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Gaya

As a generation, Gen Z is battling a major phone addiction that’s very subtle but dangerous. It is dangerous because excessive screen time strains our eyes, while the long hours spent on social media <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/08/social-media-damages-childrens-ability-to-focus">expose our brains</a> to constant short-form content. Over time, short-form content trains us to expect quick bursts of stimulation, making it harder to concentrate on longer, more demanding tasks like studying and critical thinking. 

We have legitimate reasons to be online because almost everything happens there: The school WhatsApp groups, family platforms, and virtual work meetings. However, they don’t excuse the excessive hours we spend aimlessly scrolling on TikTok and Instagram. Besides doomscrolling, there are less risky remedies to boredom. You can save screen time for legitimate work by trying out these interesting hobbies that don’t require your phone:

1. Read hardcopy books: Let’s go back to bookshops and buy <a href="https://aura.ng/culture/5-african-books-we-d-love-to-see-adapted-after-baba-segi-s-wives">hardcopy books</a>. It’s been a nice run with e-books, but it’s time to revive the rustling of pages.

2. Learn fashion illustrations: If you’re an aspiring fashion designer, stylist, or illustrator, get a sketchpad and practise your way to perfection.&nbsp;

3. Get a colouring book to design: This is an interesting pastime that doesn’t require much. It’ll be nostalgic to return to colouring, but this time with a little less chaos than your younger self.

4. Improve your painting: Rekindle your inner Da Vinci and also connect with more people by attending sip-and-paint events.

5. Go swimming: Swimming is a win-win hobby. You’ll actually have something fun to anticipate after long days while learning a life-saving skill.

6. Go for voice training: Whether you’re a singer or a public speaker, you can be more intentional about improving the texture of your voice and vocal range.

7. Start journaling: Journaling is such a great way to preserve memories, track your progress, and upskill your writing all at the same time.

8. Go on runs and jogs regularly: Ideally, you can start your day with a quick run or jog. If possible, get friends or neighbours to join in. The more, the merrier.

9. Dabble in nature photography: If you like taking pictures, make a hobby out of it. Once in a while, go out and observe the beautiful earth we live in and take some shots. You can also take it a step further by practising photo editing.

10. Start working out: Either by hitting the gym or at home, take exercise and physical fitness more seriously.&nbsp;

11. Improve your culinary skills: Learn new recipes, perfect old ones, and indulge your stomach in more delicacies.

12. Collect rare, aesthetic, and random items around you: If you’re a finder, then you should also be a keeper. Whenever you see something interesting around, pick it up and do some research on it. Who knows, you might discover gold in the process.

13. Play board games: Board games like chess and Scrabble encourage critical thinking. Make them fun by inviting friends for tournaments!

14. Learn a new language: In case you find yourself in Europe tomorrow, you shouldn’t be stranded. You can start with a native language before you go international.&nbsp;

15. Solve the Rubik's Cube: This promises to be more fun than tedious. You’ll just need to read the manual and probably watch a few tutorials. Once you learn the ropes, you’ll be so proud of yourself.

16. Go sightseeing: There is too much beauty to behold on God's green earth. It doesn’t have to be anywhere expensive. Just make a ritual of going to <a href="https://aura.ng/culture/best-nigerian-states-to-live-in-beyond-abuja-and-lagos-">new places</a> like the zoo or museum to see new things often.

17. Learn a new word every day: This is how you build a rich vocabulary. Every day, pick a new word that you’ll try to imbibe into your speech all through the day. Hint: start with basic substitutes for your most used words.

18. Solve jigsaw puzzles: Yet another way to improve your critical thinking and analytical skills. It might take your time, but it will leave you with a rewarding dopamine spike.

19. Learn a new sport like table tennis: In case you’ve procrastinated picking up a sport, this is your sign to finally go for it. Just for fun… You can become a pro later.

These may seem basic, but imagine how much value you’ll gain by repeating them until they become part and parcel of you. You can become the cool kid you admire; it’s just a matter of time and dedication.

Helpful ideas on hobbies to try rather than doomscrolling for ambitious people looking to stop the scroll and be more present in the day-to-day.



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