“Get off that phone!” This is a phrase many of us have heard before.

With so many online platforms competing for our attention, it’s no wonder phones have affected our lives, from the way we work to the way we socialize. This makes them a powerful tool, but also a powerful distraction. 

So, if you’re ready to step away from your device, here are 10 things you can do without your phone:

1. Train a guide dog. One place you can apply to is Guide Dogs for the Blind, which covers veterinary care and sends everything you need to raise a happy, healthy puppy. No prior experience is required, and people of all ages can participate! To help the puppy become comfortable with different environments, you’ll bring it with you to places like school or work (with permission, of course). After about a year, the puppy will return to the organization for further training before being matched with a person who is blind or visually impaired. If you love animals, this is the perfect opportunity to give back to the community! 
2. Geocaching. In this real-world treasure hunt, cache owners hide a container and post its coordinates online, typically through apps or websites like “Geocaching.”  Using a GPS device, go to the specific coordinates. Then, sign the logbook inside to mark your discovery and leave the cache for someone else to find. Each cache has a difficulty and terrain rating, so you can start simple! 
3. Marble hydro dipping. This is a super fun activity where you can transform ordinary objects into colorful art. To start, you’ll need a big plastic tub filled with water, some spray or marbling paint, and a well-ventilated area to work in. After putting on gloves, put different colors onto the surface of the water. Then, slowly dip an object and pull it out. Every piece comes out differently, so you’ll have something to look forward to every time!
4. Pen-palling. I have a pen pal from France, and I love talking to her! We met through a website called PenPal World, where you can create a profile with your interests and search for people to connect with. This is completely free and a great way to find people with similar hobbies. Decorating letters and making little gifts is also such a fun process. Once you start pen-palling, you could even send pictures or souvenirs. However, it’s also important to be cautious about sharing personal information, and consider using a P.O. box to protect your home address. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! 
5. Learn how to crochet. As a beginner, I’ve created blankets, plushies, keychains, clothes, and bags, all using a simple ball of yarn and a hook. If you’re fidgety like me or you have a lot of free time, crocheting is the hobby for you! There are countless colors and stitches you can experiment with to make gifts for your loved ones or make something nice for yourself. You could even donate items to the community, such as beanies for cancer patients or bird nests for rescue centers. Once you get comfortable, consider coming up with your own patterns. There is no limit to what you can make! 
6. Basketry. Basket weaving is the craft of creating objects like baskets and even furniture by interlacing pliable materials. This process involves using a variety of natural or synthetic fibers, such as grasses, reeds, willow, and bark, and can be done through various techniques. 
7. Create a chalk obstacle course. You can include many different elements, such as hopscotch grids, spirals, or “balance beams.” If you’re comfortable with it, you can even make this course on your driveway for people to enjoy. In one story, a man drew a racetrack in front of his house for a young boy to ride on his bike. Who knows? Maybe you’ll go viral too! 
8. Paper mache. Paper mache is made with simple materials like scrap paper, glue, and water. You can mold it into any shape and size, and once dry, it can be painted or decorated. 
9. Upcycling. Upcycling is the magic of giving unwanted items a second chance at life. There are endless possibilities of what you can create, such as making old t-shirts into tote bags or converting a broken ladder into a bookshelf. You could even take it a step further by reselling your creations, reducing waste, and earning money at the same time. 
10. Learn an instrument. We all know instruments like the piano or guitar, but what about instruments like the theremin or zither? These instruments produce unique sounds and are fun to learn. If you’re on a budget, you could even make your own instruments. 

Now that you know some of the many activities you can do instead of scrolling on your phone, what are you waiting for? Get up, go outside, and explore!