I’m not going to lie to you. I love a mindless scroll as much as the next person. But summer just hits different—and it’s the perfect time to step away from the screens, even if only for a little while.
The longer days, the warm evenings, the sound of birds in the morning instead of notifications…it all invites us to slow down and do something that doesn’t involve unhinged comment sections or blue light that messes with our circadian rhythm. Whether you’re craving a full digital detox or just want a few moments each day to look up and breathe, these screen-free hobbies are equal parts soothing and satisfying.
They’re also a gentle reminder: not every second needs to be productive, posted, or plugged in.
Why Go Screen-Free This Summer?
- Reduce burnout from endless scrolling and screen fatigue
- Reconnect with the physical world (remember that?)
- Create space for rest, creativity, or boredom—in the best way
- Reclaim time that disappears into doomscrolling black holes
- Nourish your mind in ways that algorithms just can’t
This isn’t about perfection or going full flip-phone. It’s just about finding small ways to be present this summer.
9 Cozy, Easy, and Totally Screen-Free Hobbies
1. Journaling
You don’t need a five-step routine or a Pinterest-worthy bullet journal. Just grab a notebook and write—morning pages, messy thoughts, snippets of your day, or the dream you can’t shake.
2. Reading for pleasure
Reclaim your attention span with a book you actually want to read. Bonus points if it’s one you can get lost in on a shady porch with a glass of something cold. (Need some recommendations? Check out this post for a list of beach reads.)
3. Walking without earbuds
Just… walk. Listen to birds, wind, your neighbors’ wind chimes. Let your brain wander without narration or background noise.
4. Watercolor painting
No one needs to see it but you. Keep it messy and intuitive—cool blues, soft pinks, leafy greens. Let it be a meditative thing, not a masterpiece.
5. Pressed flower bookmarks
Collect the prettiest blooms you can find (just don’t steal them from your neighbor’s garden!), flatten them in a book, and use them to decorate notecards or bookmarks. Quiet, slow, and very “main character energy.”
6. Puzzles or crosswords
Is there anything like the simple satisfaction of figuring out where that puzzle piece fits, or remembering an eleven-letter name for a certain poisonous snake?
7. Baking something just because
Okay, this one flirts with screen use if you look up a recipe—but once you’re in the kitchen, it’s all about your senses. Flour on your fingers. The smell of vanilla. That warm, homey feeling of creating something you also get to eat.
8. Gardening or indoor plant care
Even if it’s just a pot of herbs on your windowsill, tending something green can be grounding and soothing. Dirt under the nails is a badge of honor, and you can use what you grow in your dinner. Parsley or basil would be perfect on spaghetti and meatballs!
9. Cloud watching or stargazing
Go outside. Lie on your back. Look up. That’s it. That’s the whole hobby. And it’s surprisingly good for the soul.
Tips to Make It Stick (Without the Guilt Trip)
- Start small. You don’t have to go full-time tech-free—just aim for 15–30 minutes of unplugged time a day.
- Leave your phone in another room. The fewer interruptions, the easier it is to stay with the moment.
- Pick something that actually sounds fun. Not what you think you should do. This is about enjoyment, not achievement.
- Make it cozy. Light a candle, pour a cup of tea, play soft music. Set the vibe and let the hobby be its own kind of self-care.
This summer, consider this your invitation to unplug a little and come back to yourself. Whether it’s scribbling in a notebook, baking banana bread for no reason, or lying under a tree naming clouds—you deserve a pause that’s gentle, grounded, and peaceful. If you try any of these, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment or send me a letter (bonus points if it has pressed flowers inside).
