We know lockdown’s made it SO tempting to binge-watch all that Netflix has to offer and we’ve been having a good old noughties nostalgia fest now Disney+ has been introduced this side of the pond, but between that, working from home on our laptops and endlessly scrolling through social media when we’re bored, it’s easy to clock up far too much screen time.
Sometimes you just need to give your eyes a rest from all that blue light so if you’re wondering how to fill your free time while taking a break from technology, look no further as we’ve put together a guide to the best hobbies you can get into at home that don’t require a screen.
Here's all the essentials you need to start a new hobby at home...
10 hobbies to pick up if you need a break from your screen
1 of 10Baking
Who better to teach you how to bake than the undisputed queen of cakes, Mary Berry? Her Baking Bible includes 250 foolproof recipes that'll having you whipping up muffins, scones and sponges in no time. There's absolutely no shame it eating your way through lockdown – we're all doing it, hun.
£20.25
- Rrp: £26.00
2 of 10Planting
Get outdoors and get planting to introduce some colour to your garden and get some much-needed fresh air. No garden? No problem – why not grow your own veg or herbs in a window box? This tool set contains everything you'll need to plant, weed and prune.
3 of 10Crosswords
While we all love mindlessly binge-watching Netflix all day (Tiger King marathon? Yes plz), it's important to keep your brain active to keep the self-isolation cabin fever at bay. Crosswords are an easy way to keep everything ticking upstairs and you'll emerge from lockdown a fully-fledged wordsmith. Win win.
4 of 10Yoga
Okay, so we're not able to go the gym but there's plenty of ways you can get your workout on from the comfort of your own home. Stick on your best activewear, roll out this yoga mat and get practicing your downward dog. If yoga's not your thing, this exercise mat – which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use – can be used for Pilates, gymnastics and ab exercises.
5 of 10Colouring
Adult colouring books are a fun way to relieve stress and keep your anxiety at bay during such testing times AND you get to let your creative juices flow. This hilariously sweary book is a firm fave and great for scribbling away that lockdown frustration.
£4.79
6 of 10Nails
Let's face it, we could all do with some TLC right now so why not treat yourself to perfectly pampered nails from the comfort of your own home? This kit from high street fave Sally Hansen has everything you need to give yourself the ultimate manicure, including two polishes, a top coat and a nourishing cuticle oil.
7 of 10Knitting
Put down your phone and pick up the knitting needles. If it's good enough for the editors of Vogue, it's good enough for us. This thorough handbook is basically the knitting bible and includes how-tos for sweaters, shawls, socks, hats and more as well as comprehensive guides to different knitting styles. You'll be a pro in no time.
8 of 10Scrapbooking
Before there was Instagram, the only way to show off your best snaps was a photo album or scrapbook so why not old school? You can get as creative as you want and it will make a great gift when finished.
9 of 10Learn a language
If anyone knows about learning a language it's Gabriel Wyner, who taught himself to speak six languages fluently by the age of 30. After reading this, you'll be more than able to sharpen up your rusty GCSE Spanish.
10 of 10Puzzles
Sales of puzzles have gone through the roof since we all began self-isolating and it's not hard to see why. Sitting down with a glass of wine and a puzzle in the evening is the classiest way to de-stress.
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How to reduce your screen time
It's easy to become attached to our phones and devices, especially given our current circumstances but excessive use has been linked to anxiety. There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your screen time.
Stop using devices an hour before bed: Switching off your screen an hour before you go to sleep will help you get a better night's rest. Pick up a book instead.
Invest in an alarm clock: Most of us use our phones as an alarm but one minute you're turning it off and the next you've been scrolling Instagram for half an hour. It's an easy trap to fall into but investing in a traditional alarm clock will keep distractions at bay.
Leave your phone behind: If you're heading outside for your daily exercise, leave your behind and get in tune with your surroundings.