Listen, I know it’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s going on online! There are so many captivating things that the internet has to offer: recipes, recommendations, and Her Campus, of course! But since getting to college, I’ve started to realize truly how important it is to be present and to stop scrolling.Â
Lately, when my friends and I hang out, we’ve been putting our phones in a pile until we’re done spending time together. It’s so helpful to keep each other accountable and stay present. But sometimes you want a real activity to get you off your phone, so here are five that I swear by:
- Coloring, Drawing, And Paint by Number!
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There are so many ways to explore your creativity outside of technology. I love to sketch, do coloring pages, and paint when I want to take a step away from my devices. When I do have more time to plan, I love to do a paint-by-number! They’re super fun to do, it’s so satisfying to watch them progress, and it produces something worth framing (for my fellow people who lack raw artistic talent). Not only is exercising our creativity a fun way to use our time, creativity helps improve our problem-solving, enhance cognitive function, and boost mental and emotional well-being. So there’s even more benefits past the time away from screens!
- Reading!
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I know it’s easy to overlook reading as a form of entertainment to get away from screens, but I think people do that because they only associate reading with books. But there are so many different ways to read! Yes, books are a great option, but there are also newspapers, magazines, audiobooks, and more! You don’t always have to sit and read a long-winded novel with a really profound message attached to it. Sometimes it’s just fun to read about what’s happening in the world, or to read about Timothee Chalamet’s favorite cologne in Vogue. Regardless of the material you’re reading, it’s good for you to get in the habit of reading; mental stimulation is super important in maintaining cognitive health!Â
- Get Active!
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Getting some movement in is one of the best ways to disconnect and reset. Whether it’s going on a walk around campus, hitting the gym, taking a yoga class, or just having a dance party in your dorm room. And UMass has some amazing class options at the Recreation Center! Being active helps boost your mood and energy levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and improve focus, both things we could all use more of in college! Even better, working out with friends is a fun way to socialize without screens. The key is finding a form of movement that actually makes you happy.
- Volunteer!
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Volunteering is such a meaningful way to spend your time offline and connect with your community. You can get involved in many ways: helping out at a local food bank, joining a service club, or the library. UMass has some great club options to help you get involved in the surrounding community, like Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF, and Communities Against Cancer. Not only does it get you out into the real world, but it also gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that scrolling can’t compete with. Plus, volunteering helps you build empathy, develop new skills, and meet people who are passionate about making a difference. It’s a total win-win for your heart and your mind.
- Pick Up a New Hobby!
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Trying something new is one of the most refreshing ways to unplug! Think about things you’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for. Maybe learning guitar, baking, knitting, or even trying a new language. Picking up a hobby keeps your brain active and gives you something productive (and fun!) to look forward to. It’s also a great way to express yourself and discover hidden talents. And who knows, that hobby might even turn into a lifelong passion or side hustle someday!
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. Technology isn’t the enemy! It connects us, entertains us, and keeps us informed; but too much of it can make us miss out on the little moments that matter most. So the next time you catch yourself deep in a scroll, put your phone down, and try one of these activities instead. You might be surprised by how refreshed and inspired you feel when you step away from the screen and start living more fully in the present.
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