10 At-Home Off Screen Activities I’d Highly Recommend

Ideas for off screen activities that will benefit your wellness and health.

It’s the dead of winter and we’re stuck indoors. And this itself leads to a whole lot of Netflix and computer time. Now add those stay at home orders that currently in are place, and I bet you anything that lot of us are spending 12+ hours in front of our screens.

I’m currently working my corporate job from home, which means I basically spend 8 plus hours on my computer daily. When I’m not looking at computer I’m looking at my phone, which is just as bad.  

The glare from my computer screen starting to feel unbearable. And it’s starting to sound pretty real that I need sunscreen just to protect my skin from all the blue light rays.

Doing a little research I found that there are a number of negative effects from too much screen time. They include:

• Decreased productivity
• Increased stress
• Long-term vision problems
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Lower capacity to feel empathy and compassion
• Significant structural changes in the brain

This year it’s been one of my goals is to spend less time in front of the screen. And try to find activities I can enjoy away from tech. So in this post I’m sharing 10 off-screen activities that I’ve been enjoying.

10 Off-Screen Activities You Can Do Indoors

1. Workout

Working out is a great off screen activity that gets the blood flowing in your body. This is not only good for your fitness, but great for your mental health as well.

I try to get do get my body moving daily, whether that’s taking time to stretch or doing a full workout with some body weight exercises.

Even though it’s a little cold, I love workout out with the window open. This allows me to get some fresh air and helps to invigorate me and get me moving.

2. Journal

I’ve had a daily journal practice probably for the last year or so. And I swear this is on of the off screen activities that has helped keep me sane through 2020.

Sometimes I just write about anything, but most days I stick to some journal prompts that help me set my intention for the day.

If you want to start your own journaling practice check out my guide on how to start journaling! And also check out my 8 Morning Journal Prompts here!

3. Home Manicures

Since quarantine orders have been in place, I’ve started to do my own nails. It’s a little bit of self care that’s inexpensive, easy and fun!

I think it’s about time we show our hands a little more love. We spend all day holding our phones and typing. A good hand massage and coat of polish goes a long way to showing them some love and TLC.

Lately, I’ve been practicing my own french manicures, and eventually want to move on to more complicated nail art. Check out my recent french mani reel below:

4. Board Games

This past Christmas, I got my husband a chess board and now we have a daily ritual of playing chess after dinner.

I’m new to the game myself, so it’s been a great learning experience for me. But I also enjoy this time can spend together that’s not just sitting in front of the tv.

Chess is great for stimulating the mind, but playing board games or any kind is a great way to connect with your family members.

5. Become a Plant Mama

Right now I have about 26 plants, and I feel like that number is ever growing. I started my plant collection maybe 2 years ago and I haven’t looked back since.

There are many benefits to caring for plants that range from reducing stress to improving air quality. I love watching my plants grow and caring for them is so therapeutic.

Every time I see a new leaf, it brings me joy. And lately I’ve been learning to propagate my plants which is even more fun. Plus you can start trading them with your other plant mom friends.

6. Reading an ol’ fashion book

After university, I didn’t pick up a book for years! But last year I got into it again, and I read 4 books. I know this isn’t a large number by any means. But it did make me fall in love with reading again.

There are so many benefits to reading other than just being a leisurely activity. Some of the top benefits include:

• Strengthening the brain
• Reducing stress
• Helping with sleep
• Increasing empathy
• Building your vocabulary
• Preventing cognitive decline
• Increases empathy
• Alleviating depression

7. Declutter your space

A clean home is a happy home. And though I don’t love the act cleaning and decluttering itself, when it’s done I always feel so good!

Living in a downtown condo means that space is a premium. And in our consumerist world, I have to have to admit I there is usually always just a little too much crammed into tiny place.

I do usually do a weekly cleaning of the major spaces I have in my home. And once a month I’ll tackle something bigger like the pantry or laundry closet.

Check out my post on clever ideas for small space storage if you’re in the mood for doing a little reorganizing.

8. Call up a friend

I remember when I was in junior high I used to talk to my friends on the phone for hours!

Now fast forward to today, where all just text each other back and forth instead. And while it’s great for quick communication, it just doesn’t have the same effect.

Lately I’ve been calling up my friends again, and it’s so good to hear their voice and have an ol’ fashion conversation. I feel much more connected with them and I’m always in a better mood once I’m done.

9. Try a DIY project

There’s something about creating with your own hands is so satisfying and rewarding. It allows you to focus, plan, work with your hands and enjoy the empowering feeling of creating something on your own.

I’ve always had a love to DIY, but I haven’t been as into it the last couple years. But with quarantine life, I’ve started tackling little crafty projects like this DIY macrame hanger for my plants and creating a DIY gallery wall.

Check out these easy DIY ideas:

• Cinnamon Vanilla Candle Tutorial
• DIY Marble and Gold Breakfast Tray
• DIY Rainbow Sprinkles Bath Bombs
• 20 Creative Sharpie Ideas to Decorate Your Life
• DIY Hermès Kelly Bag – Origami Paper Craft

10. Take a nap

Um yes, naps happen to be a great off screen activity and it’s actually one I do daily! Most of us don’t get enough sleep anyway and it’s a great way to recharge after a long day of work in front of the computer screen.

I’ve made naps part of my daily afternoon routine and usually take one after work. It helps to energize for a productive evening and give my eyes a break from all the screen time.

Have any favourite off screen activities that you’re currently doing?
Share them in the comments below!

XOXO,