10 ways to go screen-free

We know too much screen time can be problematic for our health. We’ve heard about the physical hazards of excess screen time like eye strain (a risk factor of myopia, or short-sightedness), neck, shoulder, and back pain. We’ve even invented a name for it: tech neck or text neck. And we know it can impact our mental health, with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders linked with excessive screen time. It can also impact our overall well-being as it can detract from our relationships. We’ve put a name to that too: phubbing.

We also know it can be hard to put the phone, tablet, smart watch, laptop, gaming console or TV remote down. Our devices are embedded into our everyday habits – from productivity, to socialising to relaxing.

We’ve compiled a list of screen-free activities to help you switch off and manage your screen time.

Solo screen-free activities

Unwind or boost creativity with activities just for you.

Read a book

The perfect way to unwind without any blue light interference; the 'old-fashioned' way. There is nothing more absorbing than a plot that grabs you, so pick up a bestseller and get stuck in.

Pamper yourself

Save yourself some dollars and create a spa experience in your own home. Light a few candles, run a bath, stick on a sheet mask and unwind.

Listen to music

With so much distraction from our devices, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasure of kicking back and listening to your favourite tunes. Bonus points if it’s on an old-school CD player or record player.

Try a new recipe

Getting in the kitchen is a great way to get away from screens and boost your creativity at the same time. Why not crack out a recipe book that’s been gathering dust on the shelf? You could even prep yourself something delicious and healthy for lunch the next day.

Colour in

Embrace your inner child and grab some markers and a colouring book.

Start a new hobby

There are endless hobbies you could start: knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, beading, quilting, sewing, and scrapbooking, to name a few.

Get into the garden

Plant seedlings, prune trees or just pull weeds. Watching something grow that you’ve tended to can be super satisfying.

Screen-free activities with others

It’s easier to connect with others without the distraction of app notifications or phone messages. Rally your friends or family to commit to a screen-free activity each week.

Play a board game

It might sound positively archaic in this day and age but reverting to a good old-fashioned board game can provide hours of entertainment.

Do a quiz

Bring the pub quiz night inhouse, with a nominated quiz master and prizes for the winner.

Get outside and play

Weather permitting, spending an evening in the garden or your local park is a great way to get some fresh air into your lungs. Take some lawn games and have a tournament with mates.

Resisting the screen takes a little effort but your tech neck will thank you for it.