8 Fun Activities to Enjoy Instead of Scrolling on Your Phone on your Commute

Fed up of feeling glued to your phone? Let’s shake things up a bit!

Here are eight free or low cost alternatives that’ll keep you entertained and engaged without the screen time. All of which can be done on the move. Get ready to dive into some fun!

1. 🎧 Listen to an Audiobook or Podcast

Why not let someone else do the talking? Pop in those earbuds and get lost in an audiobook or a podcast. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, fascinating documentary, or a self help how-to, allow yourself to be transported to another world whilst using another one of your senses!

2. 📚 Make Time for Self-Improvement

Spend some time trying to make yourself better! Why don't you test your memory? Can you remember the names of all of the stops of the train that you take everyday? Or challenge yourself by thinking of how many synonyms you can think of for a random word. Aim for five, but if that's too easy think of five antonyms too before moving onto another word. Your future self will thank you!

3. 📝 Create a To-Do List

Feeling scattered? Grab a mini notebook and jot down your goals! Organising your tasks can be both satisfying and fun. Don't limit yourself to just shopping lists or household tasks, look ahead and write your thoughts plainly. Plus, there’s nothing quite like crossing things off your list!

4. 🧩 Play Sudoku or Attempt a Word Search

Put your brain to the test! Grab a pencil and dive into a Sudoku puzzle or a word search. It’s a great way to challenge yourself while having a blast! You can find these for free in newspapers and magazines, print single sheets online or purchase whole booklets of them. This is a great alternative to playing games on your phone.

5. ☁️ Daydream

Let your mind wander. Find a cosy spot, and if it's safe to do so, close your eyes and daydream! How often do you get a chance to sit and just think, without any external pressure or time constraints? You never know what ideas you could come up with when you give yourself time for your mind to wander. Who knows what amazing ideas might pop up?

6. 📖 Read a Novel

Transport yourself to a different universe! Pick up that novel you’ve been meaning to read and get lost in the pages. It’s like traveling without leaving your couch! Escape those digital rays and submerse yourself in some fiction, discover a new genre, expand your vocabulary - whether that be paperback, hardback or even on a kindle*.

7. ✍️ Journal

Put pen to paper and let your thoughts flow! Journaling is a fantastic way to express yourself and reflect on your day: how you're feeling, what you dreamt last night, what you're grateful for, what you've achieved this week, what you're looking forward to. This can be super therapeutic!

8. 📰 Read a Newspaper

Stay informed while enjoying the tactile experience of turning pages. This way, unlike watching the news, you can choose which parts you want to really give your attention to. Grab a hot drink and catch up with local and global life. It’s a classic way to engage with the world around you!

So there you have it! Eight delightful activities to try instead of being glued to your phone.

Go ahead, pick one (or two, or all!) and enjoy some screen-free fun.