31 Things to Do Instead of Checking Your Phone

If we live in an era of intense FOMO, it's probably because our lines of communication are more expansive than ever. If we're not thinking about replying to a text, it's our inbox or our Instagram feed or Twitter's hyperactive news cycle. It's no wonder that we've become hardwired to reach for our phones every 15 minutes or so, especially when our brains see incoming messages and likes as a dopamine-boosting reward.

Un-learning the habit won't happen overnight—just stopping yourself in the act is a big first step. But it's much easier when you divert your attention to something positive, like listening to a favorite song or even getting up and going for a walk (sans phone, of course). That's science: Our brain needs a reward to form a habit, so the point is to switch that reward from an Instagram scroll to something more mindful.

For that, we have you covered. Below, you'll find 31 mindful activities to try the next time you feel the itch to log on. Pick one and put your phone down. (We'll catch you on the flip side.)

Head outside. Shinrin-yoku, also known as "forest bathing," is the Japanese practice of simply being in nature. Research shows that engaging in this simple activity significantly reduces cortisol and blood pressure, while boosting parasympathetic brain activity—aka the part of your nervous system responsible for rest and equilibrium. Before heading outside, keep COVID-19 guidelines in mind. Wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Go for a walk while you're at it. "Walking meditation" is very much a thing, and an effective thing at that: A 2014 study showed that going for a deliberate stroll helped reduce the effects of depression. (Pro tip: Leave your earbuds at home and just take in the sounds of your neighborhood.) Again, you'll want to follow social distancing guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.

Try your hand at gardening. Even a little corner of indoor greenery in your studio apartment should suffice. In fact, studies show that just looking at nature-y things can give your mood and memory a boost. Focus on feeling the soil, noticing what your plants need, and just appreciating this little bit of life.

Rearrange your living room. Or put up that artwork you've been meaning to hang for a while now. Or change your sheets. Or style your coffee table with items around your home. Whatever it is, a little bit of "redecorating" can be fun.

Breathe. Focusing on your breath is one of the simplest and most proven effective ways to be more mindful (and in turn, relaxed). Not sure where to begin? Try "box breathing": Count to four as you inhale, hold for four, count to four as you exhale, hold for four. Repeat.

Start the morning off with a five-minute stretching routine—before diving into your inbox (or Instagram feed). "It feels really grounding on some stressful days and is helpful in organizing your thoughts," notes senior editor Hallie. Research shows that it significantly reduces cortisol, too.

Listen to a guided meditation. We're huge fans of Headspace (free), which offers three-minute sessions to get you grounded at warp speed.

Prepare a meal. After a hectic day, Postmates might sound like the best dinner option. But taking the time to really engage with cooking—washing, chopping, and tasting—isn't just a way to tune out stress but also serves as an important component of mindful eating.

Practice mindful observation. Pick an object—any object. Take a few minutes to just focus on that object, noting all of its physical properties. How would you describe its color? Its texture? Does it remind you of anything? What does it feel like?

Clean your house. Don't have Netflix running in the background. Instead, really focus on each task. (Your apartment will be all the tidier for it.)

Brush your teeth. And instead of mentally running through your to-do list, really pay attention to the entire brushing process and what it feels and tastes like. It sounds weird, but you just practiced mindfulness for two minutes—and your teeth are super clean. Two birds!

Or take a shower. That cliché that the best ideas come to us in the shower? It's true for a reason. Take the time to observe the sensations as you rinse off and feel your mind magically clear.

Count backward from 100. This is a great exercise to try when you're lying in bed and your brain is in 523 different places. Bet you can't make it all the way to "three, two, one" without dozing off.

Try a visualization exercise. Whether you're stressing about a big presentation or a half-marathon, take the time to run through it in your head beforehand. Research shows that it's an incredibly effective practice technique. In one study, scientists found that weight lifters who simply visualized their workouts were nearly two times stronger than those who did nothing at all. Basically, you're helping your brain establish patterns for success.

Get crafty. True story: When I realized I had established a nasty habit of being on my computer and phone while watching TV, I took up macramé. It gave my hands and brain something to do, and now, I don't even need Netflix on in the background. Whether it's sketching, knitting, or scrapbooking, consider taking up a new hobby.

Pick designated times to go through your inbox. This might be difficult for those who insist on keeping their unread email count at zero at all times, but this exercise can do wonders for your productivity. Again, the idea is to practice focusing on one thing at a time rather than pulling yourself away from something you're working on to write a quick reply. Try giving yourself 10 minutes every hour to go through all your unreads, and then it's back to the task at hand.

Give yourself a body scan. Close your eyes and imagine a light beam "scanning" your body from head to toe. What sensations come up? Use it as an opportunity to physically check in with yourself without judgment.