sure that when you don’t have anything to do, think of doing something that does not involve your smartphone,