I have a notable reputation as the chronically online friend in my circle. Looking at my screen time revealed hours spent doom scrolling on social apps. This was not a surprise because whenever I wanted to unwind, Instagram was my drug of choice.
The dopamine rush that came as a result of constant scrolling was hard to give up. In the words of apostle Paul,
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.”
In true me fashion, I began looking up ways to get dopamine without scrolling. As a child, there were days of endless fun that didn’t involve screens so why not as an adult? Now, I have become intentional about screen time so here are my favourite screen-free hobbies.
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Reading Books
Growing up, books have been a constant part of my life. I fear that my love for books and reading has become my entire personality. Although my tastes have evolved, love has remained.
When a book is in my hand and a story is immersive, I forget the world around me. Staring at book piles of people on the internet makes me happy. Here are a few books on my ever growing TBR that I look forward to reading.
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Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
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Daughters Who Walk This Path by Yejide Kilanko
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Golden Gate by Vikram Seth
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Little Women by Lousia May Alcott
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Journaling
As a child, I wrote a lot of letters to communicate with members of my family. Feelings and thoughts my mouth couldn’t carry were present in these notes. In high school, I would fill notebooks with stories and song lyrics. Pretty notebooks were–and still are–my kryptonite.
In 2022, after strolling into a bookstore to get post-it notes, a pretty journal caught my eye. I paid for it and rediscovered my love for writing. As someone who struggles to process and vocalize my feelings, I now vent, dream and pray on the pages of my journal.
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Drawing, Painting, and Scrapbooking
As a nine year old, I filled my fair share of notebooks with stories, doodles and magazine cutouts. As the era of magazines dwindled, I gave up scrap booking and my funny girl sketches.
During the pandemic, I got some acrylics to start painting. Landscapes fascinated me and I dabbled in those. I was no Bob Ross but creating felt good and I look forward to trying it again. These days, I colour printouts to create stickers for my journal.
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Baking
The calming effect kneading dough has on me needs to be studied. When I’m extra stressed, baking a batch of cinnamon rolls or butter cookies calms me some. The process of mixing, measuring and setting up the kitchen to bake is a cozy experience.
The aroma that accompanies my efforts makes me want to dance. It’s one of my favourite ways to unwind with the promise of a treat for the coming days. Although I’m not a pro, the simple act of “doing” is enough for me.
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Laying Down Doing Nothing
Hands down, this is my favourite screen-free activity. I rarely indulge because my mind often ruins quiet moments. Those days I’m able to lay down and nap without thinking too much, bliss.
When the sun is not too hot, I take a mat to lay underneath a tree. Listening to the sounds of nature while a soft breeze blows all around is a gift I rarely get. When I do this with friends, it’s even better. A rejuvenating experience I definitely recommend.
Conclusion
Screen-free time is important to me for the simple reason that I slow down. Life wears me out fast so these activities remind me to tune out the noise around, and even in my head. Taking time off has become a part of my weekly routine, at least an hour dedicated to activities that don’t need a screen.
The key to starting a screen-free hobby is finding something you enjoy and can be consistent in. Do you take time off from your devices? If yes, please leave a comment telling me what you indulge in.
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