It's easy for us to reach out to our mobile devices nowadays, especially when information is just a few clicks and taps away. There are a total of 6.4 billion smartphone users worldwide today, with an average of  6 hours and 56 minutes spent online per person each day, with the average American consuming about 34 gigabytes of data and information daily. 

We all know that internet connectivity and intelligent gadgets have brought plenty of convenience to our lives, making it run smoother, faster, easier. 

That said, having too much screen time pries us away from living in the present. Ok, you're probably thinking, 'But I need the internet to help me find a hobby,' and you're right. You're reading this very article online anyway, which is why we've created ten hobbies that you can do that don't involve screens (unless you need inspiration or need to do some research beforehand). 


Let's dive into it:

  • Knitting & Crocheting

Knitting and crocheting aren't only for our grandmothers. For many, knitting and crocheting is a meditative experience with its precise and repeated movements. There are plenty of patterns you can choose to use depending on your level of expertise. If you always liked crocheted or knitted crafts and items, this might be an excellent time to see if you can start a simple project of your own. The result is you have a handmade item, made with your own hands, which you can keep for your own or made into gifts. Who knows, if you do get good at it, you can start selling your craft. 


  • Start your bonsai

Plants give a calming effect, and while most don't need heavy or constant care, a bonsai, on the other hand, requires some form of gentle loving. Imagine after a hard day, full of back-to-back meetings or needing to attend to thousands of things at one go, you come home to your family. After everyone is asleep, you go about watering your bonsai, trimming its leaves and branches. It gives a very calming effect to the body, and you'll find your stress gradually melting away in the quietness of the night. 


  • Cooking or baking

For many people, cooking and baking are two different things, and it brings its own meditative experience to the pursuer. Some people love the measurements and calculations, the precise ingredients that go into baking. In contrast, some people love the fluidity and flexibility of adding various ingredients to a dish, adapting it on the way to make it delicious. Both of these hobbies don't require screens and are a great stress reliever; the outcome is, of course, delicious. Many people find cooking and baking a pleasurable experience, especially when they can share it with friends and family. 


  • Fishing

If you prefer something more toward the outdoors, fishing is an excellent form of a relaxing and calming hobby to take on. Imagine sitting in your boat, in the middle of a calm lake, with the soft rays of the sun caressing your skin as you draw a line into the lake, waiting for a fish to catch your bait. With the right equipment and the right https://www.meltontackle.com/manufacturers/penn-fishing/reels, you'll be able to catch some fish in no time. Fishing is a great way to have some fun, enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air. 


  • Jogging or hiking

The idea of sweating and using your muscles and body may not paint a pretty picture for many people. But jogging and hiking is another way to cultivate a hobby without a screen. Hiking is another way to explore the outdoors, go to places with not much foot traffic, immerse yourself in the wilderness and reach the top of a mountain or hill to catch the rising or setting sun. Jogging is therapeutic too, just put your headphones on and jog at your own pace, feeling the wind on your skin, being one with your thoughts or just enjoying the music. Both hobbies result in a release of endorphins and a slimmer waistline. 


  • Painting, coloring, drawing and doodling

These are just some of the many ways to express yourself. Before you think 'I'm not good at it, the point is not to do it because you're good at it or you need to be good at it. You're doing this because it enriches you, nourishes your mind and soul, it brings you peace. Along the way, as you keep at this hobby, you learn new techniques, you learn new abilities you never knew you had. It makes you a much more interesting person. Drawing, painting, coloring or doodling also improves your sensory and motor skills. It's a very therapeutic process that is often recommended by therapists too. 


  • Trying Origami

Origami crafts only require paper- no glue, no scissors and no screens. There are plenty of videos of how to make origami crafts. While this does involve screen time, limit your exposure to learning a new folding method and then redoing it without the aid of a Youtube tutorial. It's a fascinating craft that involves a piece of square paper, and you can turn it into many things, from a leaping frog to a crane. This hobby also develops eye-hand coordination, patience, memory and attention skills. 


  • Piecing together a puzzle

If you'd like a simple, fuss-free, quick and easy-on-the-learning-curve hobby, then jigsaw puzzles might be something you can try. Today, you can find jigsaw puzzles of any shape and type, ranging from art deco-type puzzles to charts; some come in round shapes and triangles too. 


  • Art crafts

Resin and clay are some of the easiest ways to start an art craft hobby and use the craft you made. You can make trays, coasters and jewelry holders using these simple ingredients. There is a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to some crafts, so learning the basics of each art helps. This is more for people who like more of a challenge or would like to try their hands on something entirely new. 


  • Calligraphy 

The hypnotic movement of a writing instrument of your choice gliding on paper to form alphabets is a soothing, calming hobby. Calligraphy can be done anywhere and anytime. If you love journaling, then calligraphy only adds that magic touch to your notes. You only need pens and paper to do this. This is a fulfilling and experimental experience since the outcome of your writing is entirely your own.