We are living in a time when so much of our daily lives is automated. We text to communicate, swipe a screen to find love and even keep most of our medical records online. While this transition to an electronically-dominated life can help cut corners and simplify many aspects of our day to day, there are some things that just feel better without staring at a screen.
Here are some ideas on how to return to a simpler way of living. Forego the smartphone or tablet and perform one of these task without the aid of blue light—you might be surprised how relaxing and delightfully disconnected it may make you feel.
1) Open a book
Personally, I’ve tried the whole Kindle thing and wasn’t a fan. The allure of a less paper-intensive hobby (and being able to bring thousands of books on vacation loaded onto a tiny device) is tempting. But there’s nothing like the feel of a good book in your hands and physically flipping pages. Organize a book swap with friends or hit up the library for a rentable read (or a super-cheap book sale!) to keep it on the environmentally friendly side.
2) Journal with pen and paper
If you’re a fast typist, using a computer to record your inner thoughts and feelings is a quick way to get it all out. However, there is something special about putting pen to paper. You can still find a wide variety of paper journals to purchase which have unique features, thought-provoking questions and pleasing designs. There is also the option of creating your own bullet journal, a customizable diary with countless possibilities.
Related: 7 Mighty Benefits of Writing By Hand
3) Keep a handheld calendar
Having a clean, organized, digital calendar definitely has its perks. But there’s something truly personal and inviting about having a handheld version or a communal, family version you hang in your kitchen. Planners and desktop calendars can also be personalized with unique photos, quotes and other neat features.
4) Use a cookbook
Kitchen splatter and electronics are usually not a good mix. But, with the endless variety of online recipes and cooking tips, it seems silly not to bring them into our culinary world. There are still plenty of skilled cookbook authors out there who put together collections that deserve a spot on our shelves. Plus, who doesn’t love leafing through pages with drool-worthy photos and picking a tasty meal at random? Don’t let your cookbooks collect dust—put them to good use!
Related: 5 Essential Vegan and Vegetarian Cookbooks
5) Send someone a card
E-cards are quick, but usually impersonal. Spending the time to craft a handmade card or just write a heartfelt message in a store-bought creation can mean a world of difference to the person receiving it. Try it out the next time you need to pass on a loving message to someone special.
6) Read the newspaper
The old image of our parents sitting at the kitchen table with their noses buried in the day’s paper is a nostalgic one, and also one that is dying out. Print newspapers are adjusting to a shift to online content, but there are still plenty of people who prefer to have the real thing in their hands every morning. Are you one of them?
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