30 screen-free activities to do right now

Hands up if you spend far too much time in front of a screen. Working from home has changed a lot of things in our lives, including the number of hours we stare into cyberspace. And yes, while you’re likely reading this on a device, we’re going to share with you 30 screen-free activities for you to disconnect, unwind and reawaken your tech-free self. Step away from the computer and give your eyes a break with these screen-free activities.

1. Head to your local library and make it a point to read the classic, time-tested novels you’ve always put off reading (Charles Dickens, I’m comin’ for ya).
2. Take up painting or drawing. You don’t need to have Monet-level skills to enjoy a glass of wine and time alone with a paintbrush.
3. On that note, paint, collage, or draw your friend’s birthday, holiday, and ‘just because’ cards.
4. Run out to your local home improvement store and buy a few cheap terracotta plant pots to DIY. Spend an afternoon giving them a makeover with photos, acrylic paint, or your mom’s old glue gun.

5. Download a guided meditation app to unlock your inner zen master (yes, this requires a screen – but only to get you started!).

6. Learn how to make ooey, gooey, bad-for-you-but-worth-it cinnamon buns, scones, pastries, and bread.

7. Perfect your at-home gel manicure skills.

8. Call a long-forgotten friend or ask them for an IRL hangout. Even if you’re not the closest anymore, it’s nice to reminisce about your past adventures.

9. Or call your bestie and ask them these questions.

10. Listen to and analyze a piece of poetry. We recommend The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T. S. Eliot.

11. Write a hand-written letter to your elder relatives or parents. Believe us when we say, they’ll appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.

12. Learn how to read your palms.

13. Masturbate. Yes, seriously.

14. Deep-clean your bathroom and organize your closet.

15. Write a list of the most significant interpersonal interactions you’ve ever had and ask yourself why they meant so much to you. Do you still keep in touch with those people? How did they change you?

16. Challenge yourself to complete a three-mile run.

17. Write your 30-before-30 list.

18. Sit outside under the stars and ponder your life and the universe.

19. Knit yourself a hat for the winter.

20. Try to replicate a seemingly-complicated hairstyle.

21. Meal-prep for the week using these ingredients.

22. Take an unplugged, candle-lit bath.

23. Fertilize your plants.

24. Make a dream board of everything you want to accomplish before settling down.

25. Wash your sheets & duvet cover.

26. Give yourself an at-home bikini wax.

27. Buy something you’ve never seen before from the grocery store and figure out a recipe to make with it.

28. Wash your sneakers and shine your shoes.

29. List 100 things you’re thankful for.

30. Take a nap.