There’s no denying that the advancement of technology has helped us progress as a society. But, as they say, too much of anything is good for nothing — and this holds especially true when it comes to tech. Our current digitally driven lifestyle, though convenient, can also lead to a slew of problems. In fact, it can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health, since getting immersed into the online world can make us lose touch with the real one. At a time where going completely tech-free is near impossible, many of us find ourselves nostalgic for simpler times.
So what can we do to escape the stresses and anxieties that come along with technology? The answer lies in adopting simple activities that let us take a break from staring at screens and make us more present and mindful of our surroundings.
Here are some hobbies that you can adopt to help you unwind and unplug:
Knitting and Embroidery
That’s right, there’s a reason why our grandmothers loved knitting and embroidery so much — it’s a great way for you to unleash your creativity, ease your mind, and tune out, while giving you a sense of accomplishment. Not just that, this hobby requires you to focus, and its tactile nature makes for a fun activity that will help you be more present.
Doodling
People who aren’t artistically gifted often shy away from drawing, but you don’t need to be a seasoned artist to doodle! In fact, picking up this simple activity can be very effective in helping you disconnect from technology and destress. Apart from letting your imagination run wild, doodling can also improve your memory and focus, which in turn lets you be more mindful of your surroundings. And if you still don’t think you’re artistic enough to pick up doodling, you could always try colouring and enjoy many of the same benefits.
Gardening
Incorporating gardening into your daily routine can help reduce your use of gadgets significantly, while also helping you relax and connect with nature. By starting your own backyard garden, you can easily add spending time outdoors to your routine, which is greatly beneficial for health. And, of course, you get an immense sense of satisfaction by tending to your plants and watching them grow. This also makes for a great activity to do with the people you love — be it your family, or people from your community. However, if you don’t have the space to start your own garden — don’t fret! You could always just buy some houseplants and tend to those instead!
Baking
Flour, butter, eggs, and sugar don’t just make the recipe for cake, but also for a wholesome hobby that gives you a chance to turn off your screen and live in the moment. This hobby has a calming, almost therapeutic effect on people — especially because of the delicious sights and smells you experience while baking. Which is why it is a stress-busting and tech-free hobby that you can enjoy — either alone or with your kids! Plus, this is one hobby where the end result is extremely rewarding, and you get a snack right after you’re done.
Playing an Instrument
Listening to music is widely known as one of the most effective ways of relieving stress and unwinding. But you know what’s even better than listening to music? Making your own! That’s right — learning how to play an instrument is a sure-fire way of reducing the amount of time you spend using gadgets, while also being incredibly relaxing and rewarding. It’s a hobby that demands your complete dedication and focus, so you won’t have time to waste gazing endlessly at screens. And the sheer joy of making your own tunes is bound to make this hobby stick.
Spending Time with Family
This one’s a given, but one of the easiest ways of unplugging is spending quality time with those you love. It could be your family, pet, best friend, or neighbour — but talking to and engaging with any of them can significantly reduce your tech time, while also helping strengthen your bonds and relationships. Besides, an alarming rate of children these days are getting habituated to using technology at a very young age, which could be very detrimental to their development. So having designated family time — when you can all play board games, paint, or do any other activity that interests you — is extremely beneficial, not just for you but for your little ones too.
Living a tech-free life in a world where technology is all around you can be a daunting task. But hopefully, with these ideas, you will soon be able to achieve a balance between your online and offline lives. But don’t let this list restrict you — hobbies are all about what you enjoy. So look out for activities that strike a chord with you and make your devices take a backseat.
