It's all too easy to spend your entire workday staring at a screen only to do the exact same thing at night and on weekends. Sure, non-work activities are more fun, but watching TikToks or shopping online is still screen time. It will not give you a break from the blue light of your computer, tablet, or phone, which can throw off your circadian rhythm. Below, find 20 screen-free activities that are perfect for when you want to mix up your day without setting foot outside.
- Read a book: If you want to go somewhere without going anywhere, try escaping into a good book. Here are 31 must-reads for fall.
- Rearrange furniture: Nothing can make a room feel new again like newly arranged furniture. Warning: This may lead to full-on redecorating.
- Bake bread: Whether you perfected your bread-making skills in 2020 or are a total beginner, you'll love this sourdough recipe. But don't forget that bread can also basically be cake, and consider recipes like this Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread.
- Practice an instrument: Dust off your piano or break out that old guitar, playing an instrument you love can lead you into the coveted flow state.
- Take a bath: Light some candles, fill the tub, and take a mini vacation with a good bath. Add bubbles, Epsom salt, or DIY'd bath salts.
- Paint a mural: The best part about being an adult is no one can tell you can't paint on your walls — except maybe a landlord, but that's what repainting is for.
- Put on a face mask: You can wear your favorite or make your own from scratch, such as this DIY pumpkin face mask.
- Do a puzzle: Whether you're tackling it alone or with a partner, this will keep your mind busy for a bit. Plus, you can always work on a little at a time.
- Journal: Grab your favorite journal and go freeform, or let yourself be guided with relationship, personal growth, or creativity prompts.
- Plant an indoor herb garden: You'll be grateful every time you don't have to spend $3 on thyme you'll only use a little bit of.
- Meditate: Sure, a meditation space is nice, but the easiest way to start this practice is to close your eyes and clear your mind for a few minutes. If you prefer to be guided, try one of these five-minute meditations.
- Play with your pets: Fun fact — this article was actually written by your Goldendoodle.
- Listen to an audiobook or podcast: Why read when you can listen? Try one of these road trip-worthy audiobooks (no driving necessary) or go trend-spotting with our new podcast First in Line.
- Clean out your closet: A great activity for changing seasons, cleaning out your closet inevitably leads to trying on a whole bunch of clothes and feeling like you went shopping without spending a dime.
- Put on makeup: Whether you just want to feel good while lounging at home or practice a daring, Euphoria-inspired look, putting on makeup for no reason whatsoever is like being 13 again — only better.
- Read tarot cards: Ask a burning question or journal about what each card means. You don't need to be psychic to read tarot cards.
- Call a friend: There's nothing like having a real-time conversation with an old friend.
- Clean out your kitchen cabinets: Okay, not the most fun activity, but you will feel better after a cabinet refresh — and likely inspired to cook dinner.
- Listen to music you haven’t heard in years: There may not be a fountain of youth, but listening to the music of your youth is a close second.
- Create a reading nook: Plan for all the future good books you'll read by creating a cozy reading nook in a corner of your home.
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Featured image: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels
