A large handful of teens spend every minute of their free time staring at a screen. Whether it be scrolling compulsively through social media or playing video games, teens find it difficult to step away from technology.
Many of our New Year's Resolutions involve spending less time on screens. However, this is a completely unrealistic goal for most. Rather than holding ourselves to an overwhelming, seemingly unachievable standard, we should look to find other activities we enjoy that do not involve technology. The following are eighty activities that you can turn to for your enjoyment that will reduce the time you and other teenagers spend on technology.
The 80 Screen-Free Activities
1. Go on a walk
2. Cook a meal for yourself
3. Read a new book a week
4. Write in a journal every morning and night
5. Take time to treat yourself to a relaxing bath
6. Challenge yourself to sit in silence
7. Sit outside and enjoy the scenery
8. Go for a run or do a workout
9. Hang out with friends
10. Try a new hairstyle
11. Play board games with your family
12. Work on a puzzle
13. Play with pets
14. Explore your neighborhood
15. Go to your local farmers' market
16. Play sports
17. Paint
18. Make slime
19. Draw
20. Organize your room
21. Learn a new skill
22. Do a random act of kindness
23. Bake a treat
24. Make your own song
25. Try new restaurants
26. Visit your local park
27. Read your local newspaper
28. Decorate your room
29. Drive to watch the sunset
30. Try your local coffee shop
31. Start a garden
32. Go shopping
33. Learn to sew, to knit, to crochet or to embroider
34. Ride your bike or scooter
35. Make a collage
36. Volunteer
37. Host a donation drive in your neighborhood
38. Have a picnic
39. Dance
40. Do some crafts
41. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
42. Teach your dog a new trick
43. Go swimming
44. Mark cards for loved ones
45. Enjoy a spa day at home
46. Make jewelry
47. Practice coding
48. Come up with a new recipe to try
49. Visit a nearby museum
50. Practice yoga
51. Look through old photos
52. Write a poem or short story
53. Learn a new instrument
54. Make origami
55. Think of new jokes to tell others
56. Complete a crossword puzzle
57. Decorate or revamp your clothing
58. Daydream
59. Go to the beach
60. Talk with friends and family
61. Tie-Dye an old shirt
62. Meditate
63. Enjoy a hot drink
64. Stargaze
65. Start a scrapbook
66. Listen to music
67. Light a candle
68. Write a to-do list
69. Organize a book list
70. Do a face mask
71. Nap
72. Create a vision board
73. Stretch
74. Write a bucket list
75. Make bath bombs
76. Learn calligraphy
77. Make a mantra
78. Establish a skincare routine
79. Go to bed early
80. Make a playlist
These activities will allow you to de-stress without relying on technology. By challenging yourself to spend less time on screens, you will improve your mental health and overall well-being. That, above all else, needs to be your priority this year. It is important to prioritize yourself and how you are feeling in this upcoming year.
