You've decided to take control of your screen time, and your motivation has never been higher. However, a lingering question remains: if I don't use my phone anymore, what am I going to do?

For many of us, the introduction of the telephone happened at an early age. We quickly adapted to its omnipresence, and every "empty" moment in our lives became occupied by a little scrolling or a short video. Over time, almost unknowingly, we became entirely dependent on this small portable object.

Without realizing it, we've let the years slip by, allowing our time, attention, and perhaps even our money to be consumed by platforms that may not have deserved it. Then comes the day when we decide to cut the cord and go solo. Yet, where does one begin? How do you navigate life without your phone? What alternatives are there?

These are common questions at Jomo. You've embarked on this journey, and it's proving to be more challenging than expected. For all those years, you might not have developed true interests or hobbies. So, when your precious device is taken away, what else can you do?

Rest assured, we're not going to let you down just yet! We've put together a list of 11 screen-free activities you can do, along with a whole host of great resources. So take your time to read this article, and don't hesitate to put it aside and come back to it whenever you need to.

Getting into Shape

Before jumping into the first activity, we'd like to share a few tips with you. Firstly, don't over-invest at the start—neither emotionally nor financially. You have no idea whether you'll enjoy it, so don't put pressure on yourself and just be curious. You don't need the latest equipment to be a top performer; what counts above all is your motivation and willpower.

Next, don't fixate on the goal you want to achieve but on the road you're going to travel. Never forget where you're starting from and enjoy every moment of your journey. Don't have unrealistic or over-ambitious expectations. Aim low enough. That way, it will be easier to reach and therefore more motivating to keep going.

11 Things to Do Without Screens

📗 Read a Book/Magazine

You've seen this tip 100 times. But know that if it's so recommended, it's because it's actually beneficial. You don't have to start by reading a 1000-page novel. You can begin with a collection of short stories or a magazine.

⛑️ Benefits: Builds patience, enriches knowledge and vocabulary, relaxes.

Here are a few resources to help you get started if you're lost:

• Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport: If your ambition is to reduce your screen consumption, this book might shed some additional light. The notion of "Digital Minimalism" is really quite interesting: through his travels and encounters, Cal Newport shares strategies to help you rethink your relationship with social networks, the rediscovery of a more disconnected world, and how to reconnect with yourself. What's interesting is that Cal Newport doesn't think technology is either "good" or "bad". For him, the essential thing is that it serves our goals and values. (Available in English and French)
  
  

• Indistractable, Nir Eyal: If you're distracted by nature and have trouble finding motivation in your daily life, this is the book for you. In Indistractable, Nir Eyal explains how to regain control over distractions, giving you turnkey methods and a detailed analysis to help you. In particular, he explains that one of the most important things you can do is... work on yourself. In short, a must-have that's already helped thousands of people! (Available in English and French)
  
  

• The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, Joel Dicker: This is not a productivity book but a novel. But not just any novel: the best I've ever read. For those who don't like to read: don't worry, this is a movie you're actually going to be immersed in. A homicide investigation played out in two timelines: the present and 30 years in the past. A simple book that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last pages. You go through all the emotions, searching with the protagonist: who's behind it all? I've read it far too many times, but every time I do, I just want to read it all over again (Available in English and French).
  
  

• Wired Magazine: If reading scares you, and you're interested in tech and society, you might want to pick up an issue of Wired. It's a really interesting magazine that covers a wide range of subjects. There's also an online version (blog). The articles are often very rich, with personalities well versed in their subjects.

🥘 Cooking

You don't have to be a great chef to cook. In fact, the interesting thing about cooking is the journey. For a moment, you have to concentrate only on what you're doing; if you don't want to miss the recipe. And bonus: it's one of the few activities where the end is just as enjoyable as the journey!

⛑️ Benefits: Work on concentration, patience, and enjoyment.

Don't know what to do? You can either try your hand at very simple dishes or at pastry-making.

• Jow: "Cooking for everyone" is clearly their motto. No need to be a pro; everything is explained simply (and even on video). Having tried their recipes and not being very good at them, the risk of failing is very low.

• 750g: Clearly, this is my pastry reference point. This is where I get my pastry recipes. It's well explained, and the recipes are simple. Likewise, I recommend it. (For English speakers, feel free to "Translate the page" from Safari, next to the URL > ... > Translate)

🛸 Make a Time Capsule

This is a trend I've been seeing on YouTube. The concept is to leave yourself a sort of "note" to your future self. Yes, it may sound strange, but it's not. The idea is to ask yourself questions, to take an interest in who you'll be in 5, 10 years' time, and when the day comes to open the letter, you'll be able to look back on those past years and surely feel proud of yourself.

⛑️ Benefits: Relax, project yourself, boost your self-confidence.

Here's what you can write:

• Take Stock of Where You Are Today: Where are you now? Who do you want to be? What are your difficulties? What are you proud of? Your ambitions/goals?

• Ask Yourself: Where are you, the future me? What do you want now? Did we achieve what we wanted? What has happened?

• Reassure Yourself: Talk about what you're proud of today, your life, in case things haven't turned out the way you wanted, send good vibes to your future self.

• Set a Date When You Will Open This Letter and Seal the Envelope.