Ways to Unplug This Summer

Determined to spend less time on your phone, but don’t know where to start?

We’ve got you covered! Our team has compiled a list of our favorite tech-free activities for you to implement this summer!

Enjoy the silence, carve out 5 minutes of quiet contemplation.

Start a new routine and increase the quiet time to 10, 15, or 30 minutes a day. You might find it hard to carve out this time but try some creative work arounds like if you commute and you are not driving. Spend this time blocking the outside distractions and focusing on the quiet contemplation.
Ask a friend for a book recommendation and go to the library and borrow a hard copy of the book to read.

Start reading the book at the library without interruption for at least 30 minutes.
Take a walk, hike or bike ride in a local park or nature preserve.

If you can, explore a new park or nature preserve in your area.
Find a special place outside where you can get lost in your thoughts.

Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature around you. Open your eyes and look at the trees and notice the birds and other animals around you. Take some deep breaths and empty your mind of distracting thoughts.
Create a picnic in your backyard or a local park.

If you are inviting friends or family, ask them to bring their favorite dish.
Go to a local beach or pool and relax.

Go swimming if you like or at least spend some time in the water if you can.
Start or continue a hobby outdoors like gardening or fishing.

If you garden then start growing something new, like a favorite flower or vegetable.
Explore where you live, you might be surprised by what you find.

Go to a local historical sight or a museum if you have one nearby. Stay away from the recorded tours and make your own way through the museum. Check if your area has any outdoor festivals this summer that interest you.
Try a new recipe or bake something new.

Try recreating a favorite dish or a baked good from one of your favorite restaurants.
Try a new restaurant that you have wanted to go to.
Go to your favorite cafe, order a drink that you like and then get lost in a book.
If you have a pet or animals, spend more time with them.

Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to get exercise for your dog and yourself!
Take the time and effort to meet up with a friend that you haven’t seen in a while to reconnect.
Take a mini day vacation to a location within an hour or two and then explore the town or the outdoors there.

You might be surprised at what a change of scenery can do for you.
Renew your connection with a neighbor or meet a new neighbor.

Make the effort to foster more face to face community connections. These types of connections are the most meaningful.
Signup to volunteer at your church, local library or another organization that you love.

You can check out the needs at a few of your favorite organizations first and then decide where you want to volunteer your time.
Perform some random acts of kindness like helping an elderly neighbor with their groceries or taking out their trash.
Treat yourself well with selfcare.

Go to a spa for a treatment or make your own spa at home. Selfcare can be as small as going to bed on time every night so you are well rested.
Build something with your hands.

Depending on your skills, build something from scratch or a kit.
Work on a puzzle.

Pick out a puzzle with a theme close to your heart!
Play cards or a board game with friends or family.

You can play the old school games or buy a newer game.
Join a sports league for softball, volleyball, soccer or another sport you like.

If you don’t want to play, then set some time aside to watch a game or a different outdoor event like a concert.
Start a journal and write in your journal daily even if you only write short entries in the beginning.
Start an arts and crafts project such as painting, drawing or knitting.

Think about if there is anything that you ever wanted to try like quilting or building a birdhouse?
Get rid of the clutter in your living space.

Make your living area a reflection of your best self. You might be surprised how much removing physical clutter helps to unclutter your mind.
Share your talents with others.

Think of some creative ways to share your talents and then take some time to give without expecting anything in return.
Significantly reduce your time on your phone, computer and social media for a week.

Try to make this a new habit.
Spend more time with the people you love without phones and other distractions.

Take the time to really connect, ask questions and listen.
What makes you happy when you are not on your phone, computer ect? Do more of that.