We all love finding a new show and binging all of it in one go, or devoting our free time to movie marathons. And that’s cool to do from time to time.
But filling all of your free time with Netflix is not a good idea. Often, once the credits roll, you’ve got no clue how much time you wasted stuck in front of a screen. Time that you could have better spent doing other leisurely things.
Here are some alternatives to binge-watching Netflix (or any other streaming service!) to keep yourself entertained.
1. Do Some Reading
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Time spent reading a good book is time well-spent; reading is one of the best ways to tune out and relax. It can sometimes be a challenge finding one, but there are countless book subscription services you can explore that can help with that.
They tend to ask for your preferences like which genres you’re drawn to, fiction or non-fiction, slow builds or fast-paced plots, and so on. Then they make a selection for you, which you can either view and approve what they send you or get surprised.
Book subscriptions are an excellent way to have your cake and eat it, too. You don’t waste any time going to physical or online bookstores. You just state what you like, and the subscription service does its best to match. There are even services that don’t charge you if they don’t hit the nail on the head with the book they send you.
2. Give Audiobook Services a Try
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If reading’s not speaking to you, maybe give audiobooks a try? They’re a great way to enjoy a good book while not having to hold it in hand and focus on it. You can listen to books on your phone while you’re out and about, doing chores around the house, or right before bed in a dark room.
Some audiobook services can be expensive, but there are plenty of cheap or free audiobook apps. So, look into getting a subscription and do some listening without looking at a screen.
3. Learn a New Skill
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It brings a feeling of accomplishment every time you learn something new, big or small. Figuring out how to work the dishwasher or how to disassemble a PC and then put it back together; it’s such a rush. So, why not devote your time to learning a new skill?
It doesn’t have to be an overly complicated one, and you don’t even have to leave the house to do it. There are many free apps you can use to find courses for learning new skills, alongside YouTube. So it doesn’t have to cost you anything apart from your time and energy. Although, if you want to spend some money for a course, you can use platforms like Skillshare and learn in your own time, without dealing with other people.
4. Take Up Photography
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With how good most smartphone cameras are, you don’t even need to invest in a professional camera to take up photography as a hobby. On your next outing, whether in the city or among nature, try to snap a pic of what catches your eye. Maybe it’s some good architecture or some flowers next to a car park.
Take a few shots and see how your images turn out. If you’re not happy with them, you can always try to find an online class or a YouTube video that clears the fog a bit around composition and all those other terms you see on your camera but always ignore. There are also plenty of online classes you can attend for free, so give photography a go.
5. Take Regular Walks
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Instead of planting yourself on the couch or in bed watching Netflix, try going for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a five-mile hike or a jog. You don’t even need a purpose! Just get up and do some walking. You can make a short trip around the block or to a nearby park.
Walking is often an underestimated exercise, but it gets you moving, and that’s the main thing. If you find it hard to get the motivation to leave the house, you can turn to apps for help. There are quite a few apps that can help you turn walking into a habit. It might seem silly, but walking is pretty good for you, so definitely try to do more of it.
6. Go to a Museum (Without Actually Going)
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Going to a museum can be tricky; they can be busy, have odd opening hours, or not near you. But there’s still a way you can explore museums, regardless if they’re close to you or even in your country.
Many museums have taken to making virtual tours available, so take advantage of that. You can go around, explore, take in some culture, all from the comfort of your couch.
7. Painting, Drawing, and Coloring
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Painting is amazing for stress relief and enjoying some relaxing me-time. Not to mention, after you’re done, you have something to show for it.
Some supplies can rack up a hefty cost, but you don’t have to jump headfirst into buying everything listed on Amazon. Maybe dip your toe first, and see what draws you (pun intended). Do you like working with pencils, acrylics, or watercolors? There are so many choices to make. And if you’d rather avoid a mess, maybe get a coloring book. You can get a physical one, or look into getting a coloring book app. That’s a great way to see if drawing is stress-relieving or stress-inducing for you.
8. Catch Up on Chores
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This is the most boring mention, but probably the best one you can do.
When you have free time, you don’t want to spend it vacuuming, doing laundry, or weeding the garden. But you really should set some time apart for catching up on home tasks. Look into doing everything you put off doing before, and your future self will thank you for it.
It’s always a good time to declutter, so maybe look into doing that. And, if you’re lost and don’t know how to approach decluttering and generally organizing your home, there are many online resources from household cleaning experts.
Diversify How You Spend Your Free Time
Your free time is precious as it’s finite. So, don’t waste it all on Netflix. It doesn’t deserve to have all your focus and attention.
Don’t be afraid to try different things, whether it’s alone or with people, out in the world or in the comfort of your home. Explore new hobbies, find a new passion, and try to remind yourself that streaming services are good, but they’re not the be-all and end-all.