Unplugged Hobbies
Are you looking to reduce your screen time and want to invest in a new activity? Here are some great unplugged hobbies to get you started! These ventures are suitable for nearly all ages and can be enjoyed individually or as a group. Unlike screen-related activities that eat up your time and energy, these real-world pursuits will leave you feeling engaged and satisfied. As Cal Newport argues in his recent book Digital Minimalism, “by cultivating a high-quality leisure life first, it will become easier to minimize low-quality digital diversions later.”
1. Crocheting
Crocheting, knitting, and other yarn-related activities are great unplugged hobbies to occupy hands that would normally be scrolling on a smartphone. Crocheting is also easily paired with another activity, such as listening to the radio or an audiobook. You can crochet nearly anywhere–your couch, a coffee shop, or if you’re Tom Daley, in between winning Olympic gold medals. Ultimately, yarn-related activities give the creator a sense of satisfaction of having made something. If you are interested in crocheting, check out my free crochet video tutorials and crochet patterns on my website.
2. Cooking
Cooking and baking are excellent creative outlets that are particularly versatile unplugged hobbies. You can get cooking in the comfort of your own home, at a friend’s house, or more formally, in a cooking class. The dish options are also nearly endless. You can try a fresh take on one of your family’s favorite dishes or explore other cultures through food.
3. Reading
Reading a book may be humanity’s original unplugged hobby and in many ways, is the antithesis of social media sites and streaming services. While social media algorithms give you content that simply reaffirms your public-facing identity and beliefs, books challenge them. In today’s world of digital echo chambers, reading provides a much-needed respite as well as an opportunity to challenge ourselves with fresh perspectives. As Ralph Waldo Emerson contended, “some books leave us free and some books make us free.” If you need any book recommendations, check out my recent reads on my website.
4. Gardening
Whether you have an expansive yard or live in a studio apartment, gardening is a great unplugged activity to pick up at any age. Gardening is also a wonderful educational hobby for the entire family. You can divide weeding responsibilities amongst one another and if you are growing vegetables, enjoy the “fruits” of your collective labor. Gardening can be an excellent gateway to other outdoor activities, including mushroom hunting and hiking, if you are interested in native plant species.
5. Running
Running is an excellent screen-free activity that is both mentally and physically rewarding. Unlike the previously mentioned unplugged hobbies, you can enjoy running as a solo or group endeavor. The increasingly popular 5k races also allow you to measure your progress and engage with your community. If you need an extra push to put your screen down and get outside, most communities also have running clubs where members keep one another accountable.
6. Photography
Everyone thinks they are a photographer these days with the onset of photo-based social media platforms and high-quality phone cameras. To unplug from screens, why not try your hand at film photography? SLR cameras are relatively easy to find for an affordable price, and if you’re lucky, a family member may still have theirs in storage somewhere. If you don’t want the hassle of finding a shop to develop your film, you can opt for instant film and buy a polaroid-style camera.
7. Arts & Crafts
Sketching a bowl of fruit may not be your initial go-to activity, but there are all kinds of accessible arts and crafts hobbies that are sure to pique your interest. Pinterest is a great technological aid for finding your next unplugged art project. If you are quitting your screens cold turkey, then you can also opt to walk around your local art supply store for ideas. If some of the more traditional modes of art are intimidating, try picking up a paint by numbers or an adult coloring book. Amazon has a wide selection of affordable paint by numbers kits that will bring hours of enjoyment.
8. Learn a new instrument
Picking up a new (or first) instrument can be quite a commitment in terms of upfront costs; however, secondhand marketplaces are a great place to pick up more affordable, used instruments. You can also purchase electronic versions of some of the most popular instruments, including guitar, piano, and drums, in case you have neighbors nearby.
9. Journaling/Letter Writing
Like reading, writing is a near opposite activity to those usually found on screens. Physically writing a letter or in your journal forces you to stop and sit with your mind in a way that social media and streaming services actively suppress. If you have a friend living far away, see if they want to be pen pals. This is a great way to ensure sustained writing and gives you something to look forward to in the mail. If you want to go full analog, try using an old typewriter to write your letters.
10. Try to Fix Something
Although not nearly as exciting as the previously mentioned hobbies, trying to fix something around the house is a wonderful way to unplug and have the satisfaction of a job well done. If you can successfully tackle one thing in your house per week, you will gradually learn how things work around your home and save money troubleshooting future issues on your own.