Before my detox, I was curious to figure out what I would do during the times I used to watch tv and waste on the computer. I began brainstorming and these are 15 things that I came up with to overcome my boredom.
#1. Puzzles(Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, Rubix cube)
Puzzles are very time consuming and can cause you to become very focused. I found myself spending hours on a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle that I finished in 1 day. Surprisingly it was not boring, and I felt very accomplished when I finished it.
#2. Reading
Even if your not a fan of novels, you can read graphic novels or comics. They tell a story that can be just as detailed as a 400 page novel. I read two books and many comics when driving down to Dallas, TX. Reading can also help to pass the time.
#3. Drawing
I myself am not that great of an artist, but I always enjoy drawing people and landscapes. I used to draw so much as a kid and I guess I began to stop once I grew older. I want to get back into it, because drawing can be very relaxing and fun.
#4. Sports
Instead of staying inside and playing FIFA 14 or NBA 2K14, I went outside a lot to play soccer and basketball during my detox week. My friends and I played multiple games and I enjoyed it more than sports video games at home. We were getting good exercise as we were playing our favorite sports.
#5. Frolfing/Disc Golf
For all who don’t know, Frolfing is essentially golfing with Frisbee discs. There is a course about 10 minutes away from my house and it has 18 holes. It’s much faster than golf and can be very fun with family and friends. Most frolf courses are free also.
#6. Fishing
Fishing is another very relaxing activity that I participated in during my detox week. It requires immense patience and not very much skill. Eventually you will catch a fish as long as you have the right bait and patience.
#7. Board Games
My family and I played Sorry, Life, Scrabble, and Monopoly. We hadn’t played a family board game in about a year and it was fun to bond with them through this activity. We had much fun, and I look forward to continuing family game night in the future. My friend, Nick, and I also played some Chess and rediscovered why it used to be so fun as a kid.
#8. Work on Summer Homework
Next year is my senior year of high school and I am taking 4 AP courses. As a result, I had a lot of summer homework compared to my friends. During my detox, I continued reading, and completed math worksheets instead of moping around the house and doing nothing. I’m sure if my detox lasted the whole summer, my summer homework would be done in less than a month.
#9. Craft Anything
As you might have seen in one of my previous posts, my friend Nick, and I decided to try and build a bow and arrow made out of PVC pipe and other materials. We went to Home Depot and bought the necessary supplies and tried to create it back at his house. We couldn’t finish it because we didn’t have the right string. It was still fun trying to find the supplies and build it and if you have an idea of a creation in your mind, I advise you to try and create it.
#10. Complete household duties
If your really bored, you can most likely find something in your home to clean. Cleaning the kitchen and washing clothes may not be the most fun thing to do, but when it’s done you can cross it off your list of chores.
#11. Goto the Gym/Work Out/Swim
Stressed or worried about not using technology. Go to the gym and work out and I’m sure you will start to feel better. Running is something that I’ve learned that helps me to relieve stress. Working out/swimming not only helps you get in shape, but also doesn’t require technology while doing it.
#12. Cook
Come up with a new recipe or make your mom’s favorite dish. Cooking is always a skill that no one can perfect and is all about learning. The more you experience you have cooking a meal, the better it will taste in the future. Cooking requires a lot of time and no technology, unless you are detoxing from the stove, microwave, refrigerator, and oven.
#13. Create a Bucket List
Come up witha list (however long you want to make it) of things that you want to do or experience before you die. I am still working on mine and I encourage my friends to make one. It’s free, easy, and doesn’t require technology. All you need is a journal/paper and an imagination.
#14. Photography
If cameras aren’t on your detox list, take a camera and go take some pictures. It’s always fun to go on a mini adventure around town and get some pictures of anything. Buildings downtown, sunsets, the moon, and people are all great examples of what to snap a picture of.
#15. Write a script or lyrics to a play or song
If you’re into writing, I suggest you come up with your own play or song. You have to be very creative and have a
lot of time if you want to develop a good play or song. Once you are finished have your friends act out the play in front of you and/or sing your new song in front of your parents.