5 tech-free activities to try in January
While some us may have been hoping for a robotic dog or an automatic laundry folder under the tree (no really, that’s a thing!) others (woman raising her hand emoji) are more than ready for a little break from technology. So, let’s all put down our new Pixel 3s together and take some time to get reacquainted with the analog world. Each of these 5 relaxing activities offer all sorts of benefits so what do you have to lose? Instagram’s not going anywhere, we promise.
Knitting
Think “Knit one, purl two” is some sort of crazy new coding language? For shame. What was once an activity relegated to sweet grannies, is now one of the hottest hobbies around.
Experts agree that the repetitive action of needlework can induce relaxation on par with meditation or yoga. That means once you get past the stress of learning how to do it, knitting may help lower your heart rate and blood pressure! Sounds like Grandma was onto something, areweright?
Handwriting letters
We know, we know…you just got done sending out holiday cards. BUT, writing letters is a wonderful way to practice self-expression and let someone special know just how important they are to you.
Take the “ugh” out of written correspondence with impossibly cute stationary like this ice cream themed set. Once you find a proper pen pal or two, you'll be amazed by how magical it feels to get a bona fide letter in the mail, instead of just a lousy cable bill.
Long walks
Whether you’re usually barreling down a city sidewalk or strolling down a country trail, getting outside can do your body and your brain a world of good. Unfortunately, in this age of 10-hour work days, leisurely walks are usually a luxury for most of us.
So why not suggest walking meetings to your company management? Sure, if you’ve got some massive presentation that requires teleconferencing and handouts, this probably won't fly. But for weekly status meetings, getting outside can boost collaboration and productivity.
Books
When you need to lose yourself in a sinkful of dirty dishes or focus on finding uh…ALL the matches to your kids' socks, audiobooks are the bomb. With a pair of wireless headphones, you can stay productive and not miss a beat in the whodunit you just downloaded from Audible.
But reading books…REAL BOOKS… can be a huge boon to your brain. According to Wired Magazine, the act of flipping pages helps your mind contextualize subject matter much better than if you were to read words on a tablet. So treat yourself to a new paperback this month, and get back to the chores in February. (laugh/crying emoji)
French Press Coffee
If you’ve been fascinated, but maybe a bit intimidated, by making French Press coffee at home, this is the year to dive in with two feet. Not only will grinding your own coffee save you money, but it will also give you total control over the beans you use and the strength of java you brew (plus it's super impressive when people come over!)
Not quite sold on the French Press? No worries. Get your coffee fix with our out of this world Cold Brew Espresso Chip dough. Dark chocolate espresso beans tossed into Cold Brew infused-cookie dough? Now that we think about it, you may never go back to actual coffee again.
And so, our newly cultured friends, don’t be afraid to put the phone down and experience new things. It’s healthy for you and provides a whole new world of new things to text about with your friends.