Operation Less Digital Time
Hello everyone, Happy New Year! I took a little time off after Christmas to reflect, align with my goals and rest before and during the first few days of the new year. I am so excited for this new year and what it will bring!
One of my goals for the new year is to spend less time on anything digital and spend more time doing things that will grow my mind, body and soul. I have had some trouble thinking of things to do instead of sitting and watching tv after work or during the weekends because that’s what I was conditioned for so long. It’s quite sad really. Kids don’t go outside to play anymore, families are on their phones at the dinner table when they go out to eat, parents give kids tablets while out so they don’t cry. We are all so conditioned to look to digital products to keep us entertained when there is so much life to experience!
So this year one thing I promised myself was to get out of that habit. I don’t really go on social media besides Tumblr so I don’t have an issue with that, mine is TV because I love Netflix and watching movies so I’ve been spending time compiling a list of things to do instead of scroll or watch TV. I thought I’d share in case anyone else wants to embark on the same journey. I encourage you to consider it - life is meant to be lived, not watched!
Things To Do Instead of Scroll or Sit
*Inside
Try a new recipe, whether it’s baking or cooking - if it calls to you, keep some for yourself and share the rest with your neighbor or someone who could use a pick me up in your life
Meditate and connect with the universe
Grab a book, a blanket and a hot beverage and get lost in another world
Do some yoga - try a new pose if you do yoga regularly
Start learning a new language, I’m sure you have at least one language you would love to learn - start!!
Try baking bread
Declutter your space
Paint
Draw
Start learning that instrument you’ve been saying you want to learn
Learn embroidery
Learn to sew
Journal and discover something new about yourself
Learn about wine, how to hold glasses of white wine versus red wine, what wine pairs the best with what cheeses and meats, etc. -useful knowledge to have trust me
Have a dance party by yourself - cliché but it really helps with becoming more comfortable with yourself and your body
Give yourself a DIY at home spa treatment
Try something you normally wouldn’t do - challenge yourself and write a song if you can’t sing, challenge yourself and write a story if you’re not comfortable with writing, etc.
Rearrange your furniture in a room - don’t underestimate how shifting a room shifts your energy for the better
Create a photo wall in a room of your choice - fill it with images that motivate and inspire you
Invite a friend or family member over for tea and good conversation
Take a long bath with candles, a book, wine or tea and just genuinely relax
If you have a business idea for the love of God, sit down and START
*Outside
Go on a walk, rain or shine
Go to a local bookstore and stroll the shelves - if you can, buy a book
Go to your local library and see what free classes they’re offering
Ride your bike (weather permitting obvi)
Visit a museum
Visit your local historical society if your town has one - it’s actually really cool to learn about the history of the town you live in
Take acting classes if that’s something you’re into
Start horseback riding lessons - one I can’t wait to start in the Spring
Go to the mall and try stuff on to help you define your style, then treat yourself to one or two items
Visit a local hole in the wall coffee shop, bring a book or a friend to converse with - try a drink your normally wouldn’t
Volunteer at your local shelter - so rewarding
Sign up for meetup.com, see what events are being held in your area and actually attend
Visit an art gallery
Go to a paint and sip class
Be a tourist in your city
Take yourself out to a restaurant - sit alone, bring a book, people watch, take yourself out on a date
Take yourself out of your comfort zone and take a fitness class you normally wouldn’t consider - pole dancing, zumba, crossfit, etc.
Go to the movies alone - I know this one includes something digital but I consider it okay because it’s an act of dating yourself. Going to the movies alone is soooo underrated!!
Find a nature trail that’s new to you and walk it - no music just you, nature and your thoughts
As you can see, a lot of the suggestions above are designed to challenge ourselves, to take you out of your comfort zone. Growth and new experiences do not happen in comfort zones. So, in this new year let’s focus on living our lives, expanding our mind, taking care of our body, making memories - with ourselves and our friends and family! Much love to you all.
-DK
