In a world full of notifications, endless scrolling, and constant updates, it’s easy to lose hours on your phone without even realizing it. But life feels softer, slower, and more magical when you unplug. If you’re craving cozy, comforting activities that help you step away from your screen, here are some ideas to bring you back into the real world.
Cozy Activities to Help You Get Off Your Phone
☕ 1. Make a Warm Drink and Sip It Slowly
There’s something grounding about preparing a hot drink and truly enjoying it. Make tea, hot chocolate, or your favorite coffee. Sit by your window, snuggle into a blanket, and sip it slowly without distractions. Let your mind wander. It seems small because those 10 minutes can make you feel warm and cozy.
📚 2. Read a Book or Magazine
Instead of scrolling through social media, flip through a book or a lifestyle magazine. Light a candle, put on soft music, and let yourself get lost in another world. It’s the perfect way to escape without a screen. There are so many genres these days, you probably will find a book you will enjoy. And magazines brings me back to my teenage years. I loved buying a magazine and then just flip through it.
📝 3. Journal Your Thoughts
Writing things down helps you slow down and reconnect with yourself. Try writing about your day, your goals, or simply what’s on your mind. It can feel surprisingly calming a digital detox for your brain. And these days I love writing about the positive things in life. I write down what went well that day or if I saw something cute or funny. I write everything down and it helps me to focus more on the positive side of life. But journaling can also be very helpful if you are feeling lost or down.
🎨 4. Do Something Creative
Creativity pulls you into the present moment. Try drawing, painting, scrapbooking, knitting, baking, or decorating your room. It doesn’t matter if you’re “good” at it and just enjoy the process. I love being creative, and I always been very creative. These days I mostly color in those cute coloring books from Amazon.
🌿 5. Go for a Nature Walk
Wrap yourself in a scarf, step outside, and breathe in the fresh air. A short walk can completely reset your mood. Notice the colors, the sounds, the temperature. Nature is the best antidote to screen overload. They always say that nature heals and I feel like that is true. Go outside, even on a cold day. When you come back home again, you can always warm yourself up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
🧩 6. Start a Puzzle or Play a Cozy Game
Puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, or a board game can be incredibly soothing. It gives your mind something fun to focus on without the constant buzz of your phone. I love playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons on my Switch and it makes me feel cozy. But other times I like to solve a puzzle. You can also invite other people.
🕯️ 7. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Dim the lights, light some candles, or turn on a soft lamp. Put on a playlist that makes your room feel like a little sanctuary. When your environment feels warm and peaceful, being off your phone becomes much easier. Even better: redecorate your room a little bit. Buy candles, fairy lights, blankets and fluffy slippers to make it extra cozy.
🍪 8. Bake Something Delicious
Baking is the perfect cozy offline activity. It’s slow, comforting, and totally sensory, measuring ingredients, mixing, tasting, waiting for the oven timer. And the best part? You get a treat at the end and your whole house smells amazing too. I love baking and the colder months are definitely the best months for baking.
🧺 9. Tidy a Small Space
Not a full deep clean, just a cozy reset. Make your bed, organize your nightstand, or rearrange your bookshelf. A little declutter can make your space feel more peaceful and grounded. Go through you stuff and sell if you don’t use or need it anymore to make a little bit of extra money or donate it.
🎧 10. Listen to a Podcast or Music
Put your phone on airplane mode or leave it in another room, then listen to something that relaxes you. Soft jazz, nature sounds, a comfort playlist, or a wholesome podcast create a cozy vibe without needing your eyes on a screen. Right now, I even went back to CD’s. This way I don’t have to use any screens. I can simply put the CD in my CD player.
🛍️ 11. Go Thrift Shopping
Thrifting is a cozy, offline adventure. Wander through your local thrift store, vintage shop, or flea market and explore the treasures waiting for you. You never know what you’ll find. Maybe you find a cute sweater, a book you’ve been wanting, a cozy mug, or something completely unexpected. It’s relaxing, slow-paced, and a fun way to treat yourself without staring at a screen.
Photo by Alex Radelich on Unsplash