I was mortified when I saw the notification.
It read, “You use your phone for an average of 5 hours per day.”
I couldn’t believe that I was capable of that. I was convinced that a gremlin had snuck up on me while sleeping and played games on my phone.
But unfortunately, the gremlin is me.
I’m addicted to my phone.
For years I prided myself on my avoidance of the social media craze. I stayed off Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, hell, even TikTok. So, what was my poison?
YouTube and Twitter.
Imagine spending 5 hours collectively on YouTube and Twitter…
I could argue that I use them purely for research purposes — but I’d be lying. The only research that’s happening on those apps is how messed up Elon Musk is and how 90s music has dramatically changed. Basically, topics that aren’t benefiting my life.
Related Post: 13 Beautiful Reasons to Quit Social Media – You’ll Be Grateful You Did
Table of Contents
Why Have We Become Addicted to Our Phones? Specifically, Social Media?
Do we desperately need cheap dopamine? Do we have a hatred for our lives? Are we lazy or stupid? Or is it a combination of these?
Or maybe it’s because we don’t know how to fill the time or a void in our lives?
The answer could be many. But the only plausible fact is that our lives are bigger than what’s happening on our phones. And we’re just letting it pass us by.
What stories are we going to tell our grandchildren one day? That we saw a viral video of a bear doing push-ups? We deserve to give ourselves and our legacies something better than this.
However, I’ve clearly spent a lot of time on Twitter and YouTube — and I can attest that not all of it is bad.
Without YouTube, I wouldn’t be invested in personal growth. And without Twitter, I would miss most news and content from super creators.
However, consuming anything in excess is bad for you – whether that’s a tub of jellybeans or social media.
There are far, far better things to do that will genuinely change your life.
This article will look at what to do instead of going on social media – 41 things, to be precise.
Let’s jump in.
What to Do Instead of Going on Social Media
1. Read
It doesn’t matter whether you read fiction or non-fiction. Reading fiction is therapeutic as you can escape into another world, and reading non-fiction increases your knowledge of a particular topic.
Both have their benefits.
Some say to read fiction at night and non-fiction during the day. But whatever you choose, it’s hands down a better use of your time than social media.
Books expand your perspective and take you away from the toxic nature of the online world.
Related Post: 10 Ways Reading Improves Personal Development
2. Take a Walk
The worst thing you could do is scroll through social media if you feel tired during the middle of the day. This will only drain you further.
A good way to revive your energy is to get a breath of fresh air while also getting exercise done for the day. Take a walk around your area.
3. Dance
Dance is a fun form of exercise and a good stress reliever. There’s no way one can be angry or stressed out after having a good dance to old favorite songs.
The action itself makes you smile.
Plus, it gets your endorphins pumping. I used to dance in my teens – I attended dance classes for 13 years. But it came to a stop when I turned 18. From that point onwards, I’ve felt tired and less fit than I used to.
Now, I’ve made it a point to move my body when listening to music. Dance is a fun way to exercise compared to lifting weights or going for a run at 5 a.m.
4. Start a New Project
Maybe there’s a project you’ve been itching to start – for example, a gardening project or you’re looking to redesign your home. Or perhaps you’re a student who wants to start a book club.
Use your time off social media to make that project happen.
So much time gets wasted on our phones. But if you used that time to work on your projects, you’d not only improve your life but also feel better about it too.
I can’t be the only one who feels utterly useless after using social media. I look at the clock and feel like an idiot for letting time slip by. I think about all the things I could’ve done.
Well, now is your chance. Avoid the feeling of regret by avoiding social media in the first place and working on your dreams.
5. Start a Side Hustle
Focus on increasing your skills and income by using your time to start a side hustle.
I have so many regrets about the free time I had in college. Instead of wasting that time on my phone, I could’ve developed my skills and started a side hustle that could’ve done well today.
And the best part is that it’s easier than ever to start a side hustle in today’s new world. Take advantage of your resources and time.
6. Start a Blog
I’ve included blogging separately from the previous point because a blog doesn’t have to be money-making. You can start a hobby blog about literally anything.
Blogging is a great creative way to spend your time. You don’t just get to talk about the subjects you love most, but you become more creative and knowledgeable about the blogging process – which could one day lead to a full-time hustle.
I love the few readers I have, but I would still blog even if I had zero readers. Because talking about personal growth makes me happy. It’s a better use of my time.
And throughout this process, I’ve learned valuable skills like writing, editing (I became a freelance editor, too), WordPress, graphic design, etc.
You can blog on a free platform like Wix or Blogger. You don’t have to invest anything. All you need is a topic you care about and fingers to write.
However, if you want to make money from your blog someday, I recommend using WordPress.org and getting paid hosting. Here’s a tutorial from Henrik Edberg, one of the many bloggers who helped me start my blog.
7. Journal
Journaling has gotten much love for the simple reason that it’s healing.
It’s one of the habits that can put you in a better state of mind and heal you in a very short time.
I’ve experienced this over the last month that I’ve taken journaling seriously. Before, I would journal whenever I felt like I needed to. But now I love just opening my notebook at any given point of the day and noting my thoughts (which are a lot weirder than I expected.)
Journaling helps you reflect on the past and gives you a guideline for the future. But most importantly, it helps you become present because it forces you to think about how you feel right now.
I’ve found that I’m clearer in my thinking, not as tired as I would be if I went on my phone, and I feel lighter when I’m done.
Also, try journaling first thing in the morning, before you even touch your phone. This is a great way to clear your mind before starting the day.
8. Take a Course
One of the wonderful things about the internet is how easily we can access new information and education. Before, you had to spend thousands of dollars at a tertiary institution to learn something new. Today there are so many creators, each offering something of value to the world.
Use your downtime to learn a skill you’ve been wanting to or even something you never expected. It will only benefit you positively.
You can learn new things on social media, but nothing beats the accountability, motivation, and drive you feel when enrolling in a course.
Sign up for a Skillshare subscription to access thousands of courses for a fixed monthly fee. Or take a Udemy course. Plus, the independent creators, bloggers, etc., whom you follow have courses you might be interested in. Use your precious hours to invest in a skill that will pay off in the future.
Some courses I’ve taken are about blogging, writing better, editing, Canva design, digital product design, etc. And these courses have made me more confident in my abilities, unlike when I scroll through social media and feel stupid.
9. Learn a New Language
Another powerful way to use the internet is through language learning apps. Previously, you had to enroll in a professional school to learn just one language. Now you can download an app that can teach you any language you want for free or at an affordable rate.
So, if you’ve always wanted to learn Japanese or Spanish, what better time than now, when you’re off social media?
These skills won’t just improve your fluency but also your growth. You’ll feel confident traveling and making new friends, and once you learn an additional language, learning any other is easy.
Some of the best language learning apps are Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise.
10. Nap
Napping is my favorite way to spend time.
Taking a nap might sound lazy, but it refreshes you and keeps you going for longer. And it’s far better than making your brain tired by looking at a screen.
Of course, there is an art to taking a good nap. You never want to take a long nap that could mess up your sleep schedule. However, when taken correctly (30-40 minutes), it can make a difference to your health, mood, and productivity.
11. Visit a Destination in Your City
We want to see the world and go to 500 different cities. However, we haven’t explored the one we’re living in.
Go to a destination in your city you never had the time to visit.
You’ll feel refreshed and like you made the day happen, compared to letting it pass you by on your phone.
12. Call Your Loved Ones
We watch strangers’ videos and read their posts. Then, we appreciate them through likes and hearts.
But when was the last time you phoned someone who actually cared about you?
Phone the aunt who took care of you as a kid or call your parents. Focus on the people who matter instead of giving time and appreciation to those who don’t.
13. Go on Solo Coffee Dates
Don’t feel shy to take yourself out on a date. Even better, take a book or your laptop to get some work done.
14. Plan Dates with Your Friends
Make plans with your friends instead of waiting for them to. Use your social media time to plan outings or get-togethers.
As I’ve said, there’s no replacement for your real-life friends. Yet, we spend more time with people we’ll never meet and people we don’t care about.
15. Find Your Creative Side
Sometimes social media can be creativity-depleting. And I say “sometimes” because you can find inspirational nuggets depending on the platform you use.
However, most have toxic news and people, nonsensical viral videos, and give you the urge to make unhealthy comparisons.
This is mentally draining and kills your creativity.
Replenish your creativity well by reading more, taking courses, or sitting alone with a notebook.
16. Listen to Music
There are therapeutic things to do on your phone, like listening to music. In fact, of the 5 hours I spend on my phone, 3 hours are dedicated solely to music.
I might lose my hearing one day, but it’ll be worth it.
Music can uplift your mood in a single second. And it can bring you down in a second, too – just listen to Lana Del Ray.
17. Plan Your Week
Grab your planner and make a to-do list of all the tasks you need to get done during the week.
This will significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
18. Visualize Finishing All Your Tasks for the Week
One of the things I love is visualizing completing all the tasks I’ve written down.
Visualization has also gotten a better rep recently; for good reason, it works. When you see yourself doing a task in your mind, doing it, in reality, is effortless.
Simply look at your to-do list and visualize carrying out each task. This removes overwhelm as it doesn’t look so hard in your head – and when you’re doing it, it feels like you’ve done it before.
19. Clean Your Home
I hate the process of cleaning, but I like having a clean-living space. I’m sure many can relate.
A clean space makes you feel good. Plus, cleaning doesn’t take as long as you think it does. You might be done in an hour!
20. Declutter and Donate Clothes You Aren’t Using
I did this recently only to find that I had clothes taking up space in my closet since I was 14.
Donate your old clothes to a charity. When you declutter and organize your living space, you feel calmer.
21. Relax with a Cup of Tea or Coffee
This is something I can’t not do every day, multiple times a day. However, the trick is doing it without holding your phone.
Pretty hard.
Most of us love tea or coffee but don’t give it our full attention because we’re focused on our phones.
But just sitting in silence with no screen in front of you and relishing your tea/coffee is so healing.
22. Move Your Body More
I sit so much that it’s a crime, and I feel it in my bones and muscles. To put it simply, I feel like a 70-year-old woman. Even my parents, who are almost 60, feel better than I do.
However, this year I’ve made a pledge that for every 1 hour that I sit, I will move for 15 minutes, whether running on the spot like a loon, doing jumping jacks, or stretching.
We often think we don’t have the time for exercise – but taking an hour from your social media time can very easily give you that time.
23. Do Deep Breathing
Sometimes all you need is a little breather to get you pumping again.
Most often, when we visit social media, it’s because we need an escape from reality. Plus, it gives you a hit of dopamine, making you feel good.
However, if you just close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing for a few seconds, you’ll feel mountains of stress leaving you.
This is meditation for me.
24. Spend More Time with Your Family
Go to the living area and speak to the people you share a home with. Or call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Don’t let life pass you by because you’re so preoccupied with your phone. One day you’ll regret it when those people leave.
25. Be Mindful
Mindfulness sounds like a fancy term suited for monks, but it means “to be present” – to be alert to what’s happening around you.
And to pay attention to your feelings and not dwell on the past and future – because we can’t control either.
Social media helps you escape the present. And sometimes, this is a welcome addition to a stressful day. But most of the time, we spend too much time there instead of living in the moment.
Be more mindful by sitting in silence, journaling, or doing deep breathing.
26. Practice Gratitude
The more grateful you are, the happier you feel about your life. And the more content you become with your winnings and misfortunes.
Keep a gratitude journal or do a simple morning exercise where you thank the universe for all your little blessings.
Social media makes us feel horrible about our lives. We see a picture of somebody with a Lamborghini and envy them. Or we see someone with a better job than ours, and we hate our job.
It’s a terrible cycle to subject yourself to. However, practicing daily gratitude can help you avoid the shortfalls of social media.
Related Post: 25 Things to Be Grateful for In Your Life Instead of Complaining
27. Declutter Your Digital Files (Phone and Laptop)
I have pictures from 2009 on my computer. And the worst part is that they’re thrown all over the place.
Do yourself a favor and spend some time organizing your digital life. We spend so much time digitally that it really helps to have a system.
You’ll be more productive, organized, and less anxious.
28. Volunteer
Helping others is helping yourself.
And if you aren’t a fan of people (like me), spend a day at an animal shelter. This will boost your self-esteem, and you’ll get a dose of positivity.
29. Unsubscribe from Emails You Don’t Open
The amount of useless emails we get is staggering. They aren’t just annoying to open, but the constant notifications during the day are insufferable.
Use your extra time to go through your email list and unsubscribe from emails you don’t care about.
30. Practice Self-Care
Put on a face mask, relax with some tea, or sit in a quiet room with candles. Reward yourself for actively trying to stay away from social media.
Related Post: How to Successfully Do a Social Media Detox So You Can Feel More Alive
31. Learn How to Cook
Cooking is a skill that needs time to master – which is all you’ll have once you cut down on social media.
Learn how to cook in your spare time by experimenting with dishes, reading cookbooks, watching tutorials on YouTube, etc.
32. Learn How to Play an Instrument
What’s stopping you from finally learning how to play the guitar?
We put our aspirations on hold because we don’t believe we have what it takes. However, all you need is time and patience. Two things that staying away from social media can give you.
33. Write about Something You’re Passionate About
Everyone has a story in them. And you don’t need to be the next JK Rowling to write it.
Write your story or write about a topic that you feel passionate about.
This doesn’t need to be published if you don’t want to. It will still serve as a creative outlet.
34. Listen to a Podcast
Another great thing to do on your phone besides listening to music is listening to podcasts. I love Spotify for this.
Listening to a podcast on a topic you’re interested in or to somebody motivational can get you fired up and working on your goals. It’s also a good way to spend the time when you’re out of the house commuting or waiting at a doctor’s appointment.
35. Rekindle Your Love for an Old Hobby
There was something your inner child or teenager loved doing.
For me, that was dancing, but I let it go, even though I still dream up dance sequences when I sleep.
This year, I’m going to renew my love for dance again and use it to benefit my health at the same time.
Maybe you loved sketching when you were younger, but life got in the way. So, why can’t you reconnect with yourself again?
36. Plan Your Finances
Planning your finances sounds boring, but it doesn’t have to be.
Simply make a note of your expenses and income in a spreadsheet. And figure out your financial goals.
What do you plan on saving for, what are you going to invest in, etc.?
37. Do Some Posture Exercises to Stop Slouching
We don’t realize how our daily activities influence our posture, from sitting for hours to driving to not doing much exercise.
Start doing some exercises to stop slouching. This will renew your confidence and keep you looking healthy.
38. Read Articles on Your Favorite Blogs
I love doing this. Not only do I get bucketloads of inspiration, but also so much knowledge.
Also, all bloggers think differently, which opens you up to different perspectives. For example, Mark Manson’s articles differ from Choi’s (Personal Excellence.com). But they’re both impactful.
Reading articles is also a good alternative if you aren’t a fan of reading books, as there’s no responsibility or pressure involved.
Related Post: 9 Glorious Personal Development Blogs That Will Change Your Life
39. Play with Your Pets or Visit an Animal Shelter
Animals are therapeutic. Take some time to play with your pets or visit an animal shelter.
40. Plan an Overseas Trip
What’s more exciting than making travel plans? And what better time to do that than now?
Without social media, you have the time to plan your trip, do research, make an itinerary, save money, and get your sh*t together.
41. Play a Word Game
Most games are a source of cheap dopamine. However, word games involve thinking and good dopamine.
I love word games because I am a word nerd, and they make my brain work. They also give me a reprieve from work. And sometimes they’re so boring that they lull me into a much-needed sleep.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it – 41 things to do instead of social media.
Social media has dramatically impacted our lives – I don’t dispute that. But we consume it excessively, leaving us overly tired, depressed, and anxious.
If you want to eliminate these feelings, moderate your social media use. Don’t quit it entirely (I don’t think that’s possible in the new age.)
Consume in balance, but also pick a few of the above activities to pursue in your spare time. Don’t spend 5 hours on social media and then wonder where the day went. Make things happen today.
I hope you enjoyed this post on “What to do instead of social media?”
What are some things you like to do instead of going on social media? Let me know in the comments.
2 comments
Great post.
Thank you!
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