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Be Well

45 Activities That Don't Involve a Screen

Here are 45 activities that you can do which don't involve a screen. Most of these are free, easy to do and with the pandemic in mind, as in normal times this list would be endless!


Next Tuesday at the school I work at, we are having a screen free day to give the students a break from sitting at their screens for 6 hours a day. Most of the students I have spoke to told me that they don't know what they can do because when they are not in their online lesson they are either on their phone or gaming.


And for us who are working from home or in the office, it is equally as difficult to get away from screens. Wake up, check emails, MS Teams meetings, more emails, write-ups, lunch break, watch episode on Netflix, workday over, watch tv with housemates, help children with online homework, FaceTime friends. It is all around us and all consuming!


We spend so much time on our screens that they now give us the option to set timers for specific apps, like we have lost our sense of self-control. We can schedule for the blue light to be turned off our phones before bedtime and in the morning, we can get blue light glasses, but surely we should also be spending less time on our screens.


So for everyone, who like my students, doesn't know what they could possibly do instead of being on their screens, here are 45 activities:

 

1. Read something

This could be a book, magazine, newspaper, just not an online version!


2. Go for a walk

Even if this is just around the block. Going to the shops? walk! Feeling adventurous? Hike!


3. Bird watch from your window or garden

What birds can you identify in your local area? Perhaps close your eyes and listen to their songs.


4. Draw a self-portrait

Whatever your creative levels are, try drawing yourself or someone you live with.


5. Make a vegan meal

This could be a fun challenge if you don't normally cook vegan meals. It is actually a lot easier than it seems. Raid your veggies, spices, grains. Pick up Limes is one of our favourite places to find vegan recipes if you're stuck.


6. Talk to others in your house

If you live with people, ask them how there say has been, start a debate maybe. If you live alone, maybe give someone a call.


7. Play a board game or cards

The options here are limitless.


8. Go for a run

You could set yourself a challenge to run 1k everyday, or join a coach to 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon.


9. Learn something new

Ask the person you live with to teach you something, use a book or work something out yourself


10. Make a worm farm

it's not as messy and gross as it sounds! They are a great way to decompose your left over scraps and a great biology lesson too. To learn how to do this, here is a link for kids and here is a link for a more advanced explanation.


11. Have a bath

Use some salts, a bath bomb, get it foamy or keep it simple.


12. De-clutter your room

Each day tackle a different area. Less is more!


14. Sell or donate the stuff you want to throw away

Depop, Vinted, Charity Shops, H&M recycling scheme. Find out what is available near you.


15. Bake something new

Try to recreate your favourite treat.


16. Do origami

Get creative, what can you make? a classic paper airplane is a good start.


17. Go on a rainbow walk

This is a good activity to do if you have little ones. On you walk collect objects that are the different colour of the rainbow.


18. Write something

A story, a novel, a poem, a blog.


19. Go for a cycle

A tour de block or tour de France, whatever your feeling!


20. Tend your plants

If you have houseplants or a garden, see how your little friends are getting on! If you don't have any, please check out our blog on the benefits of indoor plants.


21. Try yoga

This is amazing for your physical and mental health. Take a break from your work with 10 minute routine, or if you have the time try something longer.


22. Clean the house

This isn't the most exciting activity but it may give you a sense of accomplishment.. and a clean house!


23. Paint something

Use whatever paints you have in the house. If you don't have paints maybe sketch something. Be creative.


24. Play a ball game in the park or garden

Football, rounder's, cricket, catch.


26. Make jewellery

Beaded friendship bracelets, polymer clay earing, dried pasta necklaces.


27. Do a home workout

You don't need a gym or the outdoors to exercise just a space of floor the same size of you.


28. Try making or fixing clothes

Sewing, crochet, knitting. if you have the resources why not try make something new? or fix something to keep it alive. Here are 8 clothing fixes you should know.


29. Make left-overs meal

Before a food shop challenge yourself to see what you can make from what you have left in the fridge. Here are 25 ways to use up your leftover ingredients. And here


30. Dance

Put some music on and dance like no one is watching


31. Make a collage out of scrap paper and recycling materials

This is such a good way of upcycling what we have and would normally waste.


32. Practice calligraphy

Learn how to write your name in a beautiful font. This is a great skill to have when you want to write cards. Here is a tutorial video.


33. Try meditation

This is another great way to de-stress.


34. Build a fort

This is great for when you have little ones, but don't let anyone tell you you're too old.


35. Brainstorm your 5 year plan

If you don't have an idea of where you will be or want to be in 5 years have a little think, you may pluck some inspiration.


36. Redecorate your room or living space

Get creative, you can do this cheaply (for free) or go full out!


37. Practice makeup

Masters the cat eye eyeliner, contour, get sparkly. who cares if no one can see how fierce you look.


38. Make a bucket list

What do you want to do this month, year, lifetime?


39. Try a new hair style

Become your own hairdresser/barber. You don't need to involve scissors if you don't want to.


40. Feed ducks

If you live near a pond or river, grab some bread (you can save some old bread for this activity) and feed some ducks.


41. Plan and make a 3 course meal

Plan and make a starter, main course and desert. Make menus, set the table, you can make this themed.


42. Go outside

Just enjoy being outdoors in nature, getting your daily dose of vitamin D.


43. Write a letter to your future self

You could write this for a particular age or situation. If you normally get anxious before exams, you could write a letter to help yourself through that.


44. Make a picnic

In your living room, in your garden, at the park. All you need is blanket, some snacks and a buddy.


45. Take photographs

Of anything and everything! Just remember to use a camera and not a screen.

 

So there you have it, 45 activities that are screen-free.


Sometimes the thought of not using your phone, laptop or TV can be daunting, but why not give yourself even just 30 minutes of the day without it? Try one of these activities instead.


LET'S STRIVE FOR WELLBEING

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