As students, we spend a ton of time on our computers doing research, typing up papers or applying for jobs — it’s our number one tool. It’s always been difficult to spend less time on the computer, and now with the COVID-19 pandemic altering the way we receive our education and complete our jobs, we are spending even more hours a day looking at our computer screen. It’s hard to get away.

Even on our down-time we often either end up watching Netflix on our TV, scrolling through Instagram on our phone, or we head back to the computer to play Among Us with our friends. We’re always focused on a screen. So, it’s time to step back and reduce your screen time with some fun break ideas.

Take a look below for some inspiration to help you get away from that screen!

Tackle an art project

You don’t have to be the next Picasso or Davinci to tackle an art project and enjoy yourself. Regardless of what you may think you don’t have to be particularly gifted to make it a hobby—it’s just supposed to be fun!

So, grab a canvas and get painting. Print off a photo from the internet to get you started, then hide that laptop in the deep corners of your closet to prevent any temptation. If that still seems too overwhelming, order a paint by numbers! There are some really detailed and fancy ones out there; it’s no longer just a kid’s activity, I promise you.

And if painting isn’t your cup of tea, try creating some cool flower arrangements, making your own candles, or try your hand at needlepoint. There are countless starter boxes for this kind of stuff at Wal-Mart or Michael’s — let’s go and get crafty!

Try a new recipe

That cookbook that’s been sitting in the cupboard or on the countertop collecting dust is about to get some use! You can try cooking anything you want — breakfast, dinner or dessert. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, try cooking a three-course gourmet dinner, then create the right ambience with your homemade candles!

But seriously, cooking or baking is actually fun, especially when it’s a recipe you’ve never tried before. Don’t have a cookbook at home? Well, you’re already on the computer reading this article so go ahead and search up a recipe to print out or check out our article on how to create five of your favourite restaurant dishes at home to help get you started! 

Build a puzzle

Before you judge me, I know it sounds lame, but it’s actually really fun! It’s a way to re-focus your mind and forget about all the other things you got going on. It’s more fun to do with some family, or with a roommate, but honestly, give it a try. You don’t have to spend $20 to buy a new puzzle, check out your local thrift shop and I almost guarantee you can find one for a few bucks!

Take a bath and read a book

Taking a nice bath has so many benefits that you may not even realize. Not only is it a great way to unwind for the day and have some time to yourself, but it can help relax your muscles and even help you breathe more easily. It’s also a great time to read a new book and lose yourself in a story, or you can just play some music and chill.

If you don’t have a bathtub or it’s not really your thing, either curl up with that book in bed, or consider some other small ways to care for yourself at home and make a spa day.

Quick break ideas in between screen time

Don’t have enough time to get away from the computer for that long without worrying about assignments piling up? Then try an activity that will only steal you away for a few minutes. It’s important to have a break, no matter how small.

Try to break up your next computer session with 10 minutes of yoga, go make yourself a fancy Dalgona Coffee, or just go for a walk around the block! Trust me, not only do you need the break, but you deserve the break!

Well, there you have it! A new break idea for every day of the week, no matter how much time you have. Your eyes and your mind will thank you, and who knows, you might just find a new hobby.

If you want to use your downtime to be more physically active then check out these fun ways to replace your Humber gym workout at home!

Follow IGNITE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things student life.