30 Digital Free Things To Do When You Are Bored

Go screen free with these 30 fun, digital-free activities that will leave you inspired and energized.

I’m not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the way, many of us, myself included, started relying on our phones, laptops, and every possible screen for fun and entertainment.

We scroll mindlessly, binge Netflix, click through articles, watch another video, scroll some more… until, eventually, we realize it’s actually not so fun anymore.

We’re just doing it to pass time, for relaxation or to fix our boredom.

But what happens when you don’t want to be glued to a screen? Or you’re just tired of looking at one? What if you’re feeling bored but want something real, something that doesn’t involve internet, a glowing screen, or social media?

That was me not too long ago — screen-fatigued and desiring for something more grounding and digital free.

And let me tell you: walking away from digital was liberating.

I found many fun, interesting and inspiring ways to spend my day, and best of all, they are free or cost next to nothing and actually refresh your brain instead of draining it.

So if you’re looking for boredom cure, here are my xx list of digital-free things to do when you’re bored — no screen, no scrolling, no Wi-Fi required.

30 Digital Free Activities To Do When You’re Bored

17 Digital Free Activities To Do Indoor (Or At Home)

1. Make a vision board – Grab some old magazines, scissors, glue, and dream BIG. Once you’re done, put it up in your room or a place that you will see it every single day.
2. Rearrange your room – Ok, I know this may not be the first you want to do when you’re bored or just simply want to relax. But giving your room mini makeover can give your space (and brain) a fresh perspective, welcome new energy and get rid of old.
3. Move your body – Workout using your own body weight, and challenge yourself to do as many reps as possible. Don’t forget to stretch.
4. Write a letter or a postcard – Yes, like with a pen or pencil. To a friend, a family member, or even your future self.
5. Bake something from scratch – Get messy, lick the spoon, and enjoy warm cookies or banana bread straight from your kitchen. Extra bonus if you share this with a friend or neighbour.
6. Do a puzzle – It’s calming, relaxing and wildly satisfying when you match every puzzle pieces together. Plus, you can hang them on your wall as a home decor after it’s done.
7. Try a DIY spa – Think face masks, bubble baths, candles — a great way to pamper and shower yourself with love from head to toe.
8. Journal – Write whatever you want. No pressure. No filters. And if you want to tear it all up afterwards? Why not!
9. Read a book or magazine – Old-school, but so good, and we don’t do enough of it! Grab a physical book or magazine and start flipping. Reading is a great way to expand our knowledge, vocabulary and enhance our focus.

10. Declutter one small space – This can be your drawers, a closet, or your shoe rack. Empty it. Clean it. Wipe it down. You’ll feel 10 pounds lighter, I promise.
11. Get crafty – Honestly, this could be anything; knitting, painting, or one-line drawing, simply create. Let your imagination flow.
12. Give yourself a makeover (head to toe) – Go through your closet, try new outfit styles, and declutter those that you no longer wear. Try new hairstyle and makeup looks.
13. Meditate – Sit in silence with your eyes closed. Allow your thoughts to come and go. Feel any body sensation that arises. Bonus if you journal your meditation experience.
14. Sleep – This one is self-explanatory, and especially important if you’re low in energy or just staying up late at night scrolling.
15. Dance around your house – Put on your favorite music and have your own little solo dance party.
16. Play mahjong – Invite some friends and play mahjong! A game of tiles and strategy, putting chaos into order.
17. Do that digital free thing that you’ve been putting off!

13 Digital Free Activities To Do Outdoor

1. Take yourself on a date – Go solo. Take yourself out to that new bakery around the corner, sit at the park and people watch, or bring a book to a café.
2. Go for a long walk with no destination – Let your feet (and thoughts) wander. Plus walking is a great cardiovascular activity.
3. Gardening – Get in touch with your plants and the greens around your home. Remove some weed, change the pots, prune some leaves, and rearrange your garden layout.
4. Go outdoor picnic – Pack some snacks, a drink and a book, go to a nearby park and just chill there for the afternoon.
5. Visit a thrift store – You never know what treasure and amazing deals you will find.
6. Watch the clouds or stargaze – Simple. Peaceful. Kinda magical. Just imagine what’s possible. The world is your oyster.
7. Sketch what you see – You don’t have to be “good” at drawing. But you have to just start and try. And honestly, no one starts as “good” but it does get better the more you try.

8. Go people-watching at a café – Make up stories about strangers. It’s surprisingly fun, and you will also be inspired.
9. Join a free class or event nearby – A fantastic way to make new friends and learn something new.
10. Volunteer – Helping someone else is one of the fastest ways to feel fulfilled.
11. Visit a farmer’s market – Wander, sample, chat, and soak up the vibes.
12. Go hiking – Nature is the best kind of mood booster.
13. Go for a run – Put on some SPF and a good running shoes, and go for a jog around the neighbourhood.

5 Benefits Of Going Digital-Free (Even Just For A Little While)

Your phone, laptop or TV isn’t the only solution to boredom, relaxation or “kill time”. Here are 5 benefits as to why ditching or lessening your screen time (even for a short time) is actually good for you:

1. Boosts creativity – When you’re not constantly consuming, your brain finally gets a chance to create again — ideas, art, solutions, imagination, all of it.
2. You get your time back – Your time is limited and it’s wild how quickly it disappears when you’re online. Take a break. Trust me, you’re not missing out on anything, and it will still be there when you return from your digital break.
3. Improves focus and patience – Screens condition us to jump from one thing to the next. Going offline helps you slow down, stay grounded and focused.
4. Reduces stress and screen fatigue – Less blue light, fewer notifications, and more real-life presence is key to a calmer, happier life.
5. Reconnects you with your surroundings – You become more in touch and connected with what’s around you. From nature to your home, or just your own thoughts — you are more aware and in tune.

Never A Dull Moment

Boredom is creativity.

It’s a gift to reconnect with yourself, do things you love, or just simply pause and breathe.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with screen time when you’re bored, but it’s not always necessary nor is it the only resort to cure boredom.

So give this list a try and notice how much more alive you feel.

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