Do you ever find yourself getting your kids to bed and then sitting for WAY too long scrolling on your phone? And then you realize that you haven’t done anything fun or recharged before bed?
When I have time to kill and I’m just bored I’ll open social media without even thinking about it.
I need a break at night after we put Mr. B to bed, but I am often too tired to do anything, so I just do something mind-numbing.
I recently started reading The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again and realized that I need more fun in my life.
Here are 24 fun things I’ve found helpful to get a break when being “productive” isn’t appealing.
Fun Things to Do On Your Phone
3. Post on social media about something that has made you happy lately
4. Read a book on the Kindle app
Align your phone use with your values
6 Steps to Avoid Wasting Time on Your Phone
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Fun Things to Do at Home
1. Bake a new treat
Some of my favorite treats to make are Carmelitas, Striped Delight, or Simple Peanut Butter Cookies.
2. Paint
I would not consider myself artsy at all, but I recently tried doing watercolor and it is surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable. You can get some basic supplies at an affordable price (this pack of paintbrushes and paint is only $6 on Amazon) and there are some easy tutorials on YouTube.
3. Take a bath
My favorite way to get a break at the end of a long day is to take a warm bath while reading a book on the Kindle app on my phone.
4. Workout
Refit Revolution has super fun dance workouts. I also love searching Just Dance videos on YouTube and dancing to those.
5. Do a puzzle
Matt and I recently went on a getaway as a couple and there was a puzzle at the place we stayed. I had no idea how fun and relaxing puzzles could be. You can even work on a puzzle while you listen to an audiobook, a podcast, or some music.
6. Learn to play the ukulele
7. Play an instrument
I play the violin, but really only get it out to teach lessons. I was exhausted last night, but I got my violin out to play just for fun and I couldn’t believe how happy and fulfilled I felt while I was playing.
8. Serve
JustServe is a great way to find service opportunities that are a good fit for your situation (even at home in your pajamas!).
Fun Things to Do With Other People
1. Join a workout class
Almost any rec center has workout classes and these are a great way to recharge and connect with other people.
2. Start a book club
Janssen from Everyday Reading has a great post on how to start a successful book club. Another idea is to start a “discussion group” rather than a book club. Instead of reading a new book every month you read an article and discuss that.
3. Plan a game night
4. Invite people over for dessert
5. Make cookies and bring them to someone
You can either bring them to their door or you can doorbell ditch them with a note.
6. Go rock climbing
Rock climbing is a fun activity for all seasons as you can go to an indoor gym or go outside.
7. Go on a hike or a walk
8. Watch the sunset (or sunrise)
There is nothing quite as rejuvenating as watching a sunset or sunrise. You can even try painting it.
Conclusion
I’ve realized that if I’m not careful, social media can suck away all of my down time and leave me feeling more tired and unfulfilled.
What rejuvenates you at the end of a long day?
Decide right now what you will do the next time you have the urge to pull out your phone to mindlessly scroll social media. Let me know what fun thing you choose to do. I’d love to hear!
