Have you ever wished you could stop scrolling through depressing news stories? What about wishing you could turn off your phone and enjoy a nice road trip or walk through the woods? The best-kept secret is that you don’t need technology to have a good time. Taking a tech break can help relieve stress, connect with others, and flex your intellectual muscles. What exactly could you do with a digital detox for a weekend? The list is practically limitless, but choosing something fun and accessible is a perfect start.

Start a Garden or Patio

Without distracting screens, it’s a perfectly good time to spruce up your outdoor space. Whether you rent a tiny apartment with just an entryway or own a home with a large yard, there is a ton you can do to make your home exterior look beautiful and inviting. If you’re ready for a large project, try planning out a patio or a deck. I found a deck builder near me to get the job done in one weekend. From there, you can add some beautiful potted plants, themed gardens, and a fire pit to create the perfect relaxation zone. You don’t need a screen at all when you’re birdwatching, roasting marshmallows, or enjoying a pool game. If you want to start smaller, visit a local nursery and browse some plants you like. Purchase a large enough pot and set it by your back door or entryway door. Choose a seasonal doormat and door wreath to tie it all together. If you want to try out your green thumb, start a miniature herb garden and grow some spices you’d enjoy using in the kitchen. Regardless of the space size you’re working with to decorate, spending time outdoors is a great way to gain some perspective during your tech break.

Learn What to Do in Your Town

Whether you’re new to your city or have lived there your entire life, how much have you done around town? Have you visited all the museums, shopping spots, or weekend farmer’s markets? Find out what is happening downtown and do something you might enjoy. You can make friends in person or try a new restaurant. Shops, restaurants, and festivals change all the time. Even if you think you’ve done everything, try to branch out. Traveling locally is cost-effective and accessible. Experiencing new sights and scenes is a lot more immersive without a screen distraction.

Go Camping or Hiking

If you crave a change of pace in the outdoor scenery, consider going on a nature walk or camping session. Bring some friends, lace up some good walking or hiking boots, and see how much wildlife you can find. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife from a distance, especially birds in trees. You can learn about local camping and hiking spots where you live, or make a fun road trip out of it. It doesn’t matter if you camp in a tent, drive an RV, or rent out a nearby wood cabin, as long as you’re having fun and connecting with nature. Make sure you brush up on wilderness and hiking safety tips before you head out.

Volunteer in Your Community

Have you ever given back to your community in your free time? It’s not as boring as it sounds. Think about a local animal shelter you could lend a hand with, or a soup kitchen you could add culinary expertise to. You can even help build houses for families or join a blood drive. There are so many diverse things to do that can help those in need. Volunteer work also looks excellent on a resume, college application, or scholarship essay.

Try a New Painting

Trying your hand at a new art technique can be an engaging and exciting way to break away from doomscrolling. If you’re new to painting, choose a paint type and medium and try your hand at something creative. There’s no wrong way to get started. If you’re already a regular painter, try a different approach or medium. Take your canvas outside, or try out watercolors. Creativity can flex the brain muscles and give your stress levels a much-needed break.

Learn or Practice Pottery

Just like painting, making pottery can be very engaging and fun, whether you’re new to it or a seasoned pro. Try out a different type of pot or attend a fun pottery class to make some new connections. If pottery isn’t your style, you can try knitting or woodworking. Creativity takes many forms, and you don’t need a screen at all.

Cook a New Recipe

When was the last time you cooked a new recipe? Spending time in the kitchen is an excellent stress-reliever, and when you write a recipe down in advance, you don’t have to worry about scrolling through a bunch of text to get to the ingredients section. You can learn how to cook for yourself, or learn how to make a brand new meal. Choose something you’d enjoy making, whether it’s a savory dinner or a delicious dessert. You can make an adventure out of it by shopping for the finest ingredients or buying some new kitchen tools to try out. As a bonus, you can eat the treat you make!

Host a Backyard Party

Between work, school, family, and social media, it can be difficult to find time to spend with friends. You can use your digital detox as an excuse to host a social affair. Invite people to a backyard cookout or a pool party. If you’re limited in backyard space, you can always bring the party indoors and have a fun retro board game night—Twister, anyone? You can make it a fun challenge for others to disengage from screen time as well. Cooking, karaoke, or a spa night can also make for an excellent social affair. Choose a theme for your party if you want to go all out.

Read a Bestselling Novel

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a good book. Make your favorite coffee or tea, curl up with a blanket in a cozy spot, and read a book you’ve been eyeing lately. Check out the best seller list if you’re not up to date with popular books. Choose a genre that entices you, or challenge yourself to a different genre than usual. Visit your local library for some good recommendations, too. A page-turning novel can help you detach from technology easily.

Conclusion

There is a world of things to do out there that don’t require phones, social media, or texting. Spending time outside, engaging in a hobby, or learning a new skill helps your brain stay sharp and your stress levels low. A technology break can end the doomscrolling cycle and help you focus on what’s important around you. Don’t be afraid to get social or connect with your loved ones. When you allow your mind to relax, you can tackle life’s journeys with a fresh perspective.