Every scroll takes your time, every new hobby gives it back.
Spending hours on TikTok or Instagram or making a mental note of the next video being the ‘actual last’ (who are we kidding? That’s a lie)—we have all been there. Doomscrolling is real and it eats way more time (and brain cells) than you think.
The good news is that there are plenty of other ways to give your mind a break. In honour of IGNITE’s 25th anniversary, here are 25 things you can try instead of falling back into the algorithm.
#1 Hiking
Pack a snack and wander into the trails of Toronto. Explore the many hiking trails and enjoy the changing colours of the leaves this fall.
#2 Kayaking
Cross out another activity from your bucket list and dive into the world of kayaking. Take in the early morning sunrise and appreciate the downtown skyline directly from Lake Ontario.
#3 Pottery painting
Make your very own mug or paint a readymade piece. Whether it’s a plate, a mug or a box, let your creativity shine and doodle away.
#4 Visit a museum
From historical paintings to modern art, check out museums and dive into the world of history at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Royal Ontario Museum and many more.
Pro tip: If you are under 25 years old, you have FREE admission at the AGO!
#5 Cafe hopping
Cafe hopping is the ultimate chill activity. You can explore hidden local spots, taste-test different drinks and maybe even discover your new go-to study spot. Bring a friend and make it a mini photoshoot (yes, latte art and croissants are Instagram-worthy). You could start a little cafe journal where you rate coffees and snacks—it’s like being a food critic but way more fun.
#6 Indoor rock climbing
A workout disguised as an adventure. Channel your inner Spider-Man (or a mountain goat) and conquer those high walls. Be unstoppable once you reach the top.
#7 Board game night
UNO, Monopoly, Exploding Kittens—choose your weapon. Grab your friends and compete to see who trash-talks the best (and wins the board games).
If you attend the Humber Polytechnic’s Lakeshore campus, be sure to check out the board game cafe near campus, Funny Bones!
#8 Stargaze
Step into the night, look up and let yourself relax away. Realize how small midterm stress is against the starry night. Bonus points if you catch a shooting star.
#9 Watch a documentary
Swap TikTok for a documentary and procrastinate in a smart way. You’ll learn new fun facts and be extra smart the next day.
(Fun fact: Flamingos don’t get sunburned—Planet Earth II)
#10 Make a vision board
Go from doomscrolling to dream scroll by compiling Pinterest boards, browsing travelpages and endless inspo to make the ultimate vision board to manifest your goals.
#11 Volunteer
Give back and meet new people by volunteering at different occasions. This is an amazing chance to indulge in the feel-good opportunities and help out in a thoughtful way.
Plus, add something meaningful to your resume. It’s a win-win.
#12 Thrift shop
Vintage fits are the talk of the town. Hunt for Y2K outfits, funky decor or that one in a million denim at thrift stores.
#13 Golf or mini golf
Whether you aspire to be a pro golfer or you just want to laugh about your missed swings, golf is an amazing hobby. And with enough practice, you’ll ace it in no time.
Pro tip: Golf is all about your form rather than your strength.
#14 Rearrange your room
Unleash your inner designer and give your room a glow-up. You can add fairylights, switch up posters, reposition furniture and add new decor. Instant mood boost with a change of environment.
#15 Paint
Grab a canvas, a notebook or an old tote bag and paint away. Get your paints, brushes, and background music and start painting.
#16 Karaoke
Off-pitch or pitch perfect, belt out your favourite songs. Karaoke nights are no judgment zones (maybe a little).
#17 Farmers’ market
Make grocery shopping a fun event by visiting a farmers’ market. You can grab fresh products, flowers and that banana pudding you didn’t know you needed.
#18 DIY project
2016 YouTube is timeless—the golden era of DIY projects. Try out making candles, soaps or a greeting for an upcoming birthday. This will craft away your boredom.
#19 Writing or journaling
Whether it’s creative writing, documenting, doodling, or a rant, writing can be a therapeutic outlet. It can help organize thoughts and sound out ideas. So grab a book and start journaling.
#20 Learn a new recipe
Whether it’s a sweet treat or a savoury meal, whip up something new in the kitchen. Your future self (and stomach) will thank you.
#21 Learn how to play an instrument
Guitar, piano, ukulele or even an otamatone—pick your instrument and learn how to play your favourite songs on it. Who knows, soon enough, you might just start your own band.
#22 Puzzles
Puzzles are more than a coffee table showpiece. Put on a podcast and zone out piece by piece to build the bigger picture. Plus, nothing hits like the final piece after hours of “where did this go?”
Pro tip: Start with the corner pieces first.
#23 Join a skills course
Cooking, coding, calligraphy, you name it. Join a course online and develop new skills you didn’t know you could have. Find out the variety available online; you never know what you can come across.
#24 Fly a kite
Childish? Maybe. Therapeutic? Absolutely. Grab a cheap kite, head to a park, and let the wind do its thing. A great way to meditate and have a carefree vibe.
#25. Start a club
Have a niche interest? Don’t just scroll about it. Start a club!
With IGNITE, it’s easy to launch, get support and build a community around what you love right here on campus.
New memories don’t come from screens or endless doomscrolling. They come from trying something new, something better. Now that you have your new bucket list, you can spend more time being productive than on algorithms.
So what are you waiting for? You have the list—start today!
Feature image courtesy of Glenn Carstens-Peters via Unsplash.
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