Doomscrolling has become the perfect antidote to boredom. No longer do we have to experience silence, or risk being left alone with our thoughts. We are kept plenty entertained by the little electronic device we hold in our hand. The result? Complete neglect of all real and tangible activities. But these activities still exist. By avoiding them, we’re missing out on joy, creativity, and potentially even discovering a new hobby or passion. Not sure where to start? Fear not, as the Surge 2026 team has put together a list with some of our favourites. So put down that phone and pick one!
Chess: Instead of doom scrolling on your phone for hours, try a game of chess. Your brain gets a workout while your thumbs finally get a break. And unlike your phone battery, your strategy actually gets stronger the longer you play.
Scrabble: The game which turns any player into a human dictionary. One minute you’re relaxing, the next you’re fighting over a suspicious three-letter word. Friendships get tested over triple word scores and questionable spellings – what could be more engaging than the rivalry caused by Scrabble?
Art : You can scroll through pictures of paintings on your phone for hours, but with a blank canvas and some brushes you can actually create one of your own. A few strokes of paint can say more than a hundred status updates. Instead of tapping a screen, try creating a masterpiece with your hands.
Cooking or Baking: Trying a new recipe or experimenting with ingredients can be both relaxing and productive. Plus, the reward at the end is something delicious to enjoy.
Journaling: Writing down your dreams and imaginations, or reflecting on your daily life, can be fun and gives your brain a break. Not only is it useful for decompression, but it’s also a great way to capture your memories and improve your storytelling.
Long Walks: Walking is not only great for exercise, but also stress management. Put away your phone and take in nature, observing the things around you. You could even do a colour walk, looking for a specific colour in your surroundings on the way – red leaves, red cars, etc. It’s a great way to clear your head.
People Watching: Sitting outside or by your window, you can simply observe life around you. People watching is a great way to disconnect from both your phone and your worries. So take five minutes to let your mind be idle, and watch others get on with their lives. It will make yours feel less stressful.
Puzzle Books: Crosswords, word searches, and Sudoku keep the brain busy. Instead of picking up your phone, pick up a pencil or pen. A newspaper (yes, a physical newspaper!) only costs a few pounds and has a whole section packed with puzzles. Give them a go!
Play a Musical Instrument: Learning something completely by yourself, DIY style, sparks creativity, and this includes learning an instrument. You don’t need to be perfect, instead you can just play for fun. You will find joy in learning something brand new.
Reading a Book: We’ve saved the best for last. Reading is one of the few things that takes you out of this world, and into a vast realm of others. Reading makes you imagine more, even beyond the pages. Where will you escape to the next time you pick up a book?
So next time you catch yourself in the middle of a doomscroll, look around. Is there a book sitting on your bedside table that you promised yourself you would read? Maybe there is an old, abandoned chess set that hasn’t been out since your grandparents last came for Christmas three years ago? Put your phone down and try something new. You might even enjoy it!
Liked reading this article? Our Deputy Editor spent a whole day without her phone! Read all about it here: https://surgemag.org/escaping-my-phone-cara-documents-her-day-unplugged/
