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Try one of these no-phone activities to wind down and stay focused
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If you find yourself checking or scrolling through your phone whenever you have some free time, it’s probably time to find alternative ways to beat your boredom. Checking your phone almost becomes second nature, but there are plenty of activities to do in place of browsing through social media. Whether you want to get creative, active, or productive with your new free time, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a ton of suggestions on what to do without your phone to keep yourself busy.

Things You Should Know

  • Fill your time with creative activities, like reading, writing, drawing, or dancing. Try out new hobbies that you’re interested in rather than being on your phone.
  • Do a productive activity or chore instead of scrolling, such as making to-do lists, cleaning up around your home, or learning a new skill.
  • Stay active and social by going on walks, getting exercise, meeting up and chatting with friends in person, or volunteering for a cause you support.
1

Write in a journal.

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  1. Keeping a journal is a great way to reflect on what happened during your day and process how you’re feeling about it. Instead of scrolling through social media, sit down for a few minutes to write about your thoughts and let out your emotions. Some simple prompts to help get you started are: [1]
    • What are you grateful for?
    • What’s been challenging in your life recently?
    • What childhood memory had the biggest impact on you?
    • What are your goals for next week?
    • Journaling can also be a great activity to do in the morning before you even use your phone so you set the intention you want for the day.
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2

Read a book.

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  1. When you have some downtime, cozy up in your favorite spot with a good book and start reading. Try out that new fiction series you’ve been excited to start or learn something new with some non-fiction titles. If you’re trying to stop using your phone at night, pick up a few print books to read because they’re a lot easier on your eyes than backlit e-readers. [2]
    • Looking for the next great title to read? Take our What Book Should I Read? quiz to find your new favorite!
    • Even if you do browse your phone, download the Kindle app and some ebooks to do some reading instead of browsing through other apps.
7

Play a board game.

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  1. If you’re with a group of your family members or friends, kill some time by finding a board or card game and playing it without distractions. There are a ton of games available no matter how many players you have, even if you only have a deck of cards at home. It can even be a fun time playing an old classic from when you were younger to feel a little nostalgic.
    • Want a fun activity to do with your partner instead of looking at your phone? Try some card games for 2 people , like Speed or double solitaire .
    • Even if you’re alone, games like solitaire work are perfect as a small solo puzzle.
    EXPERT TIP

    Our Family Plays Games

    Board Game Experts
    Our Family Plays Games, LLC is a family-owned business based in Omaha, Nebraska. Launched in 2018, their mission is to promote growth and awareness of the modern board game hobby and bring more BIPOCs and families into the board game community. In June 2020 they were featured on Good Morning America and have since been featured on NBC News Online, Senet Magazine (UK), Ligadas.com (Brazil), a variety of YouTube programs, podcasts, and on local television. In January of 2022, they launched a second program on their channel, called OFPG Voices to highlight other underrepresented voices in the hobby. In addition, they make special appearances at board game conventions all around the country and work with board game publishers from around the world.
    Our Family Plays Games
    Board Game Experts

    Board games bring joy and connection. Board games are a great way for families and friends to spend time together, cultivating shared experiences and memories. We've even found community virtually through online board game nights on Zoom. If you are looking for something to do, dust off your favorite games!

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14

Get some exercise.

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  1. If you’re normally scrolling through your phone during your free time, stand up and get active. It doesn’t matter whether you only have a few minutes to spare or have enough time for a full workout. When you have a short amount of time, try busting out a set of 10 push-ups or sit-ups. When you have a longer time set aside, plan out a group of muscles to work so you can stay fit and healthy.
    • It’s important to get about 150 minutes of physical activity during the week, or about 30 minutes a day for 5 days. [6]
15

Stretch.

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20

Change your bedsheets and towels.

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25

Meditate.

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  1. When you want to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with your inner self, meditating is a great way to fill your time. The simplest form of meditation is just closing your eyes, focusing on what’s going on around you, and observing how you feel. Meditation can help you feel calm and relaxed, so it’s the perfect way to start your morning or end your night without looking at your phone. [11]
    • Another way to meditate is focusing on taking deep breaths in and out. Notice how your body feels as you draw in each break and when you slowly exhale.
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      Tips

      • Stay open to new experiences and what’s available to you in your free time rather than defaulting right to browsing your phone.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about lifestyle changes, check out our in-depth interview with Desiree Panlilio .

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