For when you need a break from the doom-scrolling.
It goes without saying that the pandemic would have been (even more) unbearable without our devices.
Recently, our social media feeds have been the only way to keep in touch with the outside world, and our weekends would have been pretty long without those regular Netflix marathons too.
But if you've dared to look at your screen-time lately, you'll know that too much of a good thing does in fact exist and, even during Level 5 lockdown, there comes a time when a digital detox is needed.
So, if you're looking for some other activities to keep you away from your screens, here are a few things to do this weekend that don't involve technology.
1. Revisit an old hobby
We all have some once beloved pastimes that we've let slip, and there's no better time than now to revisit the hobbies that used to bring you joy. Tackle that to-read pile, whip out the knitting needles or rediscover that love for photography that you've neglected - it's sure to kill some time and you might even rediscover a forgotten source of happiness.
2. Spend a bit more time outdoors
Okay, hear us out with this one.
We know that going for a walk is one of the only things there is to do these days and we're sure you already have a few scheduled in for the weekend. But challenging yourself to spend a bit more time outside than usual will not only pass some time, but it's sure to boost your mood and energy levels too.
And if you're starting to get bored of your regular walks or runs, there's ways to change things up a bit too. You could set yourself a new fitness challenge or goal, or maybe bring along your camera and capture some of the hidden gems within your 5K.
3. Get artsy
All this free time is the perfect excuse to embrace your artistic side and getting creative is a great escape from our not-so-exciting reality.
If you're not usually the artsy type, you can try your hand at painting or pick up some adult colouring books to get you started. And if you're feeling extra creative, why not embrace your inner Stacey Solomon and try your hand at some
DIY home decor too.
4. Revamp your living space
In the early stages of the pandemic, a lot of us took to re-decorating or
decluttering our living spaces and, for some of us, we're approaching a time where a change of scenery could be beneficial again.
Dedicating the weekend to re-decorating your bedroom is not only a great pastime, but a change in your surroundings may be exactly what you need to get through these final few months of working from home.
5. Clean out your car
If you're a driver, you'll know that this is a task that's often forgotten, neglected or actively avoided. But it has to be done sooner or later and there's no time like the present!
And with restrictions slowly starting to ease, it's possible you'll be on the road a lot more in the coming months, so it's well worth dedicating an hour this weekend to trashing any forgotten coffee cups or wrappers, wiping down those windscreens and hoovering out your car.
6. Have an at-home spa evening
If there was ever a time to treat yourself, it's now.
An evening of relaxation and a bit of pampering has never been so well-deserved, so run yourself a bath, pop on a face mask and give yourself a nice manicure to celebrate making it through another week.
7. Follow a new recipe
Challenging yourself to try a new recipe is a great way to pass some time and you'll have a delicious treat to sample at the end of it too!
Be it a tasty savoury dish, baking a new sweet treat or even trying your hand at a cocktail recipe, there's sure to be something out there to match your cravings!
