60 Things to Do Instead of Being on Your Phone

Unplug and Rediscover Life Beyond the Screen

Author

Ark
April 05, 2025

In an age where smartphones dominate our attention, it’s easy to lose hours scrolling through feeds, swiping apps, or texting endlessly. While technology has its perks, stepping away from the screen can refresh your mind, spark creativity, and reconnect you with the world around you. Here are 60 meaningful, fun, and productive things to do instead of being glued to your phone.

Get Moving

  1. Take a walk – Explore your neighborhood or a nearby park, soaking in the sights and sounds.

  2. Stretch or do yoga – Loosen up your body with a quick session.

  3. Go for a run – Clear your head with some cardio.

  4. Ride a bike – Cruise around town or hit a trail.

  5. Dance – Put on music and move to the beat, no choreography required.

  6. Try a new sport – Grab a friend and test out tennis, frisbee, or whatever’s nearby.

Spark Creativity

  1. Draw or sketch – Doodle something from imagination or copy what’s in front of you.

  2. Paint – Break out watercolors, acrylics, or even finger paint for fun.

  3. Write a story – Start with a sentence and see where it takes you.

  4. Play an instrument – Dust off that guitar or piano and jam.

  5. Craft something – Knit, sew, or build a small DIY project.

  6. Color in a coloring book – It’s relaxing and oddly satisfying.

Connect with Others

  1. Call a friend – Skip the text and hear their voice.

  2. Host a game night – Cards, board games, or charades—take your pick.

  3. Cook with someone – Team up for a meal or dessert.

  4. Write a letter – Send a handwritten note to someone special.

  5. Visit a neighbor – Chat over coffee or just say hi.

  6. Teach someone a skill – Share what you know, from baking to biking.

Enjoy Nature

  1. Gardening – Plant flowers, herbs, or veggies.

  2. Watch the sunset – Find a spot and take it all in.

  3. Stargaze – Lie back and look for constellations.

  4. Feed the birds – Set up a feeder or toss some crumbs.

  5. Go hiking – Hit a trail and breathe fresh air.

  6. Picnic – Pack a snack and eat outside.

Feed Your Mind

  1. Read a book – Dive into fiction, history, or whatever grabs you.

  2. Solve a puzzle – Try a crossword, sudoku, or jigsaw.

  3. Learn a language – Pick up a few phrases from a phrasebook or memory.

  4. Meditate – Sit quietly and focus on your breath.

  5. Journal – Write about your day or your dreams.

  6. Listen to a podcast – Pop in earbuds or use a radio, no screen needed.

Tidy Up

  1. Organize a drawer – Tackle that junk drawer you’ve been avoiding.

  2. Clean a room – Sweep, dust, or declutter.

  3. Rearrange furniture – Refresh your space with a new layout.

  4. Donate old clothes – Clear out what you don’t wear.

  5. Wash dishes – Get it done and feel accomplished.

  6. Fix something – Mend a torn shirt or tighten a loose screw.

Savor the Moment

  1. Cook a new recipe – Experiment with flavors and ingredients.

  2. Bake cookies – Share them or keep the batch to yourself.

  3. Brew tea or coffee – Sip slowly and enjoy the warmth.

  4. Take a nap – Recharge with a quick snooze.

  5. People-watch – Sit somewhere busy and observe.

  6. Daydream – Let your mind wander wherever it wants.

Have Fun

  1. Play with a pet – Toss a ball or cuddle up.

  2. Build a fort – Use blankets and pillows for a cozy hideout.

  3. Sing loudly – Belt out your favorite song, no audience required.

  4. Do a treasure hunt – Hide something and make a map for someone to find.

  5. Try origami – Fold paper into shapes with a tutorial or guesswork.

  6. Blow bubbles – Grab a wand and watch them float.

Explore Your World

  1. Visit a museum – Wander through exhibits nearby.

  2. Browse a library – Flip through books or magazines.

  3. Take photos – Use a real camera, not your phone.

  4. Go to a market – Check out local vendors or a flea market.

  5. Window shop – Stroll through stores without buying.

  6. Explore a new street – Walk somewhere you’ve never been.

Small Wins

  1. Make your bed – Start the day with order.

  2. Water plants – Give your green friends some love.

  3. Plan your week – Jot down goals or events on paper.

  4. Practice deep breathing – Inhale, exhale, repeat.

  5. Count your blessings – List things you’re grateful for.

  6. Do nothing – Sit still and just be, no agenda required.

Next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, pick one of these instead. You might be surprised at how much richer life feels when you unplug, even for a little while. What will you try first?

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