In today’s digital world, content lays at our fingertips. While smartphones provide endless entertainment, that amount of content can be overstimulating. Hobbies are a great way to set the phones down, slow down, and regain focus. Here are a handful of hobbies to help gain that attention span. 

1. Read

Visit the local library! Grab your e-reader. Dive into that new release everyone’s talking about. Reading fiction vastly improves vital critical thinking and comprehension skills. 

2. PLAY VIDEO GAMES

While not off screens, playing video games can enrich your mind and perhaps foster connection with others in multiplayer games. It keeps your mind sharp and hands busy and away from your phone. Consider video games that stimulate intellectual conversations or learning. 

3. Learn to play an instrument

Music lover? Start strumming a few notes on a guitar or tapping a few keys on a piano. Check out skill books from the library. You’ll never know if it could lead to a passion unless you try. Don’t let the fear of not being good enough keep you from trying.  

4. Dance it out

When in doubt, dance it out. Compile upbeat songs into a playlist to jam out to. Look into dance classes near you or take classes at the community center. 

5. Dabble in arts and crafts

Think about the slower-paced activities that keep your grandma active and sharp-minded. Known as “grandma hobbies,” crochet, knitting, and embroidery allow you to engage the creative side of your brain. Once you spend at least 15 minutes learning how to knit, that’s 15 minutes away from your phone. 

6. Learn to code

Are you a computer wiz or just really obsessed with technology? While not off-screen, coding can improve cognitive skills, build confidence, and strengthen college and internship applications.