I think it was around the fall of 2023, when I wanted to start to stay off of screens. I look at a computer all day at work, then I am constantly on my phone and laptop for personal use. It feels like I am always looking at some type of screen even though I don’t watch that much TV. I needed a break from the constant stimulation for both my eyes and my mental health.
I found as an alternative to screens- Word Search books. Over the years, especially when I was in the hospital for this or that, this would be perfect companion. In the Fall of 2023, I really started leaning into them. I kept one in my purse, so wherever I go, I was able to fit in a puzzle or two.
My favorite place to take these puzzle books is on trips. I don’t need to charge anything, its easily stored in my carry on and I don’t have to worry about turning it off.
I had a receptionist at a doctors office comment on my word search book; she said something along the lines of “Wow, I usually see people on their phones.” I chuckled and said, “I just want to have less screen time.”
After a while, I started keeping word search books everywhere- my car, my office, my room, Keith’s, the bathroom (real life!). It truly did help me stay off my phone and I felt like I was exercising my brain. These are perfect to take anywhere even the beach.
The best part? I always buy these books at Dollar Tree. For $1.25, they bring me hours of entertainment and I don’t feel bad when I am done, throwing them out.
If you are looking for an easy, screen free activity that will be fun, look at the puzzle book section at Dollar Tree. They have a wide variety of different puzzle books- both large sizes and small sizes.
What’s your favorite screen free activity?
[[Disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other- Rosemary M. Wixom]]
