When you're too tired to do anything
You know the feeling: you get home, and you've had a long day of lectures, leaving you with little energy left. On evenings like this, you want something that requires zero effort. I've got you!
1. Read that book
This is the time to grab that book that's been gathering dust on your bedside table for weeks. Reading is the perfect activity for completely unwinding before going to sleep. Are you struggling to focus, but still want to avoid staring at a screen? Then go for a magazine or listen to an audiobook!
2. Call family or friends
Sometimes we forget how nice it is to catch up with friends, your parents, or siblings. So, give them a spontaneous call! Just chatting about your day, updating each other and laughing together is much more satisfying than aimlessly scrolling on your phone. Plus, you'll make someone else happy, too!
3. Play a game
In the mood for something active that doesn't require too much effort? Then playing a game is perfect. And no, I don't mean Hay Day, Among Us or any other game on your phone, but an old-school board or card game with your housemates ;). Do you live alone, or are your housemates out of the house? You can always rack your brain with crossword puzzles or Sudoku.
4. Listen to a podcast
Sometimes you just feel like lazing around on the sofa doing nothing. In that case, a podcast is a good alternative to scrolling on your phone. Choose comedy shows and personal stories to relax, or crime cases and mysteries to get completely drawn in. Need inspiration? Then read our podcast recommendations based on your study.
5. Take a nap or go to sleep
If you're really tired, try taking a short power nap! It will make you feel much more rested than being on your phone. Is it already late, and are you mindlessly scrolling through TikTok in bed? Then take this as your sign to go to sleep. Your future self will thank you ;).
When you don't know what to do
Sometimes you are not tired, but simply have no idea how to spend your free time. Instead of grabbing your phone, you could also:
6. Do arts & crafts
Why did we stop crafting after primary school again? Crafting is the ultimate anti-scrolling activity: it's creative, it immediately shifts your attention, and you end up making something fun! You can make your project as complicated or as easy as you want: Pinterest and YouTube are your best friends. No idea where to start? Here are some of my favourite DIY projects:
- Crocheting. You don't even need to know what a chain or a double crochet is, because YouTube has great tutorials for beginners;
- Sewing. For example, your own tote bag, clothes or toiletry bag;
- Vision boarding. Invite your friends over, bring some old magazines and make a collage of your dreams or goals for this year;
- Punch needling. With this embroidery technique, you can make all kinds of fun decorations, wall art or even rugs;
- Upcycling something old from your wardrobe or the charity shop. Think of painting an old photo frame or making a scrunchie from an old T-shirt;
- Making beaded keychains or jewellery;
- Baking clay figures or magnets;
- Candle painting;
- Designing postcards;
- Ceramic painting.
7. Walk or cycle
Be honest: when was the last time you really went out for some fresh air? It's a shame, because it's the perfect way to take a break from your phone! So, go for a nice walk or bike ride. If you want to make it even more fun, go for an extra challenge, such as a colour walk: choose a colour and then look for everything in that colour along the way. It helps you be more in the moment and makes your regular walking routes much less boring. Or try geocaching (a kind of treasure hunt for adults) and discover new places.
8. Bake or cook
Baking or cooking is the perfect activity if you want to be creative and relaxed at the same time. Think of cookies, cakes, or homemade pasta! Or finally try that recipe you saved weeks ago (TikTok is good for something, after all ;)). The sourdough hype probably has not passed you by either. Because your sourdough starter needs a bit of love every day, it is the perfect way to spend time on something other than your phone daily. Whatever you cook or bake, you'll actively shift your focus and end up with a delicious result: a win-win situation!
9. Exercise
Let's be honest, exercising may require more energy than scrolling on your phone, but it also gives you much more energy and satisfaction in return. You really don't have to do an intense workout: a yoga class, a short stretch or a home workout can also help you get out of your online bubble. Choose something that makes you happy, whether it's swimming, running, dancing or pilates. Tip: book a group class for a free afternoon or evening, or plan to go with someone else so that you have an extra push to get off the sofa later.
10. Learn something new
The time you usually spend scrolling can also be used to learn a new skill. Have you always wanted to play the harmonica, learn Spanish or fold an origami crane? Then put your phone aside and give it a try. Who knows, you might discover a fun new hobby or talent!
