Whether we’re doing work, aimlessly scrolling through social media, or are just relying on tablets and iPhone games to keep the kiddos busy, the reality is that our lives revolve around technology. While this might just be another inescapable element of living in the digital age, there’s no denying that spending so much time invested on screens can have negative effects on our eyesight, mental health, and even the adolescent development of our children. If you’re looking for a reason to take a much-needed break from your cell phone or laptop screen, then you might want to commit to celebrating Screen Free Week.
What is Screen Free Week?
Screen Free Week is a nationally organized, week-long event that encourages adults and families to commit to stepping away from their screens, and to instead venture into the great outdoors to enjoy quality time in nature.
This year’s event is scheduled for May 3 through May 9 — while the official week has already begun, there’s still plenty of time to get in on the fun and engage in this super unique challenge.
4 Things to Do In Honor of Screen Free Week
So, the week is finally here. And while the concept might seem simple enough, when so much of our lives are rooted in technology, it can be a bit challenging to find ways to keep ourselves (and the kiddos) occupied with alternative activities that are both educational and fun. Here are four ideas of things to do in honor of Screen Free Week:
4. Take a walk around the neighborhood.
One of the best ways to get away from your screen is to literally step outside of your normal environment and leave the technology at home. Taking casual walks (without a destination or agenda, in mind) can help to free up your mind, refocus on what’s in front of you, and soak up all of the benefits of fresh air and sunshine too!
3. Play a board game.
With a generation of children that’s growing up mostly on iPhone apps and digital gaming spaces, it’s important to find other ways to introduce your kids to fun—and board games are a great place to start. Not only do they serve as a great opportunity to promote quality family time, they also keep the brain working and the kiddos well-occupied.
2. Bake a new recipe.
Few things feel more rewarding than creating something from scratch, investing a lot of time, and seeing it come to fruition—except in the case of baking, where all of that is true, plus you get to eat your culinary creation at the end of it all. Baking a new recipe also helps to teach valuable life skills that will go a long way in the kitchen.
1. Write positive chalk messages on the sidewalk.
Sometimes, the most fun things in life can be as simple as tapping into the same activities that brought you joy as a child. Writing chalk messages on the sidewalk are a great example of that! Not only does this activity allow you to get outside and tap into your inner-creative, it can also be an opportunity to offer an encouraging note to your neighbors or others who might be passing by. We could also use more positivity and encouragement during this season—and perhaps a thoughtful chalk message is the perfect way to offer that.
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