In this post, I’ll be sharing some engaging creative hobbies and activities to try instead of reaching for your phone.
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As a digital artist, I often find myself seeking new and innovative projects to work on, experimenting with different mediums to keep things fresh. Not only does this provide a much-needed break from screen time, but it also aligns with my multi-passionate personality. Whether it’s crafting jewelry, creating new mocktail recipes, or sewing a quick fashion DIY project, my mind is always in motion. If you’re like me and have never experienced a moment of boredom, then this post is sure to resonate with you.
This year, I’ve set out to create purely for enjoyment. I’ve been searching for a hobby that’s both fun and creative, something that takes me away from the digital world and allows me to work with more tangible mediums. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to draw, cut, paste, or collage something from scratch, just for the sake of it.
Today, I’m excited to explore 7 fun and engaging creative hobbies that will captivate your attention and take you away from your phone. But before we dive in, let me share my top three reasons why you should embark on a digital detox journey. By understanding why unplugging is crucial, we can start prioritizing it instead of viewing it as a mere luxury.
Why we could all use a digital detox sometimes
Information Overload
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to take some time to disconnect from reality and unwind. I don’t believe human beings are meant to absorb the constant barrage of information we consume on a daily basis โ from 15-second video clips to shocking news articles and constant email notifications. It’s no wonder we’re often feeling overwhelmed but can’t exactly pinpoint why. To avoid that paralyzing and anxiety-inducing state of information overload, it’s crucial to take a step back from the chaos found in our tech devices to find peace and recharge.
Hands On
There are countless benefits to doing things with your hands. Whether you enjoy crafting, woodworking, or cooking, engaging in activities that require manual dexterity can stimulate creativity, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress. Finding a hands-on hobby that you love and makes you forget to check your phone, is an excellent way to pass the time, disconnect from your tech devices, and live in the present moment.
Present & Productive
Speaking of being in the present moment, this is vital for our well-being. One way to achieve this is by making time for a digital detox every day. This will help you avoid the endless sinkhole of scrolling through social media or watching videos that offer no real value. Instead, you can dedicate this time to exploring a creative hobby, developing new skills, and producing something that is both tangible and meaningful.
7 creative things to do instead of reaching for your phone
1. Art Journaling – Art journaling is a fun and relaxing way to express yourself through creativity. It involves creating a visual diary of your thoughts, experiences, and ideas using various art materials such as paints, markers, and ephemera. You can create mixed media collages, include personal writing, or center each page around a specific theme.
The process of art journaling allows you to focus on the present moment and immerse yourself in the creative process, which can be a great way to forget about the distractions of technology and social media. Not only is art journaling a great way to unwind and de-stress, but it can also be a therapeutic practice that helps you reflect on your emotions and inner thoughts.
2. Coloring or Tracing – Coloring can be a relaxing and meditative activity that doesn’t require much preparation, set up time, or materials. Whether you’re using a coloring book or printable pages, the repetitive motion and focus required can be very calming. Plus, you get the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and unique, no matter your drawing skill level.
There are tons of great adult coloring books available in many different themes to choose from. You can go for intricately designed mandalas or more basic line art shapes with larger areas for coloring. All you need is a set of markers or colored pencils to get lost in a few hours of creative freedom.
Another alternative to coloring is tracing. Tracing can be helpful for those days when you can’t be bothered to pick out a color palette or are in the mood for a more simplified activity. You can find various tracing books, such as this one, or print outline art designs at a lower opacity and trace over them with a fineliner pen, sharpie, or marker. Again, the repetitive nature of tracing combined with the focus it takes to neatly go over the lines will provide you with the perfect little escape from reality for a bit.
3. Diamond Painting – Diamond painting is another fun and engaging activity that involves creating a beautiful piece of art with tiny diamond gems. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as it provides a relaxing and soothing experience for people of all ages.
The process of diamond painting involves following a pattern and placing the diamonds onto the canvas using a special pen or tweezers. The end result is a stunning masterpiece that sparkles and shines, making it a super rewarding activity. Diamond painting kits come in a variety of designs and sizes, for all types of interests.
4. Embroidery – For those who enjoy working with their hands, embroidery is a great option that allows for endless creativity and personalization. Embroidery can be done on a variety of fabrics, from clothing to home decor items like pillows or blankets. It involves stitching designs or patterns onto the fabric using a needle and thread.
There are many different types of embroidery stitches that can be used to create a range of effects, from simple lines to intricate shapes and textures. Many people find that focusing on the stitching helps to calm their minds and reduce stress. The end result is a textile work of art that you’ll likely get addicted to creating – or so I’ve heard from embroidery enthusiasts!
5. Clay Crafts – Clay crafts can be a great stress reliever, as working with the material can be very therapeutic and calming. Clay is a versatile material that can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects, from simple trinket bowls and cups to intricate figurines and sculptures. It’s also a very forgiving material, allowing beginners to experiment and make mistakes without ruining their entire project. Plus, the finished products can make great gifts or decorations for your home.
6. Cooking / Baking – If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, cooking or baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby. The process of preparing and creating something can be very therapeutic. You can even take it a step further with cookie decorating, using icing and toppings to create beautiful and delicious treats. Tons of cookie decorating tutorials online that show the more creative side of baking. As a bonus, you also get to eat your delicious creations!
7. Origami – Origami is a serene and calming activity that can help you disconnect from technology and focus on the present moment. Whether you’re folding a simple crane or a more intricate design, origami is a great way to exercise your creativity and mindfulness.
Not only is origami a fun and engaging hobby, but it also has a number of mental and emotional benefits. Studies have shown that practicing origami can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve hand-eye coordination, and enhance cognitive function. Additionally, origami is a great way to improve patience and perseverance, as some designs require many hours of folding and concentration.
Bonus: If you’re looking for a way to stay creatively inspired, consider starting a large project, such as building or renovating a dollhouse. Not only will this provide you with a continuous source of inspiration, but it’s also something that you can work on at your own pace over time. Even on days when you’re feeling unproductive or stuck, you can always fall back on this project. Pursuing a larger project also provides a sense of accomplishment, since you’re working towards a long-term goal that you’ll eventually become emotionally invested in.
SHOP THIS POST:
In today’s world, technology and constant information consumption have become the norm. However, it’s essential to unplug from our devices and find peace by taking a step back. Engaging in hands-on, creative hobbies such as art journaling, coloring, or clay crafting, can provide a much-needed break from screen time and bring a sense of fulfillment and joy.
By indulging in a digital detox, you’ll give your mind, body, and soul the chance to recharge. Not to mention, you may even discover a new passion along the way. Happy creating!
Looking for more inspo!? Check out my Pinterest for tons of lifestyle and creative content… updated daily!
This post was all about creative hobbies that will make you forget to check your phone. If you like this content, check out these posts below!
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Xx- Laura
PS โ Follow along on Instagram for more posts and stories related to this topic!
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