During the winter of 2024, Rachel Martin became an astonishing recognition. She spent most of her free time staring at the screen. “I couldn’t really think about the hobbies I’ve taken from the digital world or what I did,” she said.
In entertainment such as watching TV, playing video games, and making digital art, 33-year-old Martin has spent more than 12 hours a day. Looking at the screen. She was craving an analog alternative.
After some trial and error, she found one: Journaling Fountain pen and special ink. “It’s a very cool tactile experience,” she said, and unexpectedly socially changed when she began taking part in a meetup for fountain pen lovers in Sydney, Australia.
“It’s something I definitely didn’t think I would love,” she said.
Martin had a special motivation to avoid the device – she has chronic migraines and the screen is the trigger for her – but many share her goals.
Adopting a new hobby is an effective way to take a break from the screen. (Martin is considering selling her TV.) And, as an added bonus, fun entertainment reduces stress, Improves mental and physical healthstudies suggest.
However, finding a screen-free hobby that sticks to is easier said than done. Where should you start:
This article is part of the AP’s proper coverage focused on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. read more.
Combining fun activities is fine
Some people feel pressured to find a “ideal” hobby that perfectly optimizes their free time, but that’s not the case, says Sarah Pressman, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, who studied leisure time.
“It’s a mix of small, fun activities — making something new, cooking a bit of pickle balls, chatting with friends over coffee, or spending time in the garden can have a cumulative impact on your mood and health,” she said. “So, rather than putting pressure on yourself to find the perfect entertainment, ask, “What brings me a little joy today?” ”
Similarly, there is no need to fill in hours for the hobby to be beneficial, says Matthew Zawaziki, an associate professor of psychological science at the University of California, who studied hobby, is Merced.
Start small by thinking about activities that will fill you up in 20, 10 or even 5 minutes at a time.
“We really need to accept a small engagement with leisure,” he said. Especially given that there are many other requests in our time.
Entertainment may not reset your life. “Instead, it will reset at the next time,” Zawaziki said.
Try a lot
Cast widenet.
“We tested some activities for 30 minutes each and realized how they made you feel,” Pressman said. “Think like a date. You may need to go to some first dates before you find a match.”
Think about your childhood activities that you love, or how you naturally lose time, she suggested.
It could also be helpful to consider what you lack or hope for more in your daily life, Zawadzki said. If you feel like you’re sitting too much, try a new form of fitness. If you need to get out of your mind, grab the book you’re hooked on. If you feel hunger for social connection, join a club or volunteer. If you haven’t used creative muscles in a while, get a paintbrush.
“It’s more intentional about how you spend your time,” Zawaziki said.
Please ask for recommendations
“It’s difficult to think past what we’re doing now,” Zawaziki said. Therefore, outsource your search.
Just as you ask your friends for recommendations for books or films, ask what activities you would recommend to someone who has your interests or preferences for your loved ones. Make sure you are also aware of financial, time, or spatial constraints.
Make sure your hobby is as accessible as screen time…
If you’re used to spending the night in front of the TV, even if you find a rewarding hobby, it can be difficult to make those times a new use.
“The screen is very easy,” said Gabriella Toniet, an associate professor of marketing at Rutgers Business School, who studied leisure time.
So, rather than storing sketchpads or crossword puzzles before you get distracted by the screen, you can clearly store your gaze and flow directly into your hobby time.
Set specific goals (not just “want to reduce screen time” but “read for an hour before bed”), carving out the specified time for your activities and registering hobbyists for accountability all helps you stick to your entertainment.
…But don’t beat yourself if the screen wins from time to time.
Screen times are not inherently bad, Zawadzki said. Watching a movie with your family can be a bonding activity, especially if you talk about it – and catching up with a juicy TV show on the treadmill may motivate you to exercise.
“It can be positive for any type of activity,” he said. “But you need to optimize it a little to provide your goals,” and set a cap on how much time you spend on vegetables.
If you can’t quit your screen-based hobby completely, don’t try too hard on yourself. They may have some benefits too – and recognizing them is half the battle. Toniet’s Research suggests By watching wasted viewing time, you can make it more enjoyable and useful.
“Step 1 actually experiences that positivity when engaging in these activities,” Toniet said. “The result is more relaxed, less stressful and I feel happy.”
