alternatives to using your phone that won't cost you any additional money

Want to use your time more wisely but don't know how to do it? Want to save money by not investing in a new hobby that you're not even sure you'll enjoy? It's fairly typical to use your phone as a means of entertainment when you have nothing else to do. I often feel like doing something else, but I have no idea what, so I eventually just go back on my phone because I can't find something else to do. And yes, I am aware that it can be annoying to hear people tell us to put our phones away for a while. But if you're engaged in something interesting, it's not so bad to be off your phone, in my opinion, as someone who spends a lot of time on screens every day. These are the three things I typically do when I want to do something else.

Go on a walk!

Taking walks is actually pretty fun. It can be scary to be left alone with your thoughts, and I get it. Try grabbing your airpods, headphones, earbuds, and phone. Listen to your favourite songs while taking a walk, which will get your mind off of whatever it is that you might be thinking about. If music isn't exactly your thing, try having a walking buddy! Maybe a friend or a pet? Or if you want, you could just go alone with no headphones or with someone else if you'd rather do that. It can be nice to get some fresh air and to explore an area (because I have no idea what my neighbourhood looks like).

Cook something

Have an easy recipe on TikTok that you've wanted to try? Well, why not? If not, look in your pantry or your fridge to see if you can make something out of what you have at home. And if you don't screw something up, you'll get a treat at the end! Just don't burn the house down; I will not be liable for that. And once you're done cooking, plate it nicely, take a picture, and post it on your Instagram! I'm sure Rachel would be impressed.

Read a book

I know I said that these things weren't going to cost you any money, so you're going to have to go to the library for this one. Maybe on that walk you took earlier. Anyway, I didn't think I was much of a reader, but it turns out I was just reading the wrong genre. Apparently, I am more into fiction books. This doesn't have to be a hard book to read since it's not for school. One of my favourite books of all time is called ‘The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which was originally published in 1911. Which is a children’s literature fiction novel. My point is that you might think that you're not a reader, but maybe you just need the right genre or book to be able to enjoy reading.

Sincerely,

Dhanvi Rai

Dear Youth Global