Social media has its uses, but it’s also important to take a break sometimes. When the culture gets too toxic, the friendships get too phony, and the likes are starting to rule your life, stepping away can be good for your emotional and psychological well-being.
You may think you would be lost without social media, but setting the smartphone down might be the best thing you ever did. Far from being bored, you will likely find that the real world is even more fun. If you need help getting started, here are 10 fun activities to help you break your social media addiction.
- Call a friend for coffee. There is nothing like a jolt of java in the middle of the afternoon, so call a friend and meet up at the local coffee shop. The face time with a good friend is the perfect way to break the cycle of social media.
- Do some offline shopping. Believe it or not, some stores exist in the real world instead of just cyberspace. Offline shopping will help you connect with the products you buy, touching the fabrics, examining the craftsmanship, and making sure your purchases are the best they can be.
- Host a happy hour. An in-home happy hour is the perfect alternative to overpriced bars, so break out the wine, mix up some cocktails, and enjoy some adults-only fun. If your friends imbibe a bit too much, you can turn happy hour into a fun grown-up sleepover.
- Relax in the bath or hot tub. Water and smartphones do not mix, and relaxing in a bubble bath or soothing hot tub is the perfect way to take a break.
- Play a board game. Sometimes an old-fashioned board game is just the thing, so pull those boxes down from the closet and get ready for some family fun. You may even want to host a weekly board game night for family and friends.
- Play a video game. If board games move too slowly, put down the plastic pieces and pick up a joystick. Video games are a great way to pass the time, especially when those games are not on your phone.
- Binge-watch your favorite old TV show. Is there a TV show you remember from childhood, one you never wanted to miss? Thanks to the power of streaming, you can relive those childhood memories and rediscover your old favorite shows.
- Take a walk. Even in the digital age, the power of nature is undiminished. Walking in the wilderness is a great way to reconnect with the natural world so that you can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine instead of endless scrolling.
- Work in the garden. There is nothing like getting your hands dirty, especially if the result is abundant fresh, healthy food. Growing your own food in a home garden is a fun family activity, one that does not require online assistance.
- Enjoy a leisurely drive. Driving and social media do not mix, so leave your smartphone in the glove box and see where the road takes you. A leisurely drive with no set destination is a great way to discover the world around you and a great way to break free of social media.
There are valid reasons to engage with social media. If you run an online business, your customers may expect you to be online. When you want to connect with old friends around the world, a social media connection may be the only alternative. Even so, there are times when taking a break from social media is the right thing to do, both for your overall well-being and your sanity. When you need to step away, the 10 fun activities above can make it a lot of fun.