Are You Bored? Here Are 20 No-Internet Activities to Beat Boredom
CindyDo you ever feel like you spend too much time in front of a screen? You aren't the only one. With so much online content, people everywhere spend more time glued to their phones, tablets, and laptops than ever before. But sometimes, you need a break. Here are twenty offline activities you can do to beat boredom.
1. Ride a Bike
When was the last time you took a bike ride? If you own a bike and it's sitting in your garage, it's time to break it out. Look at your neighborhood, plan out the most bike-safe area, and go for a ride. It's great exercise and super fun.
2. Play a Game
Lately, when friends invite each other to play a game, it's through an app, but you don't need the internet to play a casual game with friends. Break out the board games and cards and play a game. You'll be surprised by how much fun it is to have screen-free fun with friends.
3. Take a Hike
Are there any good hiking trails in your area? Put the phone down, lace up your sneakers, and go for a hike. It shouldn't be about how fast you can reach the top or even about taking photos on the way, but being present in the moment and really taking in the nature around you.
4. Help an Elderly Neighbor
If you want to take a break from the screens, what better way than to lend a helping hand? If you have an elderly neighbor who lives alone, they likely have a few things they need help with. Head over and see how you can help.
5. Go for a Walk
The easiest and most common thing you can do when you want to take a break from the internet is take a walk. Whether a walk through the park, your neighborhood, or a walk to a friend or family member's house. Sometimes, you just need to leave the house and get some fresh air.
6. Do a Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a proven way to beat boredom without an internet connection. Whether you choose to do a simple puzzle or a thousand-piece puzzle, the important thing is to relax and have fun. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you put the final piece in place will be more exciting than swiping through an app.
7. Cook a Recipe You Know By Heart
What recipe could you cook with your eyes closed? Choose something you won't need to hop online to check the recipe for and prepare a lovely meal or snack for yourself. When you're done, you can eat alone or invite someone to share it.
8. Read a Book
What better way to get off the internet for a few hours than to get lost in a good book? You could choose your comfort read or one you've never read before, do your mind a favor and enjoy a few hours of reading. If you only have ebooks, that's fine too! – just be sure to avoid straying away and getting on other apps.
9. Take a Dog for a Walk
If heading outside alone isn't your thing, maybe you need a furry friend to go out with you. If you have a dog, spend some screen-free time walking your dog. If you don't have a dog, find out if your friend or neighbor needs someone to walk their dog for them.
10. Call a Friend
When was the last time you called someone on the phone to catch up? Texting is now the go-to way to contact friends because it's so easy to flip between apps while chatting. So why not talk to a friend in the old-fashioned way and call them up?
11. Take a Nap
The fast-paced world of social media and hustle culture has made everyone believe they should be on the go 24/7. But there's nothing wrong with taking a break and resting. Listen to your body. If you feel like the internet isn't the only thing you need a break from, take a nap. Once you wake up, you'll be refreshed and ready to be productive again.
12. Start a DIY Project
When you're bored and really want to do something creative, you could start a DIY project. Look around your home and identify an area that could use a splash of personality. You may want to change your wallpaper, add some shelves, or paint your front door a fun color; you could do so many easy and cheap DIY projects around the house.
13. Plant Something
Do you have a plant you've meant to repot or flowers you want to plant in your garden? Now's the best time to do it! While you're spending time away from the internet, use that time to exercise your green thumb and plant something in your backyard or flowerpots around the house.
14. Reorganize Your Bedroom
Reorganizing your bedroom might not sound like the most exciting internet-free activity, but it can be. Put on your favorite music and make your space look exactly how you want it to. You could change the direction of the furniture, reorganize your bookshelf, or add some new decor.
15. Color
Coloring is such a relaxing activity, and despite what some might believe, it isn't just for kids. There are coloring books made specifically for adults that are entertaining, relaxing, and help you exercise your creativity. So, grab a coloring book instead of your phone next time you're bored.
16. Work Out
Exercise isn't only for health benefits; it's a great mood booster, too. If you're bored, instead of sitting around and doing nothing, head down to the gym, your backyard, or even your living room, and start working out.
17. Try Journaling
Journaling is an excellent way to relax your mind and body. If you want to have some relaxing internet-free time, grab a notebook or journal and spend some time writing. You could start with a prompt or write whatever's on your mind; it's all up to you.
18. Volunteer
Your local animal shelter, soup kitchen, elderly home, or neighborhood garden are among a few places that always need volunteers. If you're hoping to spend a few hours away from screens, why not spend them helping others? Sign up to volunteer at a charitable organization in your area.
19. Visit a Library
Libraries are essential parts of the community. When you're bored, visit your local library and check out a few books. It's so important that people continue to patronize these organizations to keep them running for the next generation. So, give your local library a visit.
20. Look Through Old Family Photos
Does your family have an old photo album? Most people back up their photos online, so much so that physical photo albums aren't as common as they used to be. If you have an old photo album, stroll down memory lane and look at old pictures.
She started her blog, The Money Dreamer, when she realized the 9-5 job was not the lifestyle she wanted anymore. After designing for a while, she wanted a more meaningful life, which was freedom, so she decided to venture out. She took action so that she can live her dream life and decided to help people to live theirs by helping them how to save, budget, and invest.
