Fun Things to Do at Home That Does Not Involve a TV Screen

I admit I love a good night in front of the TV as much as the next person. And yes, not everyone feels ashamed if they spend Sunday binge-watching old Game of Thrones reruns—it's called relaxation! But for countless people, spending way too many hours on screens from computers to TVs to cellphones isn't doing us any favors. Studies have shown that excessive time spent staring at these devices can cause health issues such as poor vision, headaches, or even insomnia. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine study found that excessive TV watching is linked to decreased cognitive functioning and even shrinking gray matter areas in brain regions responsible for the processing.

Technology can be a huge distraction, and many people are never entirely focused on what is happening around them. Even if it's just an hour or so during the day to have some time without technology, you will notice how much more relaxed you feel after taking that break from your electronics. This article shares favorite activities with friends and family who don't use screens. There's no need to go far away to enjoy these weekend-worthy events. Most of these can happen locally too! So open up those interior barn doors in the living room and try the suggestions below.

Cook or Bake

Now is the perfect time to try those recipes that you have wanted for a while now. We all know how food and mood are connected, and studies show cooking can help lower stress. Plus, there's something yummy waiting at the end of it all.

Drip Painting

Have some old art supplies lying around? Dig out the paint, a paintbrush, and a piece of canvas to make your very own drip painting. This abstract style popularized by Jackson Pollack is so easy! Merely pour/splash the colors on top of one another with no preconceived idea in mind—it will turn into something beautiful as you go along. Do you lack appropriate materials or time? Test out different utensils such as spoons and spatulas instead. For an even more unique twist, use cardboard pieces from cereal boxes that have been cut up like puzzle pieces upside down onto which to "paint."

Do a Puzzle

In addition to being a fun activity to do in your spare time, puzzles offer so much more. Some puzzles can improve your memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning abilities. One of the most popular puzzles among many people has been the 1000 piece puzzle. These puzzles can keep your mind occupied so much that you won't even realize how long it has taken you to complete the puzzle.

Practice Yoga

A yoga class can be both physically and mentally beneficial for you. If you have a long day at work or have just woken up after sleeping in on a lazy Sunday morning, with some stretches, you can help you shake off the stress. In studies that have been backed by science, it has been shown repeatedly that yoga has also been shown to have healing properties.

Meditate

It is well known that meditation is one of the cornerstone practices for mental health and has been that way since it was invented. In 2017, 14% of Americans engaged in meditative practices, compared to 4% in 2012. This goes to show that people are practicing meditation more often these days. Among the benefits you can get from meditation are the reduction of stress and anxiety and an increased attention span so that you will be able to focus on any (and all) aspects of life.

Play Board Games

If you do not feel like doing anything or want to leave, then board games can be an excellent replacement for those times. The best part of playing board games is that you can play them as many times a day as you want, and that is the best part about it! You can also try to let your creativity run wild by playing Charades or Pictionary to find some extra inspiration. If you're in a group with other friends, you can always find out exactly what they think regarding certain aspects of your life, since they might make up their cards letting you know just how well they know one another, or not so much.

Jaylin is a Staff Writer for Bizmaa focusing on business analytics, business systems, gadgets and other small business news. She has a background in information and communications technology coordination.