45 percent of teenagers in U.S.A. admit to using internet almost constantly ! Pew Research Survey noted these numbers have doubled in last 4 years.
Before your child falls pray to her device, engage her in these 5 mindful hobbies to prevent Technology addiction.
Read More: How to cure tech addiction
These 5 hobbies not only help prevent technology addiction, but will also improve physical and mental well-being.
- Reading:
I am not talking about reading on kindle or Nuke. I am talking about getting back in habit of reading actual printed books.
In addition to keeping one away from the phone or other addictive digital gadget, additional benefits of reading paper book over reading them on kindle or other electronic devices are:
- It is easier on eyes
- Helps you sleep better at night
- Helps you retain more information
2. Gardening:
Tending a garden is a very simple way to:
- Get great exercise
- Relieve stress
- Create happy/peaceful mind
Whether you have outdoor space or a small patio there are multiple ways to get a garden started.
This is one of the activity that entire family can get involved and share the joy.
This wonderful book about White House Gardens inspired me to get my own home garden going with my kids. Do check it out.
Also Read: Hobbies to relieve stress and anxiety
3.Outdoor Hiking/Walking:
Spending time outdoors not just prevents technology addiction, it also reverses effect of digital addiction like:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
By spending just a week-end outdoor in natural light, you can reset your normal sleep cycle by 67%.
Read More: 5 Steps to prevent technology addiction
4.Yoga/Meditation
Yoga and Meditation helps fight addictions, increases self-awareness and reduces stress.
Make this daily part of your routine for added health benefits.
5. Cooking:
Cooking is also another hobbie you can pickup with family to keep you away from surfing your phone. Added benefits are:
- Save money by not eating out
- Eat healthier
- Learn additional life skill
I love this book Forest Feast for Kids to get cooking with my kids.
Three additional hobbies I would like to mention are:
- Dance
- Drawing/Painting
- Playing a musical instrument
You can start with a good book or online lessons to get started with these hobbies.
Hope these hobbies will help you thinking differently about making best use of your time.
It will not just prevent tech addiction but will also improve your emotional and physical well-being.
