4 Things to Do Besides Watching Netflix

This year, I made the stereotypical New Year’s goal to be more healthy. Now, I know a ton of people make this goal and fail epically. But, I am determined not to. So far, I’m almost a month in and still going strong! Part of this goal that I didn’t mention in my post is to limit my time on electronics, specifically before bed.

I used to watch hours and hours of YouTube videos before going to bed. Not only is this unhealthy, but it is wasting so much of your valuable time! So, to combat this, I’ve compiled a list of 5 things you can do before bed instead of watching Netflix!

READING

This seems like a complete no-brainer, but I feel like people who read has significantly diminished in my generation. We opt for mindless activities like watching videos over reading or any other thoughtful task. I went to my local discount bookstore and picked up a ton of books, and let me tell you, because I spent my own money on them and they’re physically there staring at me on my bookshelf, I want to read them. I highly suggest Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance.

HAND LETTERING

This was my big stress reliever before finals. It’s a really creative process that you can use for your blog! Or you could make binder covers. Or a really cool phone background. Or a new desktop background on your computer. The options are endless.

JOURNALING

Since being in college, journaling has been one of my favorite things. I write down what I did that day, how I’m feeling, my thoughts on a particular subject, or a list of my favorite things at the moment. You can honestly make journaling anything you want to. It’s a really great way to vent and express your feelings. And, who doesn’t like to look back on their life and see what was important to you at the time. I know I like to look back at mine from middle school and freshman year. It always makes me laugh.

There are cute journals and notebooks everywhere. I highly suggest TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning, and Target. Get yourself some cute, fun pens and a fashionable notebook and go at it!

LEARN TO CROCHET OR KNIT

You can even “watch” TV as you’re doing this one. I love to crochet and I’m currently working on this blanket. It’s no where close to being finished, but hey, three years going strong. By learning to crochet and/or knit, you can make handmade gifts for friends and family and even stuff for yourself! I’ve made a cat, a bunch of owls, and my absolute favorite, these elephants.

Sorry about the image quality on this one. This is the only picture I have because I don’t live at home anymore and I have to resort on blurry, old iPhone photos for some of these, haha. Please forgive me.

READ A BOOK

Did I mention this one already? But seriously, I cannot stress how much fun reading is. Reread some of your childhood favorites. I’m making it a goal of mine to reread all of the Harry Potter books this year. Read a book by one of your favorite public figures. I’m currently reading one by Richard Dawkins and Neil DeGrasse Tyson is next on my list. Read a book on a subject that interests you but you’ve never really gotten around to learning a lot about. For me that just happens to be space and stuff like that.I seriously cannot stress enough how much I love reading now. It’s helped improve my writing, and I feel so much more educated. You know what they say, “Never stop learning.”

What are some of your Netflix alternatives? Do you like to read? If so, what’s your current read?

-Abigail T.