32 Screen-Free Activities for Adults for Screen-Free Week

Today, I’ll be sharing 32 screen-free activities for adults for screen-free week.

When we hear the words screen time, usually kids come to mind and how they’re supposed to be limited in screen time. But that should go for adults too.

If you’re an adult, it’s time to disconnect from your favorite devices and reconnect with the real world! We live in a digital world, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun without screens.

I know what you’re thinking: what am I supposed to do all day if I’m not looking at my phone? Well, worry not: there are plenty of non-screen activities adults can do instead!

Why You Should go Screen-Free

There are many reasons to go screen-free, but most importantly, it’s just a lot of fun. Here are some of the main benefits:

• You can connect with family and friends in real life instead of through social media or video chat.
• You can get back in touch with your creative side by doing something artistic or crafty (like painting, drawing or even writing).
• You may find yourself sleeping better at night because you’re not spending so much time staring at a screen before bedtime.
• You’re able to live more in the present and truly enjoy life.

How to Go Screen-Free for Screen-Free Week

Screen-free week is May 1-7 this year. If you’re ready to go screen-free for Screen-Free Week. Here’s how:

Plan your week. Make a list of things you can do during the week, and another one that includes weekend activities.

Set a goal. Are there any apps or websites that are distracting and time-wasting? If so, block them! You might also want to set aside some time where no screens are allowed at all (like during dinner)

Screen-Free Activities for Adults

Screen-Free Hobbies

Here are some screen-free hobbies that you can keep up even after screen-free week! I think it’s good for everyone to have at least one or two hobbies.

They should be something you’re interested in and actually have fun doing!

Read a book.

Reading is one of the best ways to relax and get your mind off of things. It’s also good for your health because you can specifically read books for personal growth. If you’re feeling stressed out or just want something engaging to do, try reading a book!

Reading will help keep your brain active, which is good for both mental health and physical health.

In addition, reading may reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels while increasing dopamine production according to an article published by Psychology Today magazine (2018).

Listen to music on vinyls or tape cassettes.

You can listen to music on vinyls or tape cassettes, which are very relaxing and inspiring. Music will help you relax, focus, and sleep!

Of course you can listen to music on your phone too, but listening to them on vinyls almost makes you feel more in touch (for me anyway).

Have fun dancing away to the music!

Use a camera to take photos.

If you have a camera and know how to use it, take pictures of people, places and things that interest you. This can be a great way to capture memories for yourself and others.

If you don’t already, you can learn how to use a camera, especially if it’s a DSLR.

Write in a Journal

Writing about your day is a great way to get all of the thoughts and feelings out of your head, so that they don’t continue to linger there and build up into something bigger. It can also help you remember things that happened, which is especially helpful if you’re keeping a journal for future reference.

Write about feelings or goals in life. The more we write down our thoughts on paper, the less likely we are to forget them later on down the road (or even right away). Keeping track of these things will keep them fresh in your mind–and hopefully inspire some new ideas along with them!

Write about memories from childhood/adulthood/anytime period at all! Here are some journal prompts to heal your inner child.

Do a DIY Project

Doing a DIY project is a great way no screen activity. You can make something for your house, your pet, or someone you love.

A great way to do this is by taking some scraps from around the house–threads from old clothing, fabric scraps from projects gone wrong–and turning them into something new and fun.

Cook a New Meal

Cooking is a great way to relax and spend time with your family. It can also be a fun hobby, especially if you have children who are interested in helping out in the kitchen. If you’ve never cooked before, this is the perfect opportunity to get started!

Cooking can save money by allowing you to eat at home instead of going out for every meal or snack. You can learn new recipes from books, magazines, TV shows and the internet–or even try out something new just because it looks good!

Paint or Color

Painting is a great way to express yourself and relax. You don’t have to be an artist, either. If you’re looking for something more structured than just painting on canvas, there are plenty of adult coloring books available at bookstores or online.

Coloring with friends or family members is also fun. If you have kids who love art, try working on some projects together!

Have a Board Game Night

Board games are a great way to connect with friends and family. They’re also an excellent way to let off steam, have fun, and get out of your comfort zone.

There’s a ton of different board games/card games you can try, Here are some board game night ideas

• Monopoly
• Poker
• Clue
• Uno

Play Outdoor Games

There are plenty of fun games that can be played outdoors, and they can help keep you active. These are a great way to reduce your screen time and have fun on a sunny day.

• Frisbee golf
• Horseshoes
• Four square
• Cornhole

Plant Some Seeds

Get your green thumbs out and try out gardening! Planting seeds is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, as well as learn about gardening.

You can plant seeds in your garden or in pots on your windowsill, or you can even plant them in eggshells!

If you want something small to keep inside, try planting herbs, like cilantro, mint, or basil.

Make a Bucket List

One of the best ways to stay motivated is by writing down your goals and making a plan to achieve them.

For example: if you want to travel the world, create a bucket list of all the places you’d like to visit. Then start checking off items on your list one by one as you save money and get closer to reaching each goal! You could also ask friends or family members for advice on how they achieved their own goals. If they have any tips that might help you along the way (and they probably will), be sure not only listen but also implement what they say into your life!

As soon as something big happens in our lives–such as graduating college or getting married–we often forget about all those little steps it took us there in order for us reach where we are today (and those were pretty huge).

By celebrating every little accomplishment along with sharing it with others who care about us, we’ll stay motivated throughout our journey towards success because no matter how big or small these accomplishments may seem now; at least one person will always remember them fondly: ourselves!

Knit/Crotchet

Knitting is a great way to relax and get your mind off of the stress of everyday life. It’s also good for your health, as it helps you sleep better, increases blood flow in the body, and releases endorphins that make us feel happy!

You can use knitting as a social activity with friends or family members. There’s all kinds of cute things you can knit or crotchet, such as stuffed animals or a sweater.

Write a Story or Poem

Writing is a great creative outlet and screen-free activity for adults. Try writing a short story or a poem.

You can write about something that happened to you or even start on that fantasy novel you’e always wanted to write.

Work on a Scrapbook

Scrapbooking is a fun way to reminisce, and you can make a scrapbook for anyone. From your children to your grandparents, it’s a great way to document their lives. There are many different types of scrapbooks you can make.

You can make a scrapbook full of printed photos. You can also add things like tickets from movies you’ve seen or places you’ve been.

Relaxing Screen-Free Activities

If you’re not interested in starting a new hobby, you can also do screen-free activities for adults that are more relaxing. It’s important to incorporate self care into your life!

Paint Your nails

When I want to do something to make me feel better, one of my favorite things to do is paint my nails.

You can also go get your nails done at a salon or get a pedicure.

Take a Bath

Another relaxing no screen activity is taking a bath. If I’ve had a stressful week, that’s the perfect way to come back down and relax.

Bring a book or relaxing music, light a candle, and take you a nice long bubble bath.

Stretch

When it comes to self care, stretching is often forgotten, but that’s one of my favorite self care activities to do.

Stretch is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, and it can be done anywhere–even in your office! Stretching helps relieve tension in your muscles, improves circulation and digestion, and even increases flexibility (which makes it easier for you to move around). It also helps improve posture.

Stretching should be gentle: don’t force any movement that doesn’t feel comfortable or natural for you; if something hurts or feels too difficult then take it easy! You may notice that as you become more flexible over time, some stretches become easier while others become harder–that’s normal! Just focus on whatever feels good at the time; there’s no right or wrong way of doing things here 🙂

Have a Spa Day

Spa days are a great way to relax and de-stress. They can be done at home, or you can go to a spa if you have the money!

Spa treatments like massages, facials and manicures are all relaxing ways of treating yourself. You will feel like a new person after such a treatment!

Having a spa day is a great way to reset and make you more confident.

Take Yourself on a Date

Another great no screen activity is to take yourself on a date. I think this is something we don’t do enough of because we’re so scared to do anything by ourselves. You can

• Take yourself out to dinner.
• Go to a movie, concert or play.
• Go on a hike, walk through the park and enjoy nature in all its glory.
• Visit an art gallery or museum (or two).

If you are feeling adventurous, why not pack up some snacks and head out on a road trip? Any of these screen-free activities will make you feel better!

Here are some more ideas for taking yourself on a date.

Go to a Class

If you want to try something new, check out some local classes near you. There are all kinds, like cooking, ceramics, painting, etc.

Get some Exercise

Exercising is one of the best ways to improve your mental and physical health. Exercise helps you sleep better, reduces stress, improves your mood and energy levels–and all of these things can help you manage depression or anxiety.

Write a letter to someone

Writing a letter to someone can kind of feel weird to be honest, but it will mean so much to you and them. Write to someone you love and let them know how much they mean to you.

Go outside and enjoy nature

Studies show that being in nature improves your mood and reduces stress. Any time I need a pick-me-up, I head outside and just sit or go for a walk.

Going outside is one of the best screen-free activities for adults. There’s a ton of stuff you can do. You can go chill in a hammock, go for a hike, just sit outside, or play sound outdoor games.

Go on a Picnic

If you’re looking for a way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, go on a picnic! Picnics are an easy way to spend time outdoors while enjoying some quality family time.

Pick a nice spot near where you live or in the park and bring food that is easy to prepare and eat. You could even make it into an activity by bringing games or activities like Frisbee or badminton with you!

Spend Quality Time with your Loved Ones

Next, one of the most meaningful screen-free activities for screen-free week is spending quality time with your loved ones. That can be whatever is meaningful for all of you like:

• Have a family game night
• Go on a picnic
• Spend time with friends
• Do an activity together, like hiking or biking. If you don’t know what to do, check out our article on outdoor activities for adults!
• Go to the movies
• Visit museums or art galleries nearby
• Spend time cuddling or talking (or both)

Find Local Live Music

You can go to a small venue or even just listen to some live music at home.

If it’s not too late in the evening, go out with friends and see what bands are playing around town. Maybe there’s something going on at your favorite coffee shop! Or maybe even at a bar or restaurant that has live entertainment on certain nights of the week (or month).

If there aren’t any local artists performing where you live right now, try searching online for some shows coming up nearby that would be worth checking out.

Go for a Drive

Going for a drive is a great way to spend time with yourself. You can listen to an audio book, music or just enjoy the silence. If you want to take things up a notch, try finding an interesting place to visit on your journey!

Bring some food and drinks along with you so that when you get there, it will be easier for everyone involved (including yourself) if we decide not only want but need something else other than our phones!

Productive Screen-Free Activities

If you feel the need to be productive, you can also spend some time doing these productive screen-free activities.

Re-Organize your Closet

Start by going through your closet and bagging up everything that you haven’t worn in the past year. You can donate or sell it.

Once you’ve done that, make sure everything has it’s place. You can choose just how organized you want it to be.

Work on a Home Project

If you’ve been wanting to start a new project, screen-free week is the perfect time to do that.

Whether it’s a quick DIY or painting your kitchen cabinets, start or finish that home project that you’ve been putting off.

Clean your Kitchen

Cleaning your kitchen is another great no screen activity (maybe not the most fun, but you’ll feel better). Here are some things you can do.

• Clean out your refrigerator.
• Clean and disinfect your stove, oven, and microwave.
• Scrub down the sink, cabinets and countertops.
• Reorganize your cabinets
• Vacuum floors (or mop them if they’re tile).

Organize your Mail/Important Documents

Once every few weeks, I like to go through and organize my mail based on categories, like car, house, bank statements, medical bills, or mail I can throw away.

I like to file it away in a file folder. You can also use a notebook to keep track of ideas and thoughts, or a spreadsheet to keep track of expenses, income and debt payments (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Declutter One Room at a Time

There’s a reason why people love to declutter their homes: it feels good. Getting rid of clutter and organizing your space can be an amazing feeling, but it can also be overwhelming if you try to do everything at once. The key is to start small and take one area at a time so that you don’t get overwhelmed by the task at hand.

If you’ve got a lot of stuff piled up around your home, start with something small like cleaning out your closet or kitchen cabinets. Once those areas are decluttered, move onto another section until all rooms in your house are organized and free from piles of junk!

Screen-Free Activities for Adults Summed Up

Whether it’s for one day or just screen-free week, disconnecting from technology can be a good thing. It gives us time to relax, spend time with loved ones and even get some exercise! I hope you enjoyed these screen-free activities for adults.