Let’s be honest, we’ve all checked our screen time once or twice. With all of the hours spent on social media, whether it’s scrolling through TikTok, liking all kinds of posts on Instagram or clicking through stories on Snapchat, we can all agree that we spend a lot of time on our phones. However, too much screen time isn’t always the best. If you’re looking for some new hobbies to pick up to get you off your phone, I’ve got you covered. Here are four hobbies that are guaranteed to lower your screen time!
- Reading
-
Reading is one of the best hobbies to add to your day-to-day routine. It has so many great benefits and gets you off your phone. There are also so many options to choose from when it comes to reading: self-help books, a classic novel or the newest Colleen Hoover hit. I know that reading can sound rather boring, especially with such an emphasis on it in schooling, but it really is a lot of fun. Reading allows you to be transformed into a whole new world, and you may even find yourself growing attached to characters that aren’t even real (we’ve all been there before). If you need a novel to kick start your reading journey, you can check out our article, “Her Campus Pitt’s To Be Read List.”
- Working Out
-
For me, working out is a rather scary task, especially trying to implement it into my busy schedule. However, being able to find the time to get active during a busy week has helped a lot. Working out has become such an important outlet for me to release any stress. Sometimes it can feel like we’re cooped up in our room, especially during this cold weather, so getting out and putting some type of movement into your daily routine is so helpful. It’s also a given that you don’t really need to spend a lot of time on your phone when working out. All you need your phone for is to play some music, and then you’re good to go!
- Running
-
Similar to working out, running is another great hobby that gets you off of your phone. If going to gym and lifting weights isn’t your thing, running is another great way to get a sweat on and get active during the day. Before I even started working out in the gym, I just started by taking long walks around campus that turned into running on the treadmill. Running is such a great way to get outside (or inside a gym), and just be able to get your mind off everything else. When I’m running, I feel relaxed and don’t really worry about the stresses and anxiety that had filled my day previously. Running is also a great way to explore Pitt’s campus!
- Journaling
-
I may be biased because I’m an English Writing major, but writing is such a good hobby to pick up! The best form of writing that many find helpful to their days is journaling. Journaling gets you off your phone, and allows you to write down whatever you want. There are tons of different types of journaling, so there are no set rules when it comes to your writing! You can take part in bullet journaling, gratitude journaling or even just a journal to reflect back on your day! If you find yourself being overwhelmed with stress during the day or even have a breaking idea for a story, poem or etc, don’t be afraid to write it down in a journal! Trust me, writing can be a lot of fun!
I know it can be hard to find different ways to get off our phones, especially when they play such a key role in our lives, but honestly it’s for the best! Lower your screen time by trying these new hobbies, and who knows, they might become your new favorite!